When do I go out and play?

I've heard so many different opinions on this subject.  Do I wait until I can play 20 songs?  Do I need to start a band first?  What kind of open mic venues can/should I go to?  Am I good enough?

Well. . . here goes. . .

When I first started playing the trumpet, there was nobody to discourage me, put fear in my heart. . .tell me what other people would think (with their psychic selves).  I had books.  It wasn't my first instrument.  So, I taught myself the fingerings from the book, taught myself 2 songs by ear and went to an open mic.  I had been playing all of 4 weeks.

Since I am a singer, I was very conscious of tone and sound.  So, I developed a vibrato similar to my singing vibrato and kept it moving.  It was a success.  I did my two songs and they loved it.  It helped that the audience had a number of personal friends there and the session was hosted by a friend.  But, the bottom line for me was that I knew how to make an appealing sound and I had practiced the songs.  So, I wasn't scared.  In addition to that, I knew that they were not allowed to throw chairs and they didn't serve food.

I would not advise going to a jam with seasoned players.  You might get away with that 1 maybe 2 times.  Then they will not let you on the stage.  If the second time they see a great improvement, you might become some one's pet project or find a teacher/advisor.

What I will say is:
1)  Only play what you already know you can play.
2)  Make sure it sounds good to you.  None of us are so unique that we are the only person in all the world who likes a thing.  If you like it, there is someone else that does too.
3)  Be choosy about who you share with as you work on this.  Make sure you are opening yourself up to truly supportive listening.
4)  The worse that can happen is, you sound bad.  You WILL improve and they can't eat you alive.
5)  If you truly suck the first time, people will notice the improvement and probably say so.  (How will you know you sucked?  They will say you're brave.) LOL
6)  Playing with other musicians is always helpful.
7)  Beware of snobs and cynics.  They can take the wind out of your sails.  (run!)
8)  Find a good teacher, even if you can only go once a month.  This is so valuable.
9)  Play, play, play!  Play for your friends and family.  If you suck, they'll tell you in their own way. Then run it by your teacher and find out what she/he says.
10) Criticism is criticism.  Advice is advice.  Help is help.

I am hard headed and tenacious. Unnecessary criticism got to me.  Stopped me dead in my tracks.  But, I cannot be kept down.  Neither should you!

BROWSE THE LESSONS AND SCHOOLS IN THE MARGIN TO THE RIGHT!!  You never know what you might find just in passing!