No, it specifically says that starting any kind of bardic performance is a standard action (until 7th or 13th level) and maintaining it is a free action.
So this means I can maintain it with as a free action and use a main action to attack?
Im a noob. Im sure this question is easy, but I need to ask.
While using a bardic performance such as Inspire Courage, is the bard useless to do anything else? Or can he fight and do other actions while keeping the performance going?