Do you struggle with nerves when you speak in front of others?
Has that nervousness ever gotten in the way of you doing your best? Has it taken the joy out of being “in the spotlight”?
Most of us can answer yes to those questions. But what can you do about it?
The SPEECH FRIGHT 5-Day Solution is the simple, effective, proven answer.
With the 5-Day Solution, I’ve brought together my many years of experience as a performer and educator along with my long background in mindfulness.
It allows me to offer genuine hope for those who experience stage fright and other forms of performance anxiety.
During my years as a professor on the music faculty at Catawba College in North Carolina, I established and directed a pioneering degree concentration for students of popular music, a role I held for over twenty years.
Under my leadership, Catawba College was consistently acknowledged as a Best Music School by In Tune Monthly, a prestigious accolade we received for ten consecutive years. This recognition placed us among fifty other colleges and universities, including Juilliard, Eastman, and Berklee.
My journey in education has not been limited to music. I’ve also been at the forefront of mindfulness education, a field I am deeply passionate about. As a Research Professional Member of the American Mindfulness Research Association, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
2018 saw the release of my highly-rated book on the mindful answer for speech fright, The 5-Day SPEECH FRIGHT Solution.
My life as a professional musician has been rich and diverse. I’ve had the privilege of performing alongside iconic figures such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Cher, and the Temptations. My musical endeavors also led to the release of an album of original old-school folk-rock songs, produced by the legendary David Kershenbaum and featuring renowned studio musicians like Leland Sklar on bass under the banner of Renaissance Records.
I’m also the founder and principal of College Music Major, a private educational consultancy that works with college-bound musicians and their families.
“Dr. Fish is a pioneer in the field of popular music studies. He is also a charismatic and innovative music educator.”
“I’m delighted to add my voice to the chorus of those, who if asked, would undoubtedly sing his praises.”
“An association of colleges teaching popular music formed under his leadership and has become a force in music education.”
I began studying Zen under Master Seung Sahn at the Empty Gate Zen Center in Berkeley, California, as a young musician fresh out of college. He was renowned for distilling the opaque concepts of Zen into straightforward concepts, especially detachment from bothersome thoughts. (The developer of mindfulness, Jon Kabit-Zin, also studied under Seung Sahn.)
What I learned from Seung Sahn was transformative, leading to my own version of mindfulness independent of Kabit-Zin. It has been a powerful tool in managing the anxiety I’ve faced as a performer and public speaker.
Mindfulness has unlocked my potential and led to significant personal growth and professional success. It has allowed me to savor my moments in the spotlight and inspired me to share my journey with you.
Mindfulness is the way beyond speech fright through the practical and achievable 5-Day Solution.
My approach is designed to be accessible and practical, offering hope and encouragement to those struggling with nervousness when they speak in front of others.
You don’t need to shave your head, become a Hindu fakir, or spend years on a therapist’s couch to find your way to mindfulness. It’s a practice accessible to all, and you just need to apply some age-old wisdom to quickly gain scientific validity.
Want to learn more about the 5-Day Solution? Grab a bag of popcorn, settle down in a comfy chair, and check out my free introductory video.
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
