Hello to everyone

I've played piano for a lot of years and never gigged other than playing at parties for friends and family. Late in '04 and after using an arranger keyboard at home I decided to start gigging for parties and retirment homes. An old friend of mine who also plays keyboard and is a OMB initially helped me out and sent a few jobs my way to get me started. I'm now frustrated because my gigs seem to be few and far between. (since last October I've played about 10 gigs) As a way to get my name out there I've also just volunteered my to play at a church fall festival in October for no fee and also at a Starbucks coffe shop for tips only. Something just isn't clicking, I'd like to play a couple of gigs a week.

To help build the number of gigs I recently participated in an entertainer's showcase for nursing home directors where 14 musician's and singers including myself each played a 15 minute set. After everyone played the directors then could book us at there facilities. Most entertainers got 25 plus bookings out of the event. I got 4, not too encouraging!!

Somthing just isn't clicking, I'm not sure what it is?? I'm using a PSR3000 and don't sing. I would appreciate any advice from any OMB on what I really need to do to get busy. I have a web site steveonpiano.com where you can hear a sample of my playing. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi, from your post ,one thing that stands out.."I don't sing".
You may want to work on some songs that you can sing ...you don't have to be a great singer..with your PSR3000, the background arranging and vocal harmonizer will add to your performance..
When you play "non dancing" locations , such as nursing homes..vocals are pretty much a must...At dancing venues, you can get by without vocals..

Is your pricing in line with the other performers? Don't price yourself too high or too low[setting your price too low, may give the opinion that you are not worth the competition level..]

It may be better for you to use a booking agent that specializes in nursing homes..this may give you more bookings..
Good luck, Fran

I would think those types of gigs demand that someone sing, so, add a singer and maybe you'll dramatically change your situation.

Hi Stephenm52,

One-off showcases are fine but the problem is just that: they're a one-off.

Have you got yourself a good promo package together? There have been some very good pointers in the past on this forum on putting up a good demo package. Try a search.

Good luck!

Stephen,

As Fran says, if you don't sing, it's gonna' be difficult at best. Though there are some folks who cannot carry a tune in a five-gallon bucket, most everyone can be taught to sing. I suggest checking into vocal programs offered by your local commumity college. Most have them, they are very reasonable and by the end of a few monts of training, you'll be amazed at the results.

After taking the singing lessons, put together a top-notch promotional package, one that jumps out with great photos, a CD, song lits, and a bio. All of these are very important to prospective clients.

Send out a flyer or card with a half-price offer, one that will at least get you in the door for that first time in locations where you hope to perform in the future. Include a CD witth the card or flyer--it works.

Learn to interact with the audience. I've seen lots of great musicians that sit down at the piano or keyboard, begin playing and never say a word to the audience between songs. You want to acheive the same intimate relationship with your audience that you had when you were performing for friends and family--a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is enjoying the music and having fun.

Good Luck,

Gary

------------------
Travlin' Easy

Not singing is a big down side to an act & venues like you describe thats fine for restaurant gigs but in front of a captive audience you gotta be an ENTERTAINER.......
I would video tape your act in full ....then watch it over and over as to how you can improve it.....then have your friends and strangers alike watch it and tell you what they think and how you can improve it.....then ultimatly get a singer which will cut your pay in half Argg! OR learn how to sing very well....competition is very stiff out there....as an analogy....You go to a good Restaurant, the food is good? You go home and tell your friends to go there to eat because it was good!!! Same in the entertainment business......

Good Luck

Hi Stephen.please take the positives from this post. I am sayimg what i say to encourage you and not bring you down. I am being honest as i think you need to know why you are not getting the quantity of bookings that you want.

I went to your site and listerned to your performance of " Grown Accustomed to her face" Your performance is fine for private friends parties as they are already rooting for you but you will struggle to hit the mark if people are paying for your service unless you provide more than just the basic song.You need toi watch your timing too.

To win an audience over with just the music and no vocals is a hard thing to do and you need to be an outstanding musician.

Entertaining people (which is what you have to consider yourself as being paid to do in a OMB set up) is more than just about nice music. You have tomake people feel good and that takes personality and Charisma. You need to project that personality from behind a keyboard and you need to find some way of getting theaudience to participate and interact with you.That way you can gauge if they are feeling as good about the performance as you are. The statement you made about " something just isnt clicking "indicatses that you are not getting any feed back about your performance. Feedback is essentiall if you want to take your music carreer seriously. The good news is that you are not awful or you would definately get feedback !!The not so good news is possibly that people are being polite by saying nothing if they did not reaaly appreciate your performance.On your next gig , ask a friend to come tothe show and watch both you and the audience and ask them to feedback how they believe the audience participated or intereacted with the performance.


