Music Lab - Hosted by Steve Sears

Each session will have a brief presentation and group discussion featuring different musical topics expecting to take a total of 30 minutes. Following this will be an open mic with each performer getting a 10 minute time slot. The performer can play a tune and receive feedback on their performance from the audience or just play with no feedback.

Sign ups are to be done ahead of time by emailing Steve Sears at sfmusiclab@gmail.com.

Target audience; Intermediate to Advance performers looking to improve and receive feedback.

Performers and others are welcome to join this “listening and participating” event. Limited number of performances each session, but input from everyone. So everyone can participate.

Sign up for performance on a first come basis for each event ahead of time via email at sfmusiclab@gmail.com. Steve Sears will communicate back who is going to play at each session and at what time.. Performers will be encouraged to sign up for days in which the "Discussion Topic” is relevant to their performance if at all possible.

7:00 - 7:30: Topic Presentation and Discussion - Have a 15 to 20 minute presentation on a musical or performance topic with questions and and answers for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Possible topics (in no particular order) to be trimmed and/or combined to 6 total per series. See the Proposed Schedule below.

If these and other topics arise, then perhaps early 2027 starts the next series rather than jamming too much into a single event.

If fewer than 9 people sign up, the presentation and discussion time could be extended or the performers times can be lengthened accordingly.

7:30 - 9:00: Performances - thinking 9 slots - 10 minutes each where the performer plays one song and then the audience gives feedback if they would like. Or, they can just play for a bit longer and not receive any public feedback at that time. A list of topics to talk about and guide the review of the performance are:

Stage presence & Audience Engagement

Dynamics / volume

Timing

Pitch

Clarity

If a group - harmony

Other… what else should be added?

9:00 - 9:30pm: Social Time for Everyone - Let people hang out together. At the same time, gather feedback and ideas from performers and the audience. Follow Up Process- ask each participant and even the audience members to fill out cards made that allow for feedback and suggestions either anonymous or otherwise. Consider publishing the comments and suggestions. This may help in developing the future Discussion Topics and how the whole thing works.