Posted by mjg on February 16, 2004 at 21:39:38:
In Reply to: How to land gigs in new area posted by Confused on February 16, 2004 at 20:37:51:
Warning: Don't read this if you're an avid memer of the Local Union.
First: Join a volunteer group. A community band, orchestra, whatever. Play your best always and be nice to everyone in the group even if they can barely assemble and hold their instrument. Sometimes these people know other quite good players or could even book gigs. I have know some terrible players that book really decent gigs.
Second: Take free or low paying gigs. Here you are climbing the ladder. You might fond out there isn't much of a ladder to climb in your area. Crappy gigs usually lead to better ones. Again, always play your best, you never know who may be listening.
Third: Make up some decent business cards. Always have them handy to give out. Hand them out with a smile on your face. Give them a number they can call at nearly anytime. Try to answer or return calls quickly.
Fourth: Join the union. For one reason. So that you can get the names of contractors. Call them and find out what gigs they have going on. Show up at these gigs and complement them. Then tell them that you are available to play when needed. Start to get to know the other players you see also. Let them know who you are and what you do. Once again, have your business cards with you.
Five: Don't be afraid to drive. Some of the gigs you'll find are on the "fringe" of a metropolitan area. Reason being is that most of the money is one the fringe of the major metropolitan area. This is where the better paying weddings are found as well as more of the better church jobs.
Six: Take lessons from the area "guy". Hopefully this is a good player with lots to offer. This way you can continue on the learning process. If you are competent and willing, you might get offered a few gigs from this person who is too bust to take them and/or you might be able to pick up students this way. See step seven.
Seven: Don't be afraid to teach lessons. Despite a previous posting about this. Lessons are a great way to share your love of playing while thickening your wallet. Especially when you can get the students to come to your place for lessons. My formula for teaching lessons was as follows: Charge a little less than the going rate, but have a good space to teach the lessons at your home. Give the students your all and dont be afraid to give them extra time for their money, especially if things are going well and a few minutes are appropriate. I used to make an extra $5000-$6000 a year for just having some students come by on Saturdays. A good way to pick up students is to make up some mailings for the local band programs. Go to the local MENC or Bandmaster's Association and get a list of the high schools with bands and the names of the director's. Always send a short, professional resume and a flyer advertising your ability to give lessons, if so inclined, directly to the director with his or her name on the envelope.
You do need to stay in one area for a while. Competition for paying gigs can be quite high. Play because you enjoy to, not because you expect to get paid.