Comments on: Twelve Survival Tips for Freelance Musicians

By: Musician Dude

Musician Dude — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:04:41 +0000

Wow, this article really resonates with me as a young freelance musician trying to move up in the ranks. Your points are spot on. I’d have to say that learning to say “no” is my weakest area….but it’s coming to the point where i need to take the gigs that are worthwhile. What I’ve noticed is that being a young “full time” musician can get stressfull when your trying to work with a bunch of projects and things start to conflict….what are your thoughts on juggling projects and making things work? Thanks for this great post. I’ll be linking to it in a few days for sure!

By: Andres

Andres — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 05:15:06 +0000

Great advice! I’m trying to get into the freelance life. I depend on my job way too much and don’t get enough practice on my guitar.

By: Joey

Joey — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:51:36 +0000

The part about doubling your travel time is absolutely true. I’ve verified this time and time again as I’m usually late for rehearsals

Great post hope you don’t mind if I link to it

By: christina

christina — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:56:38 +0000

Excellent suggestions, Jason!

I’ve had several passengers in my car who have wondered aloud about the pantyhose/clothespin/music stand/water bottle bag in the backseat. I’ll definitely send them here so they can get an explanation !

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:36:15 +0000

That’s a good point–I wonder if it’s different for classical players? I know a few orchestra contractors who regularly make cattle calls even though the job is weeks away.

By: Eric Hochberg

Eric Hochberg — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:14:55 +0000

Great list of suggestions, Jason. I only take exception to your “don’t make cattle calls” rule. While I understand the sentiment of wanting to feel “special” as a musician, people that contract are busy, too, and sometimes it is the only practical and timely way to get the message out that you need someone. This is especially true for gig times that are generally popular, like Saturday nights. When I have to fill a date and don’t have the time or energy for the “call one person at a time and wait for a response” routine, I let the people I call or email know that I am contacting others, too and that they shouldn’t bother to get back to me unless they can make the gig.

As a freelance musician, I am thankful and honored that I have made it on to a contractor’s list at all and try not to be offended if I am offered a job at the same time as my colleagues. Yes, it is frustrating to not get a job when you want it only because your timing is off. Best advice is to leave those cell phones on.