If you cant sing , then build something else into your show, like maybe telling jokes as wellas playing, or telling stories of the good old days (especially at retirement homes ) whilst playing appropriate music over the top. But you must interact with your audience. Best of luck mate.

.
One of the nursing homes I play at books me a year in advance, 12 monthly dates at a time. The last time I talked to the booker, she did not mention music at all. In fact she never has. She said the reason I get called back is because I "talk to the residents."

Hello, I do not sing either, and I am starting getting more jobs than other keyboardist that sing......you wonder?...I arrived in the Phoenix Arizona area only 2 years ago, and I began to work in the "Tea dances", nursing homes, RVs, etc....and most of this places book 1,2 even 3 years in advance...
I play with a PSR 3000 and a Korg PA60, I did have a Ketron SD1 too....
One thing I can say, I do NOT use SMFs....I PLAY....and I guess people like my music, I do have a lot of repertoire, and I try not to repeat songs in the same place, or if I do, I play them in diferent way....or use another styles...someone sid to me long ago, if you became predictable, you became boring....Hope it helps.

------------------
mdorantes

I make a living doing the nursing/retirement circuit. I think singing is essential, unless you are a monstrously good keyboard player.

If you can sing by yourself, that would be preferable, because in the nursing/retirement home venue, the pay is limited. I average about $120 per hour performance - some gigs paying $175-$200/hr., but a lot of gigs paying $100 or just over $100.

If you had to split this with another person in another car, you won't ever be able to quit your day gig.

It is important to have charisma and to entertain the audience. I'm sure I could do more. I often read the joke section of Reader's digest, look at clean joke books, or listen to the clean joke station on my satelite radio. These give me a lot of good ideas for patter inbetween songs.

I would say, don't get discouraged. It might take years to get a lot of gigs in your schedule. But practice and make sure you do as good of a job as possible.

When I started, I guess I wasn't as good as I am now, and there are some activity directors who have last heard me 5 - 7 years ago who will not hire me based on what I did back then. Little does it matter that I am a hit at hundreds of nursing and retirement homes.

Good luck!

Beakybird

Thanks to everyone who posted comments, they are valuable, exactly the kind of feedback I've been looking for and have given me some great ideas to work with. And I knew you folks would point me in the right direction.

Probably the common thing and the most often posted comment refers to "Audience Interaction" I pretty much have sat at the keyboard played the gig and have not interacted the the listners other than briefly acknowleding their applause.

As far as singing, I have been thinking about some lessons, looks like I may start taking some.

>>>>... and have not interacted the the listners other than briefly acknowleding their applause.... >>>

This is a good place to begin working on your patter. See if you can come up with 25 different ways to acknowledege the audience. Write them down so you can polish them.

Got a few? Other than "thank you" or "I appreciate it" or "You're most kind." Is that what you are talking about?


------------------
Me Bill
Yamaha PSR2000

.

...."or, as the cow said to the farmer on that cold January morning - thank you for that warm hand."

(stolen from Ronny Graham)

Douglas Wolfe, Sacramento

.

Stephen,

Much good advice has already been given, especially regarding audience interaction. An activity director once told me she has seen many entertainers who either have good musical talent *OR* have good audience interaction, but very few who provide both. And that, IMO, is the key to being successful, you have to give them... BOTH.

Do a reality check. You can obtain an activity schedule from any senior home, check out the entertainment listings and go and observe. After doing a fair amount of "checking out the competetion", give yourself an honest rating. If you don't stack up at least average, go home and practice, practice, and practice some more.

When you're performing, have fun doing it and show your enthusiasm... that's contagious. Memorize your lyrics (you are gonna start singing, right?) so you can make eye contact and do a little shmoozing, or soft-key "flirting".

One more thing... song selection is very important, especially for a first time performance - it's your only chance to make a first impression - and you have to impress the both residents and the staff. When observing other performers, take note as to which songs are well received. Most songs should be upbeat or what I call "fun-time" music, with your closing selection being a barn-burner that'll leave them humming the tune and/or wanting more.

Good luck and keep us posted as to your progress.

Glenn

Bill, yea pretty much my comments have been limited to saying "Thank you".

I'll keep everyone posted especially since this weekend I have a gig at a Starbucks on Friday night and on Saturday a one hour gig at a retirement home.

Stephen-

I perform regularly at nursing homes & retirement communites in the Dayton, OH metro area. I average over 250 shows per year at these type places...I also perform in clubs on most weekends...Right now, I have 367 shows on my books for this year. This is what works for me...

First of all, Glenn said a mouthful with:

"Much good advice has already been given, especially regarding audience interaction. An activity director once told me she has seen many entertainers who either have good musical talent *OR* have good audience interaction, but very few who provide both. And that, IMO, is the key to being successful, you have to give them... BOTH."

I hear the exact same thing...

