Tips For The Solo Musician

Here are some tips for the solo wind musician. If you1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA
play, woodwinds, brass, strings, or any single lineequipment, preferably something small and compact,
instrument. You can make a substantial amount ofbut of efficient sound quality
money using your play-a-long library.That's right!...Your2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the
play-a-long library can be a goldmind of income.times when you are showing off that great voice of
I know it works because I've done it. If I can do it,yours. You will also need a microphone stand.
anybody should be able to do it. Here's the plan.3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for
First: You have all of these wonderful play-a-longs thatyour speakers, to raise your speakers up above
you use to practice with. You have spent many, manypeoples heads when playing in restaurants, and coffee
hours learning these songs, and perfecting your talent.shops, ect... You dont want to drive people away, or
A lot of these play-a-longs are really greatblow anybodys ear drum.
accompaniment, and some are recorded by4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you
professional musicians.can use to place your promo material, your CD's, and
Well!...Why not put together a nice sounding PA, orany of your contact material for people to see,
sound system, (what ever you can afford)use all ofpurchase, and take as they come, and go. This can be
those wonderful play-a-longs you've had for years, putsomething that is portable, small and compact, but
some song sets together, go out and target all thelooks presentable.
venues in your area that would be great for a solo5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again,
musician as yourself to perform in, and make somelooks presentable.
easy money. Sound crazy?...think again, you will be6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long
surprised to find out just how many places want livelibrary for all musicians, especially for solo musicians.
entertainment, but dont have the room, or the budgetAs I have stated in my previous article, "Tips for the
to hire a full band.solo musician", you can make a living just playing solo
Here's an example from my real experiences. I havegigs, and targeting small establishments.
played a restaurant in early afternoon, a coffee shop7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or
after work hours, and played with my regular bandcassette player with a pitch control to play your
that night. The result,...Three times the income that Iplay-a-longs through your PA.
would have normally made that day.8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a
I charge $50-$100 for small venues, $100-$200 forpowerful enough computer to record your own CD's.
larger establishments, and parties, $200 and up for highYou can also make your own Play-a-longs with your
dollar fundtions. You have to be the judge as to howown style of music.
much you need to charge per gig. Also keep in mind9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of
your expenses.recording software for your computer. I recommend,
Oh!...I forgot to mention the tips. That's extra bravy , orCakewalk.
icing on the cake.10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound
So go ahead!...Make that money! Put those old dustycard for your computer. I recommend, Sound Blaster
play-a-longs to work.Live.
Since I play mostly jazz, I use this source for my11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some
play-a-longs:kind of keyboard. There are hundreds to choose from,
THE SOLO MUSICIANS TOOLBOXaccording to your budget.
If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind
should know about, and have in your tool box. It is bestof CD burning software. Again, there are hundreds of
to be prepared for whatever comes your way in thechoices. Microsoft Media Player is free.
form of gigs, and musical opportunities. In this article I13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind
will go over some of the general things in the form ofof business card software for your computer.
gear, hardware, and software, that will give you an"Parabim Business Card Builder", is a very efficient one.
edge in this competetive, and demanding world. Keep14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a
in mind that these are all suggestions, and it dependswebsite. I recommend, "Host Baby", everything you
on your personal circumstances as to what you are,need in a musicians website is here.
and are not able to obtain.15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help
I will asume that you already have the musicalpromote your music, and yourself on the internet. I
instrument of your choice, and that you have alreadyrecommend, "Musicians Power Promotion System".
spent the thousands of hours that it takes to perfectThese are just some of the things that will help you on
your talent. There is no way around it!...You get out of ityour quest to be a successful solo musician. One thing
what you put into it. If you spend the time to perfectto remember is,...Always Act...Look...and Dress
your talent, you will definatly reap the benefits.proffessionally. That first impression can make, or
So,...Lets get started. I will list all of the items that I havebreak you.
in mind for this article, and where to obtain them. InJust click on the links provided in this article where
some cases, a brief discription on what to do withindicated, and you will be taken to the particular
them.website, were you can find the item.