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Step 1
Find out where and when the open mics in your area are held. Look in your local newspaper, or your local independent weekly. Local cafes, bars and clubs usually hold open mics on different days of the week.
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Step 2
Go and watch a few open mics. Get a feel for the level of performance at each different club.
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Step 3
Find a venue that you like. Choose an open mic where the people are supportive to performers.
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Step 4
Practice two or three songs until you have them completely down. You'll want to be so confident in your playing and/or singing that you can get through the songs no matter what happens or what nerves you have.
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Step 5
Bring your instrument and whatever else you'll need to successfully play your songs. Don't forget anything as a way of not having to play.
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Step 6
On the night of your first open mic, don't chicken out. You'll be able to get through it, even if the first few moments are nerve wracking. If you've picked the right venue, you'll find the audience supportive even if you didn't give your best performance ever.
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Step 7
Appear confident on stage. Wearing nice clothes and appearing confident is almost as important as the strength of your performance.
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Step 8
When you take the stage, briefly introduce your songs and play them. Don't appear embarrassed by yourself or your material. There is no need to apologize. People expect to hear a confident performer.
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Step 9
If you make a mistake, keep going. People likely didn't notice it. The one thing people do notice is when a performer stops during a song, or starts a song over. It's better to repeat a verse over again to replace a verse you don't remember than to give up and stop the song. Remember, never stop the music until you're finished with the song.
