Originally Posted By: Notes Norton


A few suggestions if you want to make a living at playing music (in no particular order):
  • Show up on time - the manager knows how to tell time more than how to judge artistic integrity
  • Don't take long breaks, in fact, if the crowd is jamming, consider skipping your breaks or playing a little later - give a little more and you will likely get more in return. I've played many a club where we played straight through and late when the club was jamming and the manager sent us home early on dead nights.
  • Be nice and pleasant with the management, staff, and the customers -- even if they don't deserve it. The staff will be on your side if you work nicely with them and if you p1ss off customers, you aren't coming back
  • Remember, whatever is good for the house is good for the band. They hired you to help them make a profit, and never forget that's your job. Knowing a customer's favorite song, remembering their name, promoting the special of the day, skipping a break, or whatever. I repeat, what is good for the house is good for the band.
  • Be commercial for that club. Play what the audience wants to hear and do your best to pace what you play and when you play it to fill the needs of the audience.
  • Dress appropriately for the gig, whether it is torn blue jeans or a tuxedo
  • Play at appropriate volume levels, that can be loud or soft depending on the demand
  • Make sure your gear is in good shape. Nobody wants to see you struggle with equipment. Of course, things happen (it's usually a cable) so carry spares of whatever you can, cables, extra mic, if your act depends on a synth - an extra synth module, guitar strings, and so on. The show must go on.
  • Smile and/or look like you are having a great time playing music - it's contagious.
  • Promote yourself - but that's the subject of an entirely different post





These are amazing tips! This should be hung in every green room nation-wide.

Will - PG Music