How To Keep Yourself Working As A Musician IN a "TOUGH" Economy

How To Keep Yourself Working As a Musician Even In A "Tought" Economy

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am a professional musician in Los Angeles. I play and sing for weddings, parties, funerals and corporate events - everything from Bach to Rach!.

Each week is a new week as far as my "gigs" are concerned - and I often have to learn some pretty heavy duty music literally overnight in order to serve my clients.

On Sunday I am an organist and co-cantor at Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Catholic Church in Beverly Hills. It is a wonderful congregation who loves music so our music team prepares a program of music ranging from Latin Chants to Bach and Mozart to contemporary Catholic music from composers such as David Haas, Marty Haugen and Dan Schutte.

As a funeral organist/vocalist and Catholic Cantor - I play and sing for funeral and memorial services of all faiths and denominations as well as a full Catholic Mass. Obviously many families choose the hymns and liturgical music of their faith, but many families choose contemporary music that speaks to the occasion. Two songs that I did recently that are in that catagory are "You Are Always On My Mind" which was done by Willie Nelson and Elvis and "Softly As I Leave You" - both real gems.

Parties - always fun - I play either background music or play and sing, lead a sing-along, or do my 30 minute cabaret show. These are always fun as I can tailor a theme specific to the occasion. One of the most popular is SIMPLY GRAND - piano classics and favorites with commentary.

Weddings - I always have a great time working with the brides - and grooms finding just the right music for their special day. This year - the music seems to be going back to the more traditional classical music and I'm finding that the grooms are more hands on in choosing the music as well.

Last Saturday I played a wedding at Our Lady - besides me as organist, there was a trumpeter, string quartet and a vocalist plus a choir and another organist. This was a Maronite Catholic wedding. Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon is a bi-ritual church - both Roman Catholic and Maronite Catholic. The rituals are slightly different - but all roads lead to Rome and are under the Pope! Their chants and music are a bit different as well. One hymn that was played dated back to the 4th Century!!

In the coming weeks I will be addressing how I am able to make my living in a tough economy – well – first of all, I don´t buy into the idea that there is little work for musicians these days. I am not burying my head in the sand – but rather taking an action approach.

I have mapped out EXACTLY what my product is. Do you know what YOUR product is?

Here are some examples of what a "product" is: You build a house – a well-built house is your product. If your grow tomatoes – your product is a juicy, tasty tomato. If you are a physical trainer – your product is a toned and fit body.

If you sing, act, dance or play and instrument – your product is a service and is "an effective, inspiring performance that creates the desired effect upon the intended audience. " (live concerts, clubs, and live telecasts and live radio)

What is your intended effect – could be sadness, happiness, humor – you get the idea.

Your product must be a product that is truly done – with the minimum of evan exchange and preferably exchange in abundance hat will keep the bookers calling you back time and again. To produce less is to give an out-exchange ( exchange less than the intended value) or a rip-off. Can you think of times where you didn´t give a fair exchange in your performance?

Look for my articles over the coming weeks and learn how to keep yourself working as a musician.

To contact me – hollyholly@aol.com