📈 Challenge Yourself to Be Better Than Your Last Performance

In my 30+ years of performing, I can confidently say that no two performances are ever exactly the same. While the venues, bandmates, and instruments may not change very frequently, each show still brings its own unique energy, challenges, and opportunities. Maybe it's a chance to connect with a new fan, try out a new song, play a solo, or even get your audience to do something unique that they've never done before.

Successful performances are not just the results of hard work and practice. They are also a training ground for new ways that you can grow as a performer. You can’t settle for just showing up and playing music. You have to push yourself to be better than your last performance every single time.

But how do you do that? What areas should you focus on? Let me share some insights that have helped me continuously improve my craft while staying connected with my audience.

Evaluate Your Music

The foundation of any great performance is the music itself. After each show, ask yourself:

• Did I play with precision and emotion?
• Were there moments where I could have tightened up transitions, improved dynamics, or otherwise, played better?
• Did the setlist flow in a way that kept the audience engaged?

Take time to capture and review recordings of your performances if possible. Listen for areas where the music could shine brighter. Where are the problem spots? Where does the audience respond the most / least? Maybe it’s adding a fresh intro or outro to a song, or even incorporating a heavily changing medley to surprise your audience. Music is a living thing—there’s always room for change.

Level Up Your Showmanship

Playing the music well is only part of the equation. To truly captivate an audience, you need to deliver a performance that’s visually and emotionally engaging. Here’s what I consider:

• Energy Level: Did I give the crowd the kind of energy they deserve? Am I using the stage to its fullest, or am I glued to one spot?
• Eye Contact and Interaction: Did I make eye contact with individuals in the crowd? Did I talk to them between songs in a way that felt authentic and engaging?
• Surprises: Did I offer something unexpected—a unique song arrangement, an improvised moment, or a fun audience participation bit?

Showmanship is about creating moments the audience will remember long after the music stops

Build a Relationship with Your Audience

This is where the magic happens. People don’t just connect with the songs you play; they connect with you. Ask yourself:

• Did I share something personal or meaningful during the show?
• Did I acknowledge the audience in a way that made them feel like they were part of the experience?
• Did I encourage them to follow me online or stay connected after the show?

One thing I always emphasize in my trainings is that your goal should be to leave the audience feeling like they know you—not just as a musician but as a person. That connection is what turns casual listeners into lifelong fans.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Improvement doesn’t happen by staying in safe territory. Challenge yourself to try something new every performance. Here are a few ideas:

• Experiment with a new song arrangement or medley.
• Add a storytelling segment to give context to a song.
• Introduce choreography or movement that complements the music.

It might feel risky at first, but pushing yourself to step out of your comfort zone is where growth happens—and your audience will notice.

Play Where You Want To Play

Are your shows happening at the places where you want them to be? If yes, how can you expand on this? If no, what needs to be done to get you there?

• Reach out to make new contacts. What venues / clients could you be pursuing that you haven't?
• Refresh your relationship with the existing venues where you want to play more.
• Are you effectively showing yourself off in marketing and social media to display your value to potential locations?

Just like everything else here, getting out of your comfort zone can help you reach new heights.

Seek Feedback and Self-Reflect

Finally, one of the most important ways to improve is by seeking feedback. This could be from bandmates, trusted friends, or even fans. Ask them what stood out and what could have been better. Combine that feedback with your own self-reflection.

Some questions I regularly ask myself are:

• What went well during this performance?
• What felt off, and why?
• What’s one thing I can do differently next time?

This mindset of continuous improvement has been the driving force behind my evolution as a performer.

The Main Point

Challenging yourself to be better than your last performance isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. By focusing on your music, showmanship, and audience connection—and by stepping out of your comfort zone—you’ll not only grow as a performer but also create experiences that your audience will treasure.

So, the next time you step off stage, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself: What can I do to make the next show even better? The answers might surprise you—and they’ll undoubtedly lead to your best performance yet.