Jamie Wilde
UAL Level 2 Music
Final Major Project
Task 2 - Research
Stage Presence
Overview:
Stage presence is an essential part of performing, it is crucial in selling the show to an audience, it is important that as the frontman for a handful of the songs that I will be performing in the final, I should seem comfortable on stage and able to perform at a high level as well as give the best possible performance for my audience.
I think that throughout this year, I’ve done a pretty solid job of fronting a band, whether that be as a vocalist or simply a guitarist, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on my own performances this year to see what I could do better, “When watching your performances back, look out for certain things.” (Keyes, 2022).
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Communication with an audience:
This is essential for making an audience invested in your performance, it helps breaking awkward silences in between songs and making an audience feel seen, I have tried to do this to the best of my ability so far this school year, and I intend to work very hard at communicating effectively and professionally to the audience for my final show.
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Body language:
“The non-verbal communication elements are just as important” (italiaconti.com, 2024), this is especially true in the case of stage presence. As a performer, a big part of one’s job is to give a strong performance physically, simple things like making eye-contact into the heart of the audience, or moving around in time to the music, or even clapping your hands, go a long way. It’s a way of communicating with your audience without even saying a word. “Every part of your performance should be consistent in order for it to be believed by your audience.” (Wilkins, 2008)
Guitar Tone
Overview:​
My guitar tone for the performance will be made up from the amp settings on the Line-6 HX stomp modelling pedal which are very minimal as well as my own personal pedalboard, which consists of many different pedals so that I can achieve all the different sounds that I require for my performance, the board isn't too massive but it does have a good variety of sounds and effects, most of which will be crucial on the night of my FMP performance.
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On my board features an array of tools which I intend to use to their maximum potential.
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Running through first we have the Crybaby Q-wah which I intend to leave mostly cracked for a good chunk of my songs, this will be especially important for Moonage Daydream, which Mick Ronson (who originally performed the song with David Bowie) was known for heavily using in his time with The Spiders From Mars. I also intend to "pump" the wah at one point in the solo like the way Ronson would play the solo on stage.
​Secondly is a custom built Germanium fuzz which I keep on my board to perform mostly Hendrix material and to get Jimmy Page's early on-stage sound, this pedal is very loud and I don't plan on using it that much on the night, perhaps maybe as a lead boost but as the pedal is very overbearing I see no purpose in using it at all.​
Thirdly is the MXR Phase 90 which I will be using on Frank to attain a similar as heard on the record, that will be its' sole purpose on the night.​
The CE-2 clone is a chorus pedal which I intend on in my board at some point in the near future as I don't particularly like the sound of it at all.​
The second chorus in the chain however, the Yahama CH-10, is absolutely wonderful and I plan to use it on a fair few different songs, these include Whatever You Want, Smells Like Teen Spirit, and Breed. It sounds wonderful and gives me all the lovely chorus I will need for these songs without bearing overbearing and intense. "To achieve a thick tone without sounding like you’re using a chorus pedal as an effect, you want to keep the speed and depth as low as possible so that the impact of the pedal being on is just audible." (blackstaramps.com, 2025)​
And finally, it runs into the NUX Tape-Echo which I am really quite fond of, this will stay on for a good majority of the setlist as it gives me a really full sound and compliments my Les Paul perfectly.​​
Warm-ups
Overview:
Warm-ups are an essential part in preparing for performance, it is key to ensuring you are ready to play your instrument to the best of your ability and be ready for all of the techniques and abilities you will have to perform in your songs. "It is important that warm-ups involve some sort of technical challenge and skill work." (https://www.thecatoctinschoolofmusic.com/post/the-wisdom-of-the-warm-up-the-most-important-thing-you-do-in-music, 2023)
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Vocal Warm-ups:
When warming up vocals, it is important to ensure that your voice is relaxed and cooled down for the act of singing all the songs that you need to sing on the night, this helps in protecting your voice and making sure it doesn't blow out when you attempt to sing difficult songs. "Stretching and relaxing the muscles before we sing loosens those muscles, helps to remove excess mucous and reduces the risk of injury." (https://thatsweetroar.com/blog/why-are-vocal-warm-ups-important, 2024).
