Want the next best thing to a secret formula for how to get more gigs as a freelance musician?
Here are tips to becoming the freelance musician contractors, conductors, and colleagues want to hire and recommend to others.
Let’s be clear: these tips assume that your musicianship is excellent. They focus on all the other key factors: the specifics of how to communicate and interact with people before, during, and after the gig.
We all like to imagine that we come across as easy to work with, well prepared, and professional in our behavior, dress, and communication. But what does all that actually entail?
Here are 17 tips for turning a single gig into multiple opportunities. It’s the nitty gritty of how to be a successful freelancer:
1. Respond to email, text, and phone messages within 24 hours—whether it’s yes or no—and if you can’t do a gig, have a list referrals to other excellent musicians (it’s good karma).
2. Clarify and confirm any verbal arrangements by email. Make sure you have all the gig details: location, time, pay, repertoire, directions, contact person name, number, etc.
3. In your gig bag pack all the extra gear for the unexpected (because things can and do go wrong). Keep a list and pack the night before.
4. Leave plenty of extra time for getting to the gig. Use GPS and bring backup written directions.
5. Arrive 30 minutes before the gig start time (dressed appropriately, with a great attitude and fully prepared).
6. When you arrive, check in with the contractor, manager, or client to make sure about any details of the set up and to make sure all is on track.
7. Give a good handshake, make eye contact, and smile when meeting anyone new and then . . .
8. Repeat the person’s first name after they introduce themselves, so say something like, “Nice to meet you, Chris!” (to help you remember their name).
9. Have business cards for anyone who might ask, “Does your ensemble play special events?” or “Do you also teach?” So you can say, “Yes, I do and here’s my card—happy to speak with you about this!”
10. In warming up: no inappropriate showmanship, stay focused on the music for that performance.
11. Stay present and tuned in during the rehearsal and gigs (no avoid texting, checking emails, reading) and take care to show that you’re interested and invested in the quality of the performance. The expression on your face and your attitude matter.
12. Bring pencils to rehearsals and mark parts as needed. It may be rental music: be considerate.
13. Clean up after yourself: at breaks, in rehearsals, backstage—think of others.
14. Be interested in others: at breaks ask colleagues about their projects, other performances and possible collaborations.
15. Send a thank you note after the gig to the person who hired them.
16. Check back with contacts 2 or 3 months later: be personable and comment or congratulate them on what they’ve been up to (on their series or other work that you can find info of online) and say you’d be happy to be considered for any additional work or referrals.
17. Don’t gossip or talk trash about anyone—keep your focus on the positive!
What have I left out? What’s been your experience? Looking forward to getting your additional gig tips!
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