How many times have you gone to a coffeehouse and wished you could trade places with the house folksinger, just for the thrill of it?

Maybe you’re already a gigging acoustic rock and blues guitarist but want to polish your act to increase your earning power.

Regardless of your experience, skill level or taste, you’ll benefit from Mike’s course, "Have Fun and Make Money as a Singer-Guitarist," which returns to Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, N.J., on Mondays Nov. 4 and 11, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Register by phone by calling (732) 224-2315 or online at www.brookdale.cc.nj.us.

The course will combine a discussion on stagecraft techniques (supported by Mike’s demonstrations) with a laboratory where participants will be able to perform a song of their own choosing for the class and receive feedback.

Those who plan to perform for the class, however, must provide their own guitars.

Acoustic guitars are recommended, but electric guitars will be permitted. Those using electric guitars must provide their own amplifiers.

Some of the discussion topics on the agenda: getting and keeping the audience’s attention; choosing songs that will reach the audience; and how to make sure (in advance) you’ve picked the right venue for your music.

Mike will be happy to answer any questions, at mike@mikebarris.com.

Mike has been performing at clubs, festivals, and events as a swing and blues guitarist and singer since the late 1980s.

He also writes articles on performing, for magazines like Acoustic Guitar. One of those pieces, "Troubleshooting Your Show," was published both in Acoustic Guitar and in a book, Performing Acoustic Music, which also included tips by such guitarists as Leo Kottke and Sharon Isbin.

Mike taught "Have Fun and Make Money as a Singer-Guitarist," at Brookdale earlier this year, going over big with the students.