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When singing without warming up, you are at great risk of damaging your voice and ruining the rest of your performance, there are warm-ups you can do that are really effective and do prepare your voice for performance, warm-ups such as lip trills or humming are especially good for warming up your voice by loosening the vocal chords and larynx without straining the muscles so that your voice is prepared for singing.
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Instrument Warm-ups:
It is also important for anyone playing any form of instrument that they warm-up before attempting to play, especially before performance, exercises that get your muscles moving depending on what instrument you play are especially important so that your body is ready and warmed up for playing your instrument proficiently "A thorough warm-up will help bring your playing to peak level and prevent hand injuries." (Warm-Up Time: 11 Exercises That Will Help You Play Even Better | GuitarPlayer, 2025)
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Simply running through scales to a metronome to get your speed up to chops, or an exercise that will have your hands moving in ways that they may not usually fall into, are really key in warming up your body so that you're prepared to play.
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I would also like to note that before performance, it is also a very good idea to warm-up your body as if you were going to work-out, simple stretches and lunges are really good for waking up the body and getting your muscles and mind ready to perform.​​
Rehearsal Techniques
Overview:
When rehearsing for live performance, it is important that you plan out every single step of your journey and have a good idea of what songs or any additional ideas you may have for your performance, this helps so that you go into each rehearsal with a plan on what you intend to cover in that session. "Always communicate with your bandmates either before this rehearsal or at the end of the previous one." (https://www.dk-mba.com/blog/band-practice-tips, 2025)
It is crucial that before each rehearsal, you discuss with your peers what you wish to cover in any particular session, so that all members of your band have time to individually learn their parts, this not just saves time in rehearsal, but also means that you can as much time in your sessions getting as tight as possible without wasting time having to learn all the parts in your rehearsal.
It's also crucial that you spend plenty of time journalling each part of your rehearsal, whether this be by recording videos of your sessions, or keeping a handwritten diary talking through each and every step of the rehearsal, it's important that you take the time to cover all of these things to ensure you know what to take forward to future rehearsals, so that you know what can be improved or what worked well in a previous rehearsal. The alternative to this is completely forgetting something that gelled really well in a previous rehearsal and having to start from scratch, this is why we self-analyse and discuss what happens in each session shortly after.
It's also important that you note almost every idea you may have during the rehearsal so that any ideas you may have midst session can be looked upon either during rehearsal, or reviewed upon the next rehearsal. "Set goals and know what songs you want fully practiced and completed during your time together to ensure a successful rehearsal." (Olsson, 2025)
I would also like to note that it is a very wise idea to rehearse at a lower volume so that you can communicate with your band members without having to shout over the music, it's important that when rehearsing amongst others, that you're able to communicate and make sure your band is as tight as it can possibly be "Rehearsing at a reasonable volume isn’t just to protect your hearing or avoid complaints, it’s also to help you set the levels correctly" (20 Band Practice Tips For Musicians | Band Rehearsal Techniques, 2023). Another technique that is important is that you set-up your rehearsal so that each member of the band can lock eyes with one another and get as tight as they can possibly be, a simple nod goes a long way.
​References:
https://www.dk-mba.com/blog/stage-presence-for-musicians#heading-4606203
https://www.italiaconti.com/5-simple-tips-to-level-up-your-stage-presence
https://www.careersinmusic.com/stage-presence/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pXoQ6iYO1w
Warm-Up Time: 11 Exercises That Will Help You Play Even Better | GuitarPlayer
https://www.dk-mba.com/blog/band-practice-tips
https://www.schoolofrock.com/resources/music-industry/how-to-have-a-successful-rehearsal
20 Band Practice Tips For Musicians | Band Rehearsal Techniques