How to Get Paid Gigs As a Young Instrumentalist
Be good at what you do., Market yourself., Mudsling., Don't knock unpaid gigs., When you start to get gigs, be reasonable., Be flexible, and tailor your set to their needs, they will doubtless think higher of you, and will therefore be more likely...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Be good at what you do.
Naturally, people want to get their money's worth, and therefore practice is the key to generating revenue. -
Step 2: Market yourself.
Get a Myspace, or even a domain name, and advertise what you do- you won't get any gigs if no-one's heard of you! , In other words, join as many bands as possible, and push for gigs with them-the more mud you throw, the more will stick. , Even though you're not getting any money, it's still marketing, and doing a good job that is exposed to an audience can never be a bad thing. , You are the client, and they are the boss, and therefore don't try to demand food, drink etc; stick to whatever terms you have previously agreed upon. , If they say, "can you turn down a bit?" or "can you play for a bit longer, please"
do so. , This is basic salesmanship, if a person likes you, they will prefer to have you than someone arrogant and unhelpful. , Often, punters will find it hard to remember the names of bands they have seen, so give them a memory aid. , You never know where they might lead.
Always be gracious, and should a band disband, for example, keep in touch.
If a previous band member goes on to do bigger and better things, you'll want to be a part of it. , Often, you can never be overdressed, and a suit or tie will make you seem much more professional and intelligent than your peers.
If it is a rock gig, however, you probably can stray from the "smart" look. , Don't play overcomplicated songs that might alienate them, or songs that would not appeal to your target audience.
Play whatever you want for fun, but when money is involved, what the audience wants is what the audience gets. -
Step 3: Mudsling.
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Step 4: Don't knock unpaid gigs.
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Step 5: When you start to get gigs
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Step 6: be reasonable.
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Step 7: Be flexible
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Step 8: and tailor your set to their needs
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Step 9: they will doubtless think higher of you
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Step 10: and will therefore be more likely to ask for you back
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Step 11: or do a favor for you in return.
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Step 12: Be friendly.
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Step 13: Have business cards and fliers.
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Step 14: Never sever existing connections.
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Step 15: Always dress to impress.
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Step 16: Know your audience.
Detailed Guide
Naturally, people want to get their money's worth, and therefore practice is the key to generating revenue.
Get a Myspace, or even a domain name, and advertise what you do- you won't get any gigs if no-one's heard of you! , In other words, join as many bands as possible, and push for gigs with them-the more mud you throw, the more will stick. , Even though you're not getting any money, it's still marketing, and doing a good job that is exposed to an audience can never be a bad thing. , You are the client, and they are the boss, and therefore don't try to demand food, drink etc; stick to whatever terms you have previously agreed upon. , If they say, "can you turn down a bit?" or "can you play for a bit longer, please"
do so. , This is basic salesmanship, if a person likes you, they will prefer to have you than someone arrogant and unhelpful. , Often, punters will find it hard to remember the names of bands they have seen, so give them a memory aid. , You never know where they might lead.
Always be gracious, and should a band disband, for example, keep in touch.
If a previous band member goes on to do bigger and better things, you'll want to be a part of it. , Often, you can never be overdressed, and a suit or tie will make you seem much more professional and intelligent than your peers.
If it is a rock gig, however, you probably can stray from the "smart" look. , Don't play overcomplicated songs that might alienate them, or songs that would not appeal to your target audience.
Play whatever you want for fun, but when money is involved, what the audience wants is what the audience gets.
About the Author
Doris Turner
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow lifestyle tutorials.
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