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I want to share my story in two parts: a biographical sketch and a reflection on my journey with stage and speech fright, which led to the development of the 5-Day Solution.
I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and began playing saxophone in 5th grade, quickly developing a passion for music. This led me to Western Michigan University, where I studied saxophone and performed with legendary artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Little Richard, and the Temptations.
A turning point came when I saw Harry Chapin in concert, inspiring me to pursue singer-songwriter dreams in the San Francisco Bay Area. While there, I also explored Zen Buddhism at the Empty Gate Zen Center, studying under Korean Master Seung Sahn—an experience that profoundly shaped my approach to life and later, performance anxiety.
When my music career didn’t take off as planned, I returned to school, earning a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Michigan. My studies took me to Japan, where I performed traditional festival music on the bamboo flutewith my teacher, Wakayama Taneo.
I later founded a popular music program at Catawba College in North Carolina, where I spent years teaching and frequently engaging in public speaking. One of my proudest accomplishments was co-founding the Association for Popular Music Education, which continues to shape music education today.
I’ve remained active as a performer, releasing the folk-rock album The Last Troubadour through Renaissance Records, produced by David Kershenbaum and featuring Leland Sklar on bass.
Now in Durham, North Carolina, I’m the principal of College Music Major, a consultancy helping music students gain college admissions. However, my primary focus is the 5-Day Solution, a program I developed to help others overcome stage and speech fright—a journey I’ve lived firsthand.
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 in elementary school, when I stumbled over my words while reading aloud. Later, in Little League, I crushed batting practice but froze in actual games. As a teen saxophonist, I experienced the same paralysis while backing Sonny and Cher—despite performing well in rehearsals.
Even in college, stage fright followed me, yet my music teachers offered no real solution beyond “just push through.” It wasn’t until I joined the Empty Gate Zen Center that I discovered a way forward. Seung Sahn’s teachings on detachment helped me realize that I didn’t need to fight my anxiety—I just had to let go of it.
Years later, while co-authoring a book with a therapist, I described my Zen-based approach to handling stage fright. She immediately recognized it as mindfulness, a psychological practice gaining mainstream attention. She lent me a book by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and to my shock, I discovered that he, too, had studied under Seung Sahn—meaning our methods stemmed from the same source.
This realization led me to formalize my approach into the 5-Day Solution, which I first shared with Catawba College students and later expanded to faculty and non-musicians. Over time, I refined the method, adapting it for speakers, performers, and professionals.
When I released the 5-Day Solution book, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Readers found it life-changing, helping them manage performance anxiety and find confidence on stage. Now, after pandemic-related delays, I’m launching an online course, ensuring this method can reach and help even more people.
If performance anxiety holds you back, I’m here to tell you—there’s a way beyond it. I’ve lived it, I’ve studied it, and I can help you move past it, too.
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
