How to Get Gigs as a Solo Musician

You will need to sell your musical skills to get gigs as a solo musician.

Many of the gigs available for musicians involve playing in an ensemble or band. But if you don't have a band, there are still ways to get gigs as a solo musician. Making a living as a musician is hard, but you can go a long way if you market yourself and keep your craft current. Always introduce yourself to people at gigs or concerts -- word of mouth is sometimes a useful way to get other gigs.

Instructions

1. Search for venues that feature acts similar to yours. Contact the owners of the venue or the manager of the concert series and ask to arrange an audition or submit a demo.

2. Play at weddings, quinceanearas, bar/batmitzvahs and funerals. People often employ solo musicians for these events, since a single musician is cheaper than a band or ensemble. It can help to learn popular wedding tunes so that you will have to practice less before the gig.

3. Create a website and a business card. This way, you can refer potential employers to a place where they can find more information about you, including what style of music you play.

4. Support other musicians. This can mean accompanying a singer or instrumentalist, or it can mean playing in a band, ensemble or choir. Though you may market yourself as a solo musician, you will need to play with others at some point if you plan to make a living as a musician.

5. Inquire at local churches about playing weekly gigs there. No matter what their religious preference, many freelance musicians enjoy the regular weekly work that having a church gig provides.

6. Play on a cruise ship. According to Musician Wages, musicians can obtain cruise ship jobs through a talent agency or directly through a cruise company. These gigs pay around $65 a day (as of August 2011) and a cruise ship contract can last several months.

Tips & Warnings

• Be polite and courteous at all gigs: this will increase your chances of getting called back.

References

• Tom Robinson Tips: Solo Gigs
• Independent Music Advice: How to Get Gigs for Your Band or Yourself