For those who are freelancers

[slap_that_bass]

hey guys,

Im not really sure how many are freelancers are on here but im hoping there are a few.

I am studying music at the moment and am considering being a freelancer. But I have a few questions to get an idea for myself.

What was it like when you started out?

Did you set yourself any goals for your business?

Getting your name out and around?

How far would you travel?

Your price? Also how was your profit and loss for the first few years?

I appreciate any advice.

Simon

 

[slap_that_bass]

anybody here a freelancer?

with some advice about freelancing?

 

[jive1]

Here's some tips from another thread that I created about getting more work with less hassles.

My 5 Ps for getting work:
People - Network, network, and network some more. Give others a positive experience with you. If people can cross reference your work with people you know in common, you might be able to skip the audition. Bands come and go, so it's more important to find people.
Positivity - Just go out there, and look for something positive from your experiences. Don't assume something is going to be a waste of time, or that someone is worth writing off. Give people a chance to be a jerk or talentless before you think they are. If you met one cool person, learned one cool tune, or played one cool place, it's totally worth it. Be positive about yourself, the people you work with, and the band. Take the band seriously, but not yourself.
Play - You only get better by playing, so do it. Doesn't matter what it is. You never know when it comes in handy. I came from Chicago where Country music is outlawed, but by being willing to learn it, I'm getting more work and keeping my chops up. Play with as many folks as you can, so others can see your skills and vouch for them.
Preparedness - I got the gig with one band because I e-mailed them a list of all the songs I played in the last few years (a long list). Since I actually learned them, I kept the gig because I could actually play them. I cannot stress how important the ability to learn songs is for a cover band player.
Persistence - Probably the most important of all. I've been in this area for over 10 years, and I only really started getting decent paying gigs in last few years. I also found that the bands that are making decent coin have been around for long time. As an old guy who is extremely busy, I don't have the time to network, and follow my own advice as I should. But, persistence keeps things going until a payoff, and when that payoff goes sour, lets you find another opportunity.

 

[slap_that_bass]

thanks

I read one of your threads before about freelancing and that helped?

but I also wanted to get some experiences and stories from people as well.

 

[jive1]

but I also wanted to get some experiences and stories from people as well.

What am I a robot or something?

 

[MostlyBass]

Freelancing is definitely doable - especially you can play upright and electric.
There are more classical gigs than people think - and they're professional with the pay. You are given a check at the concert. So you gotta be able to read and have chops.

There is A LOT of driving involved. A LOT!

BUT... no retirement / health insurance. And you can't 'call in' sick to a freelance gig. \
And many times if you turn down a freelance gig you are pushed down to the bottom of the list...

 

[smogg]

Here's some tips from another thread that I created about getting more work with less hassles.

My 5 P's for getting work:

People - Network, network, and network some more. Give others a positive experience with you. If people can cross reference your work with people you know in common, you might be able to skip the audition. Bands come and go, so it's more important to find people.

Positivity - Just go out there, and look for something positive from your experiences. Don't assume something is going to be a waste of time, or that someone is worth writing off. Give people a chance to be a jerk or talentless before you think they are. If you met one cool person, learned one cool tune, or played one cool place, it's totally worth it. Be positive about yourself, the people you work with, and the band. Take the band seriously, but not yourself.

Play - You only get better by playing, so do it. Doesn't matter what it is. You never know when it comes in handy. I came from Chicago where Country music is outlawed, but by being willing to learn it, I'm getting more work and keeping my chops up. Play with as many folks as you can, so others can see your skills and vouch for them.

Preparedness - I got the gig with one band because I e-mailed them a list of all the songs I played in the last few years (a long list). Since I actually learned them, I kept the gig because I could actually play them. I cannot stress how important the ability to learn songs is for a cover band player.

Persistence - Probably the most important of all. I've been in this area for over 10 years, and I only really started getting decent paying gigs in last few years. I also found that the bands that are making decent coin have been around for long time. As an old guy who is extremely busy, I don't have the time to network, and follow my own advice as I should. But, persistence keeps things going until a payoff, and when that payoff goes sour, lets you find another opportunity.

This pretty much sums it up. Good stuff jive1.

 

[MostlyBass]

Punctuality!!

To be early is to be on time
To be on time is to be late
To be late is to be forgotten

 

[smogg]

Punctuality!!

To be early is to be on time
To be on time is to be late
To be late is to be forgotten

Really good point. Guess it should be "the 6 P's"

 

[EastCoastThump]

Professionalism: Keep your calendar, your gear, your transportation, and your head in order. Cover all the gigs you commit to, play the bejeezus out of 'em, and be prepared for at least the usual curve balls.

 

[smogg]

Professionalism: Keep your calendar, your gear, your transportation, and your head in order. Cover all the gigs you commit to, play the bejeezus out of 'em, and be prepared for at least the usual curve balls.

OK,
that makes seven (7) valid P's. I am now curious to hear more P's without duplicates.

 

[onosson]

What was it like when you started out?

I never sought freelance work. I played in an original act straight out of high school and toured for about ten years. Took a year off when my wife became pregnant, the band was already slowing down at that point. Got into freelancing when someone I didn't know asked me to play a gig. Never intended to stick with it, but I kept getting more and more work.

