Open mic nights serve as incubators for beginning musicians, or for more practiced types, they are a great way to test new material before throwing it into a big show. For the totally fresh player, it can be a daunting experience. Here are 9 tips to rock open mic so you will be prepared to take the stage and get the most out of the experience.

9 Tips to Rock Open Mic

1. Know what kind of an open mic it is. Do a little research before you attend the event. Open mics are not universally the same. Some are all acoustic (no microphones or plugged-in instruments); some are coffeehouse-style where people sit in silence listening to players; some are jams where a backing band or equipment might be provided. Make a trip down to the open mic you’ve got in mind before you participate, or contact the host to get the details.

2. Everyone at an open mic knows it’s an open mic. People there are not expecting a Lady Gaga production to walk through the door. They’re expecting a musician (or possibly a small group) to share some material that might be polished, or it might be the first time performed on a stage. Don’t stress about what people will think. They understand the spirit of the event.

3. Feel totally comfortable with your material. You’ll probably only have a few songs (many open mics are set by a song or time limit, usually about three songs or 15 minutes @ The Mission), so make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Just in case you get rattled on stage, make sure you know the tunes in and out. 

4. Don’t stress about what to bring. Whoever is running the open mic will have equipment for you and they should be fully capable of setting you up with it. If you’ve never plugged in a guitar or sung into a microphone—don’t worry. They’ll make sure you do it right and that it sounds good. That’s part of the Open Mic experience at The Mission. We have a full back line: Guitars – acoustic/electric, electric & amp and bass & amp. Full drum kit & Yamaha keyboard. Mics, cables, stands. And our sound technician is here to help.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask. Open mic beginners may think they are completely at the host’s mercy. Truth is, we’re here to make you sound good! That said, if you can’t hear yourself, vocals are too loud, guitar is too quiet, whatever, by all means, tell them!

6. Don’t be afraid to trust. The host should understand their sound system very well, so trust that once you’re settled on stage they’re making it sound right out front. If you’re happy with what’s in your monitor sound, leave the rest to them. We know our system inside and out. It’s a small room and you have 15 minutes. Let us do our job and make the room sound perfect for your performance. 

7. Support other players. If you don’t want to be judged, don’t judge other people. Open mics are a place to try material you might not get to try on other stages. Celebrate the people who come to share their art. Cannot emphasize this enough! This is the spirit of Open Mic Nights at The Mission. Enough said.

8. Network. Open mics are musician hangouts—take advantage! If you’re looking to start a band or find musicians to see elsewhere, there’s a good chance they’ll be hanging out at an open mic. We’re on Season 13 at The Mission full of Open Mic Stories of success.

9. Learn from the experience. Every time you walk away from an open mic, there is something to learn. How were you received? What feedback did people give you? Did you feel more comfortable? How did you compare with the other players? Honestly analyze the event to improve your performance next time. And take the compliments even if you know you made mistakes. You still entertained folks.

(10) And finally, HAVE FUN! Open mics are meant, most of all, to be fun. Musicians get to mingle, everyone gets to play, and even if you have the biggest flub of all time—it’s all in the spirit of open mic. To take the stage at all is to win. Enjoy it, learn from the experience, and have a good time! Join us for Open Mic Night, share some air and feel the Mission Magic!