Singing tips
OPEN MIC NIGHTS: First Time Advice?
Stefan Lee · Singing teacher in Garden Grove, California
OPEN MIC NIGHTS What to do and how to prepare.
You've been a musician for some time (whether it's a hobby or profession). An open mic night flyer catches your eye. The urge to perform your material starts to grow. You internally imagine people screaming, clapping, and coming to you for autographs. So decide, "I am going to do an open mic night." But the questions follow:
- What is an open mic night?
- Do I have to be good?
- Where can I find one?
- What if no one listens?
To answer your questions...
SHORT ANSWER An open mic night is an event where participants or acts come and perform their material in front of an audience at a venue. You don't have to be a pro, but it is good to practice beforehand. You generally want to scout venues within your area/ vicinity. And so what if nobody listens? You went up there and performed. You take that experience to heart and learn what to improve on.
LONG ANSWER A great start to getting used to performing live. Mind you, not all open mic nights are equal, as many will require you to purchase something to keep the venue hosting that OM. The rules are simple: prepare a song, arrive early, sign up, and perform, right? Not exactly. If you are serious about performing at an open mic night and want to make a routine of networking with other musicians, here is what you need to know.
About the teacher
Stefan Lee
Singing teacher in Garden Grove, California
Helping aspiring vocalists to further hone their craft for a professional setting.
Stefan's experience in the music industry has helped him to acquire the knowledge necessary to teach. Debuting independently in 2013, he began performing at open mic nights in Orange County. From there, he continued to work on his songwriting skills, eventually entering the R&B/ Soul world. From 2023-2025, he has performed with the OCC Choir and Choral Pops and the Long Beach Klezmer Band for the 2025 Jewish Food Festival. In 2026, Stefan performed live at the Night Owl as a featured artist. In addition to songwriting and live performances, Stefan has also recorded and released music independently. He is currently performing under the artist name, ‘Braxton Davis.’ When he is not teaching, Stefan works as an illustrator, enjoys lifting and athletics such as archery, surfing, swimming and strongman competitions.
Book a singing lesson with StefanReady to put it into practice?
Book a singing lesson with Stefan in Garden Grove, California and get coaching built around your game.
Book a lesson with Stefan