How to get the classical guitar gig.
Lutemann
others here would say.
Here are few suggestions:
1) You never know who will hire you, so don't be too fussy about the
joint. The nicest places can be run by people who have no idea what
they are doing musically. It all depends on the owner/ manager. I once
had a guy hire me because I got rid of his headaches when he listened
to classical guitar.
2) Make a video, preferable while playing a gig. If you don't have a
gig, play a party for free in order to get a good video. Put it on
youtube and hand out the video on a CD with a business card when you
talk to the manager. Offer to play a fee 1/2 hour set!!! This is an
old salesman trick ( I used to be a Fuller Brush Man), if the guy
takes something from you for free, he feels obligated to you.
3) When I walk into a joint I always ask , "May I speak to the person
who does the hiring." There is no reason to talk to anyone else.
4) Keep you price down the first time out. Offer to play for $50 for
three hours. Once you have a gig, it is much easier to get another gig
at more money. Remember, we are in a recession so it's OK to say,
"What can you afford?' Usually, you don't say that.
4) Keep hitting places. If you talk to 10 manager/owners, you will
probably get a job. Starbucks hires people, so try them. They will let
you play one Firday night and then hire some singer/ guitarist for
next Friday, but at least you can get your video done there.
5) If no one will hire you, then offer to play for tips. Have them
guarantee $20 or something if you don't make at least that much in
tips. My duo (do a search for --kent frank audition-- on youtube) has
played for tips in the streets quite a bit. (When we played at the
peanut shop, we literally played for peanuts.They were great peanuts
though.) If you are playing somewhere, you will play more and for more
money.
6) Don't forget the two rules of salesmanship: a) Always ask the
customer to buy b) Once the customer has agreed to buy, stop selling.
JPD
What's this got to do with UFOs, swine flu vaccines, and Bush?
Lutemann
>
> - Show quoted text -
Sorry.
jeff carter
Yeah, c'mon! What do you think this is? A forum for your pithy little
guitar stylings?
:)