Bob & Phyllis Dunne

The Scared Bug: A Guide To Overcoming Stagefright Written by Phyllis Dunne Illustrations by Melissa Dunne This 46 page book is a step by step guide to performance. The Scared Bug offers suggestions on how to go from dreaming about being a performer to actually becoming one! It is helpful for singing, playing, acting and public speaking. The information was gathered from years of personal experience as a performer and director. The techniques are useful for both students and teachers. The delightful illustrations give a humorous look to some very useful information.

REVIEW The Scared Bug: A Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright By Phyllis Dunne With illustrations by Melissa Dunne Special Dunne Music 46 pages This small booklet covers the essential things a beginning performer needs to do and know, in a witty and friendly way with humorous illustrations. I’ve read other books and articles on the subject, but I usually found the reading of those tomes rather dry. The use of illustrations of a little round bug who wants to perform (with stars in its eyes) really drives home the concepts of being organized, prepared, and well-rested. The information is in chronological order, in a count-down fashion, toward the performance itself – even on how to gracefully accept the audience’s applause. The Scared Bug doesn’t cover contracts, contact persons, getting paid, the use of sound equipment, or other survival skills of the road. It is really for those first freebie performance at school, the local church, nursing home, a contest, or the open stage at a folk festival or coffeehouse, all of those tentative first steps into the art of entertaining. All of the nitty gritty details of performing for a living will come later. This booklet, in my opinion, is made for music teachers who would like to encourage their students as they take their first steps toward performing in public. An instructor could hand this to his or her students or friends who are about to perform somewhere and use it as a basis for a discussion about how to get ready. For instance, the booklet has an emphasis on how to memorize lyrics or words. It tells how to go about practicing so that the new performer feels comfortable and confident about singing and playing. The practical advice given is that you know you have a song memorized if you can sing it three times without a mistake. It also covers details such as wearing comfortable shoes, allowing time for traffic jams, and knowing where to unload your equipment. The beginning quote by Emerson is: “Do the thing, and you will have the Power.” All of the books and planning and preparation in the world can’t replace the act of getting up on stage and living through it. I believe this book can prevent the more obvious mistakes or pitfalls of the first performing experiences, and even make those first attempts enjoyable enough so that the beginner will want to perform again. This booklet teaches those skills and is well worth the money. Phyllis lives in Omaha, and is an artist-in-residence with the Nebraska Arts Council. She teaches and plays piano and mountain dulcimer and has been the Midwest Dulcimer and Wood Guthrie Folksinging champion. She has also arrangements in the Hal Leonard Dulcimer Method Book. —Pat Walke The Old-Time Herald

You Can Sing, Too: Vocal Warmups by Phyllis Dunne (tape) Excellent training for singers, actors and public speakers. Variety of exercises for all ranges Effective preparation for performance Same exercises both sides Great for family fun This tape includes vocal exercises designed to improve: diaphragmatic breathing vocal range articulation intonation

“ I love to laugh, breathe deeply, and enjoy little moments in life. The first time I played ‘You Can Sing Too’ my wife and I were driving somewhere across New Mexico, and in less than 30 minutes we had laughed, breathed deeply, enjoyed, AND sung together. It’s a great vocal warm-up, fun, and energizing … I use and recommend this tape for all my singing workshops.” —David Roth Singer, Songwriter, Clinician		Hear a sample.
	“Dear Phyllis, Last Thursday, after a long, but delightful day, I came home to find the You Can Sing Too tape had arrived. I popped it into the tape player and began practicing. What fun! (And it covers exercises that I really need some help with - expanding my range and especially the breathing!) Thanks so much. Last night, coming home from dinner, the tape happened to be in the car. I got my husband to sing along too! ) Pretty soon, even my 16 year old son was trying a few of the exercises. And the fun continues. Gratefully yours, —Alice McCaffrey”