I’d like to share my story in two parts: first, a brief biographical sketch, and then a reflection on my personal journey with stage and speech fright-the experiences that ultimately inspired the creation of the 5-Day Solution.
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and fell in love with music after picking up the saxophone in 5th grade. My passion led me to Western Michigan University, where I had the opportunity to perform alongside legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and the Temptations.
Inspired by a Harry Chapin concert, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to pursue my dreams as a singer-songwriter and explore Zen Buddhism at the Empty Gate Zen Center, under the guidance of Korean Master Seung Sahn-an experience that profoundly influenced my approach to life and performance.
When my music career didn’t unfold as planned, I earned a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan, which took me to Japan to study and perform traditional festival music.
Later, I founded a popular music program at Catawba College in North Carolina, taught for years, and co-founded the Association for Popular Music Education. I’ve continued performing. Just a couple of years ago, Renaissance Records released my folk-rock album The Last Troubadour.
Now based in Durham, North Carolina, I run College Music Major, a consultancy for aspiring music students. However, my primary focus is on the 5-Day Solution, a program I developed to help others overcome stage fright and public speaking anxiety, challenges with which I am well acquainted.
Like Sy Sperling in the old Hair Club for Men ads, I’m not just the creator of the 5-Day Solution. I’m also a client.
My struggle with performance anxiety began early, from stumbling over words in school to freezing up in Little League and on stage as a teen saxophonist.
Even in college, anxiety persisted, with little support from teachers beyond “just push through.”
Flipping the Script
Everything changed when I joined a Zen center in Berkeley. The teachings of Seung Sahn helped me realize I didn’t need to fight anxiety, but rather detach from it.
This perspective allowed me to “flip the script” and manage anxiety effectively, both as a performer and later as a music professor.
Years later, while co-authoring a book with a therapist, I described my Zen-based approach.
She recognized it as mindfulness, and I soon discovered that Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leading figure in mindfulness, had also studied under Seung Sahn, confirming our shared roots.
The 5-Day Solution
Recognizing the Zen foundations of my approach, I formalized it as the 5-Day Solution and first introduced it to my music students at Catawba College.
Over time, I refined the method for musicians, speakers, and professionals alike.
While my work paralleled the broader mindfulness movement, I remained wary of its commercialization-often called “McMindfulness”-and focused on preserving the depth and integrity of the practice.
Book and Online Course
The response to the 5-Day Solution book, which I then released, was overwhelmingly positive, with readers describing it as life-changing and transformative in overcoming performance anxiety.
The method’s practical, mindfulness-based approach resonated with musicians, actors, public speakers, professionals, and even athletes.
Now, after pandemic-related delays, I’m excited to launch an online course, making the 5-Day Solution accessible to even more people.
The self-paced program offers simple, effective techniques to help anyone calm their nerves and reach their full potential.
First experience with speech anxiety stumbling over words while reading aloud in in elementary school.
First encounter with competition anxiety. Knocked the ball out of the park in practice. Wiffed in games.
Took to the instrument like a "duck to plum sauce." Performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Little Richard, the Temptations, and more.
Froze on stage while backing Sonny and Cher at local show during first major gig.
Moved to Bay Area after graduation from college to pursue direction as singer-songwriter.
Learned power of detachment studying Zen under Korean master Seung Sahn.
Lived in Tokyo studying Japanese festival music under Wakayama Taneo.
Earned Ph.D. under William Malm in ethnomusicology from University of Michigan
Founded thriving program for students of popular music at North Carolina college.
Instrumental in founding Association for Popular Music Education, leading professional organization.
Developed successful approach for taming performance anxiety based on detachment.
Renaissance Records releases my album of original folk-rock songs produced by David Kershenbaum.
Copyright © 2025 • Little School of Fish llc • Durham, NC
Dr. David Lee Fish, a respected authority on performance anxiety, has dedicated his expertise to helping individuals overcome the needless menace of stage fright and speech fright. Five years ago, he channeled his know-how into The 5-Day Stage Fright Solution, a book that garnered widespread acclaim and enthusiasm. The success has inspired Dr. Fish to develop a new online course based on the same revolutionary method, offering a beacon of hope and empowerment to those grappling with performance anxiety.
The 5-Day Solution harnesses the simple, effective, proven power of mindfulness, a unique aspect of Dr. Fish’s approach that sets it apart. It underscores Dr. Fish’s commitment to practical and accessible solutions.