As a nursing home entertainer-I am hired to be the familiar face that comes in every other month or so...is friendly and respectful of the residents, plays good quality music and makes the hour I have them with me the fastest hour of their day.
I try and set a relaxed, casual, interactive tone with most of my audiences. In between songs I may play short games with them...(Name this tune, Big Band Leader name trivia (I give them the first name-they tell me the last name. ie: "If I say Les...you say?" "BROWN" ...)Sometimes stories about my kids...(I have 3 girls they most places have seen me bring along through the years...)Bottom line is find an area where you're comfortable "smoozing" them and stay there. Too often I've had Activity Directors complain to me about other entertainers doing things they weren't hired to do in the first place. I learn names...I ask specific questions when possible. As others have commented...the "feel" you establish is really important. Warm, comfortable, upbeat, sincere all are good goals to strive for.

Pacing is also important-Keep the songs coming...don't fall into the trap of playing the same old stuff many nursing home entertainers play. The average ages of most nursing homes is between 60 and 80. Ask yourself what music where these people likely listening to in their 20's? Well, If we use 70 as a age to work from...It lands you in the late 50's and early 60's. THAT'S where at least half of your program should come from. Fill out the rest of your time with Big band tunes, some country, polkas, etc. Upbeat is critical. Ballads are great 2-3 times during an hour...but IMO, that's it.

As far as the singing goes...IMO, it makes it more difficult for you, no question. BUT adding a 2nd person isn't a cure-all. This will effect your cost to the facility...your personal take home pay, etc. Most homes will not book anyone over $100.00 a show except for special occasions. $100 can't pay 2 people a reasonable wage unless the money doesn't matter to you. Therein lies the problem...

Personally, after writing this...I amost think you shouldn't try & do nursing home as your main places to play. Why not target venues like a restaurant perhaps where vocals aren't such an issue. To me...no vocals mean background music...which might explain why your act isn't "clicking" at nursing homes.

Do what you do best. If you're not a singer, then don't sing. Rethink some marketing strategies and see if you can't find venues that better fit your skills...

Finally. as Spaulding commented...work on your timing...I might consider re-recording your demo for your website. IMO, the feel on that isn't happening and I hear some timing or at the very least phrasing issues going on.

Good luck...

Bill in Dayton



[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 07-11-2005).]

Just a thought or two . .
If you aren't going to sing, you might make your program more interesting by telling a little about the history or a small story about each song as you introduce it.
Something like, "This song was first introduced in 1951--do you remember what you were doing then? It became a number one hit for ****. He later went on to have his own t.v. show..." Whatever, you get the idea. Get them involved.
DonM

Bill... interesting:



Such as?

Glenn-

I've heard stories about some guys in the Tri-State area who get booked on the premise of providing musical entertainment who once they start...

*Then spend half the time trying to tell jokes....(A couple throughout the hour is plenty, usually...these acts are often short on material.)

*Allow the hour with the residents assembled to become almost a "private show" for 1-2 residents...(As you know, some residents will try and "dominate" the program with their requests...we're there for all of them...)

*Play a few songs then say the magic words, "So...how many of you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"

(...Want to get fired quick? Book yourself as a secular, non-religious style performer then try & sneek something like that in. That is probably the number #1 beef I hear from AD's around here. )

...What some performer's fail to realize is that Activity Director's try to program each month for the entire resident population. THEY ALREADY HAVE OTHERS COMING IN TO DO THE RELIGIOUS STUFF!!! They usually get droves of free, faith based entertaiment and if you start preaching in the middle of the "Friday Happy Hour" it's not going to work out very well...

Lastly...For God's sake...stay OUT of the resident's room unless you're escorted there by a staff member who stays with you while you're there. Earlier this year, a popular NH entertainer got booted from a great account because he was found in a resident's room, with the door closed. I've been invited into several residents rooms-and 95% of the time I won't even consider it. The usual exceptions are when a regular is too ill to attend the activity and I'm asked to stop by her (or his) room to say hi. Maybe sing a song or something...Those are usually sad moments for me because I understand this person I've entertained for a few years, laughed with, etc... is about to pass on. Its part of the business, of course...and I consider it kind of an honor to be asked to do such things...

*Also, don't accept anything of consequence from the residents. This includes cash, checks, offers of sex, trinkets, cars, clothes, food, medicine, etc. If they do offer you something like cash...politely refuse...if they don't get it, then nicely accept it...and the second they are out of your site, walk immediately to the AD and tell her who gave this to you and that you think it should get returned to them ASAP.

I'll bet you have a few stories like this, eh Glenn?

Bill in Dayton

Not really. Have to tell you, I'm surprised to learn all that. I did hear of one entertainer who was booted after spending time with a resident "behind closed doors" - crazy, huh? Worse than that, I was recently hit on by an AD who called me asking "Would you like for us to get to know each other better?" Bummer... not enough practice saying "no" in that kind of situation.

