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
Patrick is a blind jazz saxophonist, his intense, improvive style of playing is both soothing, and captivating to the listener. Patrick owns, and operates a Texas based recording studio: Curse Buster Sound. Patrick is producing some of the best sounding jazz on the market today.
http://www.cursebustersound.com