Stage Performance [Paperback]

Livingston Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

There is a secret to winning an audience -- any audience, whether you're standing before them to sing a song, give a speech, or sell an idea. In his hugely popular Stage Performance class at Boston's renowned Berklee College of Music, singer-songwriter Livingston Taylor teaches students how to take center stage without fear and deliver a natural performance that is rewarding for both the artist and the audience. Follow Livingston's unique approach to being comfortable in the spotlight, and discover:
-- The right way to begin -- and end -- your time on stage
-- The conversation of performance
-- How to spend the time before and after your gig
-- The single most important factor in your show's success...and more

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Most know Livingston Taylor through his prolific songwriting and performance career, which spans 40+ years. What many do not know is that Livingston has also been a teacher for over 20 years, imparting real-life lessons drawn from his experience on the road as a working musician. With 17 albums to his credit, including his latest, Last Alaska Moon, Livingston maintains a full concert schedule and continues to refine his Stage Performance courses, consistently rated “the best class at Berklee” by his ever-expanding group of students. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671039717
• ISBN-13: 978-0671039714
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,172,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, September 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Stage Performance (Paperback)

Liv Taylor's book is an excellent resource for all musicians and performers who engage in live performance or touring. As a writer, Taylor brings the reader into his Berklee College of Music Stage Performance Class, where assorted characters (based on real students) receive coaching and wisdom Liv has garnered from his 30+ years of performing and touring experience.

Taylor's primary message is one of cultivating a sensitive and attentive relationship between the performer and his or her audience. He also presents useful thoughts on stage presence, performance anxiety, audience interaction, life on the road, and the requirements for maintaining a viable performing career.

Though Taylor's book is primarily targeted at young, aspiring popular musicians at the beginning of their careers, more experienced artists, musicians from other disciplines, and even actors and public speakers can benefit as well.

-Doc Wallace, Faculty, the Juilliard School

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading for Anyone Appearing Onstage, February 28, 2000

By 

dan loeber (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stage Performance (Paperback)

Written by the Instructor of the Stage Performance course at Berklee College of Music,this book should be required reading for all those contemplating performing or simply appearing before an audience. An articulate account of the art of performance and perseverance written by the thinking man's Taylor. A fascinating read with incredible insights into the music industry gleaned over a career of over 30 yrs. Also includes biographical info of great interest to all the Livingston Taylor fans worldwide.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humor, Compassion and Reality, June 14, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stage Performance (Paperback)

Excellent, engaging, compassionate, humorous, with lots of useful information on myriad facets of the music business. This material is the fruit of 30 years of experience, and is laced with gritty, funny anecdotes that bring each of Taylor's "lessons" to life. I'm buying another two copies for friends.