Tips For The Solo Musician
Copyright 2006 Curse Buster Sound
Here are some tips for the solo wind musician. If you play,
woodwinds, brass, strings, or any single line instrument. You
can make a substantial amount of money using your play-a-long
library.That's right!...Your play-a-long library can be a
goldmind of income.
I know it works because I've done it. If I can do it, anybody
should be able to do it. Here's the plan.
First: You have all of these wonderful play-a-longs that you use
to practice with. You have spent many, many hours learning these
songs, and perfecting your talent. A lot of these play-a-longs
are really great accompaniment, and some are recorded by
professional musicians.
Well!...Why not put together a nice sounding PA, or sound
system, (what ever you can afford)use all of those wonderful
play-a-longs you've had for years, put some song sets together,
go out and target all the venues in your area that would be
great for a solo musician as yourself to perform in, and make
some easy money. Sound crazy?...think again, you will be
surprised to find out just how many places want live
entertainment, but dont have the room, or the budget to hire a
full band.
Here's an example from my real experiences. I have played a
restaurant in early afternoon, a coffee shop after work hours,
and played with my regular band that night. The result,...Three
times the income that I would have normally made that day.
I charge $50-$100 for small venues, $100-$200 for larger
establishments, and parties, $200 and up for high dollar
fundtions. You have to be the judge as to how much you need to
charge per gig. Also keep in mind your expenses.
Oh!...I forgot to mention the tips. That's extra bravy , or
icing on the cake.
So go ahead!...Make that money! Put those old dusty play-a-longs
to work.
Since I play mostly jazz, I use this source for my play-a-longs:
http://www.jajazz.com
THE SOLO MUSICIANS TOOLBOX
If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you should know
about, and have in your tool box. It is best to be prepared for
whatever comes your way in the form of gigs, and musical
opportunities. In this article I will go over some of the
general things in the form of gear, hardware, and software, that
will give you an edge in this competetive, and demanding world.
Keep in mind that these are all suggestions, and it depends on
your personal circumstances as to what you are, and are not able
to obtain.
I will asume that you already have the musical instrument of
your choice, and that you have already spent the thousands of
hours that it takes to perfect your talent. There is no way
around it!...You get out of it what you put into it. If you
spend the time to perfect your talent, you will definatly reap
the benefits.
So,...Lets get started. I will list all of the items that I have
in mind for this article, and where to obtain them. In some
cases, a brief discription on what to do with them.
1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA equipment,
preferably something small and compact, but of efficient sound
quality
2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the times when you
are showing off that great voice of yours. You will also need a
microphone stand.
3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for your speakers,
to raise your speakers up above peoples heads when playing in
restaurants, and coffee shops, ect... You dont want to drive
people away, or blow anybodys ear drum.
4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you can use to
place your promo material, your CD's, and any of your contact
material for people to see, purchase, and take as they come, and
go. This can be something that is portable, small and compact,
but looks presentable.
5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again, looks
presentable.
6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long library for
all musicians, especially for solo musicians. As I have stated
in my previous article, "Tips for the solo musician", you can
make a living just playing solo gigs, and targeting small
establishments.
7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or cassette
player with a pitch control to play your play-a-longs through
your PA.
8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a powerful
enough computer to record your own CD's. You can also make your
own Play-a-longs with your own style of music.
9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of recording
software for your computer. I recommend, Cakewalk.
10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound card for
your computer. I recommend, Sound Blaster Live.
11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some kind of
keyboard. There are hundreds to choose from, according to your
budget.
12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind of CD burning
software. Again, there are hundreds of choices. Microsoft Media
Player is free.
13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind of business
card software for your computer. "Parabim Business Card
Builder", is a very efficient one.
14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a website. I
recommend, "Host Baby", everything you need in a musicians
website is here.
15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help promote your
music, and yourself on the internet. I recommend, "Musicians
Power Promotion System".
These are just some of the things that will help you on your
quest to be a successful solo musician. One thing to remember
is,...Always Act...Look...and Dress proffessionally. That first
impression can make, or break you.
Just click on the links provided in this article where
indicated, and you will be taken to the particular website, were
you can find the item.