Something I don’t understand is why some musicians get on stage to show that they are “God’s gift to the world.” I believe that the responsibility of a musician is not to show off, make people think you are “amazing,” or form “groupies.” Rather, I believe that when on stage, it is a musician’s responsibility to serve. What do I mean by this? I mean that a musician must focus on others as opposed to himself/herself when performing. A musician should focus not only on keeping the audience entertained but also on connecting with the audience emotionally. A musician’s job is to share his/her love for music and bring the audience joy. People can tell the difference between a musician who performs because he/she loves the art of music and a musician who loves the idea of having people watch him/her show off.

In addition to serving the audience, a musician must also serve the person/people who gave him/her the opportunity to perform. This could be the venue, the band that a musician is opening for, or a client who hires a musician for a private event, like a wedding.

Venues

I remember the first show that I booked on my own! It was at Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse, and I was so EXCITED! I was so honored that Mother Fool’s trusted in me to positively represent their business and bring joy to their customers.

Performing at Mother Fool’s
Photo by Yasir Alhumaidan

Being the Opening Act

I remember the first time I ever got to open for a band. Jimmy Murn had asked me if I would open for his band, Jimmy Murn and The HeyMakers at Glass Nickel Pizza Co, and I was just ECSTATIC! I was so honored to open for the high-energy, fun, rock band! I felt that it was my responsibility to share my love for music with the audience, engage them, and get them excited for the main act!

Performing at Glass Nickel Pizza Co.
Photo by Mohammad Zawawi

Jimmy Murn and The HeyMakers Performing at Glass Nickel Pizza Co.

Weddings

I remember the first time I got to perform at a wedding. Being a part of one of the most important days of somebody’s life is such a HUGE honor! It was my responsibility to make sure I poured love into every song I performed and that I performed every song exactly the way the bride & groom wanted.

Allison Merten at Holy Angels Parish Photo by Maison Meredith Photography

A musician’s performance should not be about him/her, rather it should be an opportunity to serve the audience and those that provided the musician with the opportunity to perform.

I just want to give a big THANK YOU to the many audiences I have performed for and the many people who have provided me with the opportunity to perform! ❤