Did you set yourself any goals for your business?

No, I never thought I would do freelance music, and had no plans for it at all. I keep telling people I've been trying to get out of the music business for ten years! And I'm only partly joking...

Getting your name out and around?

I honestly don't work one bit at it - it's a pretty insular scene here in Winnipeg, everyone knows everyone, and it's all friends and friends of friends that I get work from.

How far would you travel?

Anywhere in the world - a couple years ago I was working in a project that intended to get work on cruise ships near South and Southeast Asia but it never panned out.

Your price? Also how was your profit and loss for the first few years?

Most local gigs pay about $100 per person per night. For travel gigs I make anywhere from $200-$1000 per night depending on many factors (probably the average is in the $300-400 range, take-home pay after expenses are covered).

My profit is very low but my living expenses are also very low as I own my house without a mortgage. Otherwise, I'd be in an entirely different situation.



Good luck!

 

[MostlyBass]

The three P's that I use for my classroom rules are:

Be Punctual
Be Prepared
Be Polite

That covers a lot of territory!

 

[The Thinker]

Lots of great advice. The most interesting thing I've learned is that you can get an incredible amount of mileage out of just being nice. I've gotten a lot of calls because of band drama (friction between the bassist and band leader). By being a good listener, being sympathetic about their situation, and showing eagerness to help, I have gotten not only gigs but also referrals.

Also, don't be afraid to charge a fair fee and stick to it. Being nice does not extend to providing discounts because the band isn't getting paid much (unless you really need the work--even then, let them know it's an exception).

 

[JimmyM]

Speaking of punctual, Ron Dante, who produced all of Barry Manilow's big albums, told me Will Lee was his bassist of choice, and said he was at least 15 minutes late to every session. So it didn't seem to hurt his career I don't recommend it, though. You really have to be exceptional to get away with being late to gigs.

I got into freelancing strictly by word of mouth. I told people I would show up and know all the songs they wanted me to play, and I did. I also knew how to read pretty well, which is a big plus in freelance circles. The hard part for me is not being able to suffer fools gladly, and I've lost a couple regular callers over the years because of it.

 

[Jon Moody]

The three P's that I use for my classroom rules are:

Be Punctual
Be Prepared
Be Polite

That covers a lot of territory!

I'm amazed at how many students that are going to school to be professional musicians (as in, majoring in instrument performance or jazz studies) have absolutely no clue about those things you listed. I've seen directors in town BAN students from gigs because they don't want to deal with their inconsistency.

 

[Jon Moody]

I freelance mainly in the musical theatre circuit in the area, so pretty much all of my advice is based in that setting.

What was it like when you started out?

Slow. It's a very small group of Music Directors and "regular" musicians, so everyone uses the same people over and over again. A couple breaks involved playing a show with the contractor for a Summerstock theatre in town (to which I played the summer out there), and subbing for one of the bassists in town and sight-reading the show better than he played it for two weeks. Even then it was still a year or so before I got my first call for a full run of a show instead of to sub for someone.

Did you set yourself any goals for your business?

I wanted to be the "first call" bassist in the area, and knew that it would take a lot of patience, a lot of playing smaller (high school) productions and me to completely wow the director so that they mention me when another director can't find a bassist for a show.

Getting your name out and around?

Persistence and patience. You don't want to be overly aggressive that people think you're trying to steal gigs, but you still want them to know that you're available and willing to come in and play. I didn't need to hand out business cards (although I have them) because they already contacted me. I just made sure I was completely professional, leaving absolutely nothing for them to worry about, and thanked them for the opportunity after every run.

How far would you travel?

I've travelled over an hour (one way) to a gig. If the money is there to make it worth your time (as in, your not losing anything by taking the gig) and you can do the gig, take it.

I had a gig offer years ago that I turned down, because while it was a $300 payout, after all was said and done I would've been out $50. You have to know what your costs are (gas, car maintenance, gear maintenance) at all times so if someone needs an immediate answer, you can quickly give it to them.

Your price? Also how was your profit and loss for the first few years?

In the musical theatre realm, there isn't that much negotiation in terms of pay; it is a standard scale. Some theatres are starting to set up a tiered, "preferred performer" scale where you get paid more and more frequently (it is normally one check at conclusion of the run, and this new system would offer weekly checks).

In terms of profit and loss, the first two years were slim in terms of gigs. Thankfully I have a "day job" so I wasn't relying upon it that much. Now (seven years after) my gigging amounts to half of my annual income.

 

[tiller]

i am very interested in freelancing.... all the advice given seems to be rock solid

 

[MostlyBass]

I'm amazed at how many students that are going to school to be professional musicians (as in, majoring in instrument performance or jazz studies) have absolutely no clue about those things you listed. I've seen directors in town BAN students from gigs because they don't want to deal with their inconsistency.

WOW! Those are my rules for my MIDDLE SCHOOL orchestra!

 

[Jon Moody]

WOW! Those are my rules for my MIDDLE SCHOOL orchestra!

I know. You'd think they would either have a dedicated business class or have teachers set the example, but no. They're oblivious to most of it.