Glenn

My partner Dean was invited to a resident's room once time. I've never let him live it down. Of course he didn't go.
I have not had any propositions from residents, but the ADs--that's a different story.
DonM

Stephen,

I listened to the song on your website and it sounds like you have more than enough technical talent with your keyboard. As I see it your biggest performance problem is that you destroyed the meter of the tune by dropping beats and measures. I can't stress how important this is. Fix this problem, work on the vocals and audience interaction and you should be in good shape.

Tom

Tom, yea that tune does need fixing! Thanks for your candid comments they are appreciated, since in all probablity the audience may not say anything as in what Spalding mentioned.

Stephen,

After a few years playing with bands I have now been playing solo for around 30 years and for the first 10 years or so I didn't sing but I used a mike for announcements.

The only work I could get was playing lounges/bars or backing cabaret but in those days there was a fair amount of work around as "DISCO" wasn't as prolific so that was ok.

Then one day one of the vocal acts i was backing asked me why I didn't sing and I told him that I couldn't at which point he started to reel of a list of past and current hits by singers who also couldn't sing but that hadn't stopped them (Lee Marvin/Wandrin' Star - Telly Savalas/If etc)

Although I wasn't convinced I started to slip in the odd song where the vocal range wasn't too great and I couldn't belive the reaction. Not only from the audience but from the management of the establishments I played.

Not long after I was getting offers of work in other residencies and one off engagements such as wedding receptions and social clubs.

I doubt if I would get much work nowadays if I didn't sing so I would say that's your number one priority. Start slowly and build on your success it will do wonders for your confidence when you get positive feedback.
It was a big decision at the time for me but now I think nothing of it. Give it a try.


I also looked at your website and find that you are an accomplished background player but for my gigs I need more up tempo songs with a strong beat than soft tinkly ballads even when playing to Senior Citizens who are not able to dance.

They mostly request 60s songs which is a shame as I love playing big band or funky jazz but they pay the piper.

All the best in getting more gigs - there is some good advice above and I can only endorse wholeheartedly with what the other guys say.

KFingers

Yes, I'm going to give singing a try since that has by many who have posted a reply. I'm meeting with a voice teacher this Wednesday evening.

I like playing big band material as well, but I also enjoy the 60s tunes.

I'm a rank amateur here vs most of these guys, but I do play out a bit, mainly for something extra to do. I played in bands many years ago, but I had not been actively playing out for some time up until a few years ago. I always continued to play and occasionally work in the studio, so I am a fairly proficient keyboard player, but I never thought very much of my vocals, so I too started off just playing and singing.

Generally, I got lukewarm receptions except for the occasional musicians in the crowd who would sometimes compliment my playing ability. I'd always make sure I threw in a couple of dazzling solos and chord combos. I didn't have as much interaction skill as I needed for the rest of the crowd, and I rarely sang..

Then I got lucky. I jammed with an older guitarist / vocalist who had been a lifelong entertainer. He had always played in larger bands and played many of the popular venues in the Poconos and Catskills.
He and I never went anywhere with it, as it was mostly for fun. I had told him about my limited solo experiences. Then when we were doing a couple songs, I started singing. He asked me why in the world I wasn't singing at my gigs. I couldn't really answer except that I didn't think I was proficient enough at it. I learned a few other things from this gentleman, and ever since my interaction skills have shown steady improvement.

I get positive feedback and generally good vibes now, and I don't feel the need to include that "blazing" solo, even though it is fun to do anyway. Mostly, have fun, be confident ( not cocky ) and show it. It's infectious. Example... Right in the beginning of "Born In the USA", My music sheet fell down. For a split second, I panicked.. then.. I just kept on going, making up words as I went along.. ala "Weird Al" . I think that was the biggest hit of the night, and more than a few did not believe it wasn't planned. It was the right audience and luckily a good moment for it. I didn't plan that at all, but long before it happened, I did tell myself that this is what I would do if that happened ( I'm fairly decent at making up stuff in the moment, and I've practiced doing it a bit ).


While my vocal range is somewhat limited, I've learned to stay within it's range, and it works for me.

I think it is very good that you are meeting with a vocal teacher. This is someone who can help work on building up your strengths, and who won't be afraid to tell you the truth. Even if you ultimately don't wind up singing, you never know what other helpful suggestions you might get.

I would also suggest reworking that demo. Craft it well, as it could be a positive marketing tool, but it also can hurt you if it isn't received well.

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 07-12-2005).]

Waydago Stephen! We're all supporting you here... and remember, we want a progress report in a few months, or wherever.

Glenn

Once again thank you everyone for your valuable input and I will keep you posted.