Curious:

How difficult is it to make a modest living - say $40 - $50K + playing full time? Suppose I have the talent to do any and all jobs....playing and singing (solo).

How long would it take to be bringing in $500 - $800 a week if I pursued my own bookings, etc?

Market is Cincinnati and surrounding.

Thanks for any thoughts.

zuki

Hi, Zuki...I've been doing that dollar volume for years, although that is not my main source of income. I'm just 80 miles south in Lexington, Lentucky.

Around here, it's not talent, but connections (thankfully) that secure the high dollar jobs. For most of my repeats, I have additional business connections via industry, the University or the horse business.

For me, it works both ways...I convert music clients to graphics/film clients and do it the other way around, too.

The difference between a $150 restaurant job and a $350 and up corporate or non-profit job is usually who you know.

I use a high end restaurant job to get the first contact. I work this one during the summer to book my better paying winter jobs. I actually make less money in the summer, due to the patio restaurant job.

Possible...YES! How long? Don't know!

Come down sometime. I used to play at the Blue Whisp....only a little more than hour from here.


Be Great to visit!~


Russ

Zuki,

The length of time it takes is strictly up to you. Keep in mind you must pursue the markets agressively, set your payscale accordingly, and treat this as you would treat any other type of business venture. It's a fun way to make a living, but it does require a lot of work as well.

If there is anything I can do to help you in this venture, email me your phone number and I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Good Luck,

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

I guess you need to eyeball the competition carefully. If you feel that your act is as good or better than other top pros in your area, you stand a chance..... If not, perhaps a little more practice.....?

The next thing to take a look at is your repertoire. Are you already playing well the type of music that other top solos in your area are playing? If your taste in music is different from most others in the area, you may haver a hard time. Try pushing a jazz playlist in a country and western town.....

Remember, as a pro, your job is to play the music they want to hear, not what you want to play (unless they coincide!).

Hey Zuki-

Cincy is part of the area I cover. I've been doing this full time for 11+ years. I've been way over 300 gigs for I think, 8-9 years...I've been over 400 gigs the last two years and seem headed for that number again this year.

I do better than the range you asked about, but I bust my butt.

What type places do you want to work?

I'm supposed to play in Hyde Park tomorrow afternoon, I'll be in Fairfield, OH on Friday night...are you far from that? Maybe we could hook up?

If I can help, I'd be happy to...




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Bill in Dayton

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 02-05-2007).]

It also depends on the area you plan to work in you can't live in a rural area and plan to make that kind of money there are not enough gigs.

Hello Bill,

Gearing to play the solo arranger jobs - I have 5 assistant living jobs booked (by phone only) in the next 3 months. I need to fill my schedule as much as possible.

Sure, maybe I can get to Hyde Park on Thursday to say hi. My in-laws are coming to town Fri, so that's out.

I'll email my phone to you.

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Thanks for all the replies.

zuki

Zuki and others,

Here's a link that will allow you to find the vast majority of assisted living centers, retirement communitites, etc in your state.

Gary

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Travlin' Easy

Thanks Gary - Already booked a job off the site today

Regards,
zuki

The bookings are going fine - have booked 10 jobs by phone without having a promo, references or a demo. (Working on these right now).

Now the fun begins and the 3000 is sounding mighty nice. What a great board - wow

zuki