Walking On-Stage with the Classical Guitar

• This is the first step to good stage presence
• Hold your guitar under your right arm with right hand where the neck and body meet (see video)
• Try to keep a normal pace even with the adrenaline rushing
• Focusing on the chair will help to give your audience a feeling of confidence
• Turn to the audience, smile, bow, and sit
• Adjust your position as needed, check tuning, and then begin the concert

Note: If you are playing with another musician, then bows should be taken at the same time and in the same manner. If playing with an accompanist, then you will acknowledge them after the piece(s) they are accompanying you.

After Pieces are Finished

• When the piece(s) are finished a bow should be taken
• Always give good indication that you are done with the piece by looking at the audience before rising for a bow
• If you are staying on-stage, then stand, take a bow, acknowledge the audience, and then return to a seated postions for the next piece
• Begin the next piece(s) after applause has finished

Walking Off-Stage with the Classical Guitar

• After finsihing the piece(s), bow as indicated above
• Instead of returning to your seat, acknowledge the audience with a "thank you" and/or nod of the head
• Hold your guitar as mentioned in the on-stage section and turn to the exit door
• Take a deep breath and walk normally toward the door and focus on the door
• Again, this focus gives the audience their last impression of you and your stage presence