Going into a jam for the first time can be intimidating. You’re entering a room full of strangers, probably carrying some of your most precious possessions. You aren’t ready! You feel like everyone’s looking at you!
Take a deep breath, relax, and check out our guide to jamming for introverts.
Get some of your nervous energy out before you go. Sing Stevie Wonder at the top of your lungs in the shower. Play air guitar along with Maggot Brain for the whole 10 minutes. Bang out a beat on kitchen pots and pans. You’ll feel (slightly) more on top of the world.
Come prepared
Bring a couple ideas along. Heck, bring a whole book of ideas. You never know what will click with your jam mates, so have a variety of easy songs or simple chord progressions that you’re ready to play. If you’re a vocalist, bring along some poems or song lyrics that you’re comfortable with. At Flashband jams, we have binders available with suggested songs for you to use!
Listen
One of your strengths as an introvert is probably being a good listener. This is an important skill for a jam. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, and you’ll be able to contribute your best.
Remember you’re not alone
Everyone is a little nervous, even if they don’t show it. Every musician there wants to do a good job and show their stuff. If you’re overwhelmed by meeting a lot of people at once, focus in on the few people in your jam room. Get their names and use them. Reach out and say hello if you notice that someone else is on pins and needles. You’re all in this together to have fun, rock out, and meet new people. Maybe some of them will be introverts, too!
Keep your sense of humor
Humor is the enemy of fear. Whether you go off on the wrong key or you fall over the drum stool, laugh it off. (It IS kind of hilarious.) Remember, you’re not playing a stadium, so be flexible with yourself and others. Try mentally assigning each musician a Muppet personality; this might help:
Jamming CAN be for the faint of heart. Don’t worry. Just prep yourself, have some laughs, and you’ll shine like a diamond.
What are your tips for jamming with confidence?
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