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The fourth volume of the Solo Acoustic Musician series expands on subjects only touched upon in earlier volumes. Michael Nichols chooses in this book to focus on a unique musical environment and subculture - the "open mic" event, at which performers sign up to play. Some are amateurs, some are professionals, and many are Solo Acoustic Musicians.
Michael once again strives to give you a truthful and transparent look into a Solo Acoustic Musician's lifestyle by sharing his experiences at various types of open mics, as a performer, as a host, and as a member of the audience. In the book's second half, he goes "undercover" to a broad range of open mic events around Florida, in the process exploring the difference between an open mic and an open jam, describing (and providing real-life examples of) good and bad open mic etiquette, and listing factors that can make an event successful or unsuccessful.
Reading this book will show you the value of playing open mic events, whether you're using them to overcome stage fright in a low-stakes environment, test new original songs on an audience, or bring yourself to the attention of a venue. You'll discover the value of being part of a local music community. You'll even learn what it takes to host an open mic yourself.
About the author
Michael Nichols has been a singer-songwriter and working musician for thirty years. He currently lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Growing up singing in a church choir and in the school chorus was the beginning of his life in music. He tried several other instruments before putting his hands on a guitar, but didn't really get into the drums, piano, violin, or saxophone. He started gigging for money when he was fourteen years old and has played music in just about every situation possible. He is still playing almost three hundred gigs a year and staying busy in his community. As a Paul Harris Fellow involved with Rotary International, he has donated money and time into charitable activities over the years.
