Livingston Taylor Taylor: Patience and stillness are very inviting rooms

I always try to play simply enough so that I have plenty of room to respond to the unexpected outside stimulus: people entering the hall, a spilled drink, a siren in the street. In shows past, a distant train whistle has prompted a quick verse of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues," and a the sound of that nearby siren has prompted me to suggest I should leave NOW - both are good for a quick laugh.

Room to react tells and audience that you're in the moment and that you are sharing the moment with them.

This book is about having belief in yourself, developing confidence in your ability to have the conversation, and learning to be free of fear and open in front of all of those people.

To acclimate yourself to externals, take some time onstage before you begin a performance to listen - again, taking in before you put out. in other words, notice and pay attention to everything that's happening around you. First, be patient. Don't let nervousness jump-start your performance before you're ready. Breathe in. Breathe out. Wait. Watch your audience. Listen to them. Be still. Patience and stillness are very inviting rooms.