Dr. Fish’s long tenure as a professor at Catawba College in North Carolina was marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering performers and public speakers to conquer their fears as key to maximizing their full potential.
With a Ph.D. in musicology from the University of Michigan, Dr. Fish combines academic rigor with a practical, hands-on approach. He has authored numerous articles and presented at national conferences on topics related to performance anxiety, offering strategies proven to alleviate stage fright and speech fright. This academic background instills confidence in his clients, knowing they receive the highest level of expertise.
Dr. Fish’s interest in performance anxiety is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. Having grappled with anxiety as a performer and public speaker, he understands the struggle firsthand. This personal journey fuels his passion for helping others overcome their stage and speech fright, and his empathy and understanding make his clients feel supported and hopeful.
Dr. Fish’s expertise has been recognized in the media, where he shares his knowledge on overcoming performance anxiety. His compassionate and practical approach has transformed the performance experiences of numerous individuals, solidifying his position as a trusted authority in the field.
The book version of Dr. Fish’s 5-Day STAGE FRIGHT Solution has received high praise for its practical tips and effective techniques in tackling the fear of public speaking (performance anxiety). Reviewers appreciate it’s wide applicability, the engaging writing, and the way the book addresses the root causes of stage and speech fright with proven solutions.
“When I was younger, public speaking was one of my greatest fears! I wish I had this resource back then.” —KC
This self-help book resonates with a lot of people who struggle with stage fright. A great read!” —AL
It was like this book was calling out to me!” —DB
“A book that covers an important part of today’s life where people need to express themselves to succeed. Has come in handy in my life.” —AK
“A great do-it-yourself book that can help anyone with anxiety.” —SH “Really helpful for my peer interactions and work.” —SH
“Stage fright could destroy a career at some point, hence, I’m going to recommend this to anyone I know sufferingfrom it.” —NG ‘
“I love that it gets to the root of the problem.” —KR “highly recommended to everyone who wants to improve themselves for public speaking and doing presentation be it in university or at work.” —MK
“Author David Lee Fish, Ph.D. comes to this brief but impressive self-help book on overcoming stage fright with excellent credentials.” —BL
“This book is really helpful and real. It helps me overcome my nervousness on stage.” —GC
“Helpful in any situation you have to stand/sit before people you don’t know to perform.” —LJ
“Useful to everyone, especially students having their thesis defense and reports.’ —RI
“I feel like this book is for me. It can still help me and everyone else who has to confront his emotions on stage.” —LU
“Written by an authority is something that cannot be missed.” —MC “This book could help millions, even me.” —KM
“A wonderful book that is timely and helpful not only to me but to all.” —AN “A must-read for all those people having stage fright.” —PM
“Wonderful and useful for a lot of people that struggle with stage fright.”—MS “Engaging and funny.”—RG
“Wow as in wow!”—JG
“Very helpful in preparing students to face oral examinations.” PR “Just what I needed.” —NC
“Very timely, just the book I was looking for.”—ZH “A great present for a recent college grad anxious about interviewing for jobs.” —AS
“This book is filled with so many amazing tips that I can look back on my experience now and feel silly about all of the mistakes I made and the simple solutions I could have used.” —JP
“Identifies the root of stage fright and eliminates it through the author’s personal experience, professional knowledge, proven and tested solutions, and clearly defined techniques.” —MM
“Incredibly written with good tips on stage performance and public speaking.” —LI
“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking!” —PM
“Want to get over your horrible fear of public speaking? Get a copy of this book.” —BG
“I know this can be a lifesaver for many of you out there! Grab yours now!” —SM
“A really helpful book for those who have anxiety when speaking in front of many others.” —RB
“I suggest you read this nonfiction masterpiece.” —SK
“Almost everyone has to deal with stage fright and this book is a perfect one to deal with it.” —SA
“A great self-help book for those who experience stage fright or insecurity when addressing a group of people. Thanks to the author!” —TA
“You can now cope with nervousness when speaking in public with the help of this book! Get your copy now!” —AM
“A remarkable book offering precious advice and strategies to help us cope with one of the things that make most humans nervous. You can learn how to relax not letting your nerves get the best of you from this book.” —KC
“When you read this book, you will achieve your full potential as a performer or a public speaker.” —BP
A very interesting book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —KK
“A great source for people who suffer from anxiety.” —TR
“A well-written book that will help you overcome stage fright.” —RW
“This book could help in many situations, not just public speaking occasions.” —RA “
The cover is hilarious but with a serious message for many people.” —IA
