| LearnJazzPiano.com archives: Gigs | |
| bobsmith -- 11/28/2006, 14:14:50 -- #31463 | |
| How to get gigs? | |
| I am at a point where I am still learning about jazz piano, but I feel that I know enough that I should start gigging. I have played for family and friends, but other than that, I haven't performed much. Idealy I would like to play at restaruants/bars but maybe during the day when it is very low key. I would even do it for free so I can get experience. What is the best way to go about this? Do I call the restaruant manager? Do they hold auditions? I am looking for information on how this works. Thank You | |
| wdennissorrell -- 11/28/2006, 17:43:21 -- #31469 | |
| Usually I make a demo CD, and if it is to my liking, then I make multiple copies and deliver them to the appropriate person, usually the restaurant/bar manager or owner. You can try a lot of different venues also such as extended care facilities, malls, etc. Try and get a little compensation, as Seven said about exposure "you can die from exposure". If you are serious about free gigs then the extended care facilities, special needs schools, some churches, and even in some hospital settings are a good bet for charity work. Make sure that your genre agrees with your venue. Do not get discouraged if at first it doesn't quite turn out the way you thought it should, keep plugging and playing. Peace out! | |
| bobsmith -- 11/29/2006, 01:42:55 -- #31475 | |
| Great Idea | |
| Wow, that was so obvious, I didn't even think about it. I will get started on a demo CD. I will mix it up with some blues, some latin, some ballads, some swing and some bop. That way they can get a taste of the different styles. Do you usually just walk up to them and hand them a C.D., or do you call first? I would like to know what the best way to approach them would be. I am sure they get people that come in all the time, so they want someone that will stand out. | |
| wdennissorrell -- 11/29/2006, 19:26:51 -- #31485 | |
| Be extremely personable and courteous. Do not ever approach anyone if it is a busy time. In some instances it might be best to call first. If you can get to know someone that either works there or frequents the establishment. They can give you direction. Far too many persons will simply discard your CD if they are not made to be interested in it. Ask them just to pop it in their car and listen while they are driving. Ask them to let their spouse listen to it, friends, family, etc. Be memorable, leave with a little mystery to the entire issue, that will create more interest in your music. Don't beg or cajole, just demonstrate your confidence in yurself and in your playing. Several times it may take repeat attempts to accomplish your task. Keep on trying. If you get the gig be sure to show your appreciation, especially by following the direction of the owner/manager. Many times I feel like the person to know is in all actuality the bartender, he/she can often times help you out or do just the opposite to your aspiring career. Enjoy what you do and allow others to enjoy your uniquely blended efforts. I hope this helps you. Peace out. | |
| Scot -- 12/07/2006, 00:11:18 -- #31588 | |
| When I lived in Seattle my bassist and I would walk into restaurants that had pianos during lunch time and ask the manager or owner if we could play some music. We'd play for an hour or two, usually they'd give us lunch, and 3 out of 4 times we got gigs, sometimes steady gigs, just for coming in and "auditioning" in person. Demo CD's and tapes are good, but most of the time they don't get listened to. A personal concert, though, that goes a long ways. | |
| spfldpianist -- 09/07/2007, 07:37:53 -- #36847 | |
| Daytime gigs | |
| I work for a charity and don't always get paid. I am also a writer and we all know how that doesn't pay well, unless you happen to be John Grisham. I have been gigging quite a while but just moved back to my home town. The best way to pick up some spare change is to approach nursing homes and senior centers and ask to do a one-hour old time piano show. The residents love it, I walk in and use the piano on site, and leave with $50 and a lot of positive feedback. Although the "old time" stuff I play is a little out of date, at least I keep the fingers moving between serious gigs and earn enough to eat that day! | |
| Tim Richards: Exploring Jazz Piano - Volume 1 • click here for Scot's review of this book. | |
| alexenglish88 -- 06/17/2008, 14:32:33 -- #41687 | |
| Jam Sessions | |
| Another good way to get gigs is to go to jam sessions in your city. You can either look them up on the internet, or approach a musician and ask if he knows of any jam sessions. Once you're there you can get experience playing with others, and do some networking with people who might be looking for a piano player for their group. | |
| Copyright © 2005 by Scot Ranney. All rights reserved. | |
| Click Here for more information about performances and clinics. Click Here to sign up for Scot's music announcements. | |