Performance Tip: Counting In

The most common error in performance is counting the band in incorrectly. An incorrect count causes the band to play faster or slower than you intended to play (a great way to make a song really hard to play). The count sets the tempo of the song. New performers make the mistake of arbitrarily counting, without hearing the song in their head first. The key is to hear the song in your head, singing it in your head for a couple of bars to confirm that it feels right (not too fast or slow), and then count the band in. It’s important to move your body (and tap your feet if you wish) to FEEL the tempo you just established. When you start to count, trust that feel in your body, being careful not to speed up or slow down as you count. Practice with a metronome—this is a skill that takes time to develop. Also make sure you know how your song starts. If it’s 1 2 3 4 and then you start on beat 1 with the band, then it’s easy. If your song has a pickup (most do), know where the pickup starts and adjust your count appropriately.