Hello! Nostalgia back at it again! Almost 2 years ago, I made an article listing where bands could perform because I was in one. There really wasn’t and still isn’t much information or guidebooks for bands, so it’s been a pleasure to create a lot of resources as I created, promoted, and performed with my own.
But now that I’ve picked up a more independent instrument, I find I’m having the same issue I did then, so I wanted to start with this article on where solo musicians can perform. Luckily, there are certainly more opportunities available to you in comparison, as you wouldn’t need the same amount of space or gear to get going. You also won’t have to worry as much about balancing volumes and getting the right mix, which usually requires a music engineer. You’re likely playing an instrument that can project itself (ie violin, flute, saxophone), or may need a small set up (keyboard, backing tracks), but you’re certainly more welcome in smaller establishments or more refined scenarios.
1. Open Mics
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0
While I listed open mics for bands too, open mics are definitely best suited for solo musicians as they tend to be in smaller restaurants with bars and may not have much stage space to begin with. Open mics are great if you want to get your feet wet and just start getting experience performing in front of people. They are free and open to pretty much anyone regardless of your skill level or experience. Some may allow you to sign up online, while others are first come first served. Some will also put names in a hat so everyone has a fair chance of performing that day. The crowd doesn’t know who you are, so they won’t notice or care much if you mess up, but if you manage to impress the crowd, you may gain some followers. Just be sure to announce your social media handles a couple times and bring some business cards with you!
2. Public Busking (Sidewalks, Parks)
Cost to You: One-Time Permit Cost | Money to Be Made: $-$$
If you’re hoping to gain more experience playing in public, but without a crowd paying full attention to you, why not try busking? Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a permit to perform on the street, so be sure to look into this first. Toronto has a yearly cost of $50 and allows you to play anywhere except TTC property (A different permit, mentioned below) and our busy downtown square.
As a busker, you have the potential to make money, but how much you make comes down entirely to you. It’s worth watching some busking YouTube channels for tips on what to wear, where to set up (make sure you don’t mess with another musicians territory), the best song choices, and how/when to engage with people (ie, some may try to start a convo mid-song). And of course, be sure to have a sign with your name and social medias so others can follow you too!
3. Private Busking (Public Transit Stations, Halls)
Cost to You: May Need Permit | Money to Be Made: $$
Similar to public basking, private busking is also an option. The main difference is that these are usually on private property so you will need to do your research and see what requirements or permits are needed.
As a public transit user, the place I’ve seen musicians the most is on the TTC. At almost every station, there is a little musician box, usually on the floor or section between the bus platforms and the subway platform. Honestly, I don’t even think this is the best section as people are usually rushing through this section just to wait and stand at the platform, but perhaps it’s to bring a bit more life to an otherwise boring and dull area. And of course, there is a lot of foot traffic here as well. But yes, according to their website, every 3 years, there is a competitive audition process where winners will get to play there for that time span. So if you’ve been wondering why you always see that same flute player at Finch station, that is why. I think this is great if you are looking for a long-term or even full-time job.
But yes, if you live in a city with public transit, or know of any other halls or arenas or any place that may like some music for their guests as they wait around, it may be worth looking into! If you get in, you’ll definitely make a bit more money than you would public busking, and it’s obviously going to be in a more safe and secure area. Not to mention, you’lll be able to play year long as they’ll have heating and air conditioning when applicable, better than burning or freezing outside!
4. Cafes & Restaurants
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$
There are quite a few cafes and restaurants that will have a platform for potential performances, but even if they don’t, it’s still worth inquiring! A lot of places would be open to entertainment (especially if you’ll play for free) as it allows them to promote and perhaps increase their potential customer base during that time. Other places may have set dates once or twice a month where they would host events and promote certain performers, ***
5. Bars & Clubs
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$$
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$$
Obviously, the most common place where you can get a gig is a bar or club. These are places that are more active in the evening/night time, and tend to be 18/19+ since they serve alcohol. These kinds of places are always looking for live acts that could help draw in a crowd and entertain the audience.
These are also the kinds of places that are more likely to pay you for your gig, and you could even become a regular if they like you. The only expectation for these places is that you’re able to play a few sets, and thus, should have an hour or two of songs ready to go. Of course, the more, the better.
You shouldn’t have to pay to perform at these places, but you should expect to get paid. This is often where the argument of ‘being paid in exposure’ comes into play. If you’re a new band, or if they want to see how you do, there’s definitely nothing wrong with playing a free gig here and there, but otherwise, $50-$250/night seems to be the average starting out. If you are popular and can bring in a crowd, you can expect even $250-$800/night!
6. Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$
Similar to bars but quite different in clientel, these are places where people tend to sit, relax, cozy up, and really enjoy the atmosphere. Not to mention, while bars may have more drunk, rowdy, or people at clubs just want to dance, people at these places tend to be more mature and interested in meeting new people, including musicians.
This is all speculation though. I don’t drink so I don’t visit any of these places; however, when I was hired to be in a Christian music video, we had to change venues last minute, and they weren’t available until a few hours, so we hung around a brewery next door. They were super accomodating (we were a group of at least 30 people), gave us our non-alcoholic drinks, allowed us to order pizza and eat there, gave us a corner to practice singing together, and just allowed us to take our time, etc. The other guests who were there didn’t seem to mind at all, and some even enjoyed the singing. I don’t think any of this would have been acceptable in a bar or club, that’s for sure. It was a very relaxed environment, and we really appreciated it.
Just like all the other places above, you’re always free to simply ask if they are open to new musicians and performers. In general, as long as you sound good, many places are open to entertainment, especially if you’re willing to play for free. If you have a reputation already, it’s worth making a pitch, but even if you don’t, you can offer 2 free sessions and they can assess if you can help bring in new people or allow them to make more sales.
7. Conventions & Festivals
Cost to You: May Charge To Audition/Application Fee | Money to Be Made: $$
While this may sound very intimidating for the rookie, it can be a dream for anyone who already has some experience performing for people. You’d be surprised, but outside of the biggest festivals like coachella, a lot of these events will take local acts, and even beginners. What matters most is that your music or style fits the event.
For example, my very first gig was at an anime convention, but we were an anime cover band, so we would fit the venue and their clientel. However, other anime conventions rejected or ghosted us because they didn’t have a space for us, both physically (their stages only had microphones, so they preferred singers and dancers), and schedule wise (they would often have multiple performers in a single block, ie, singing competition, idol dance groups, voice actor panels, but we didn’t fit into any category). At the end of the day, the convention wasn’t a music event, but if you were to apply for a bluegrass festival or guitar convention, they are more likely to be open and accomodating of musical acts.
But yeah, it’s worth looking around. While there may be some big established festivals and conventions, there may be new ones in the works, and the smaller they are, the more desperate they are for acts to fill their schedule or to fill each section of the building. If you have a bigger following or platform, it may also put you ahead of other considerations because they would hope you can bring in people too.
Money also depends greatly. If they are a small or new event, it may be free for you to perform there, but you also can’t expect any money. If you’re a headliner at the event, you may receive an upfront flat fee or receive a portion of what was raised. But the best way to make money here is to have your own booth where you can sell your own merch (T-shirts, signed albums) before and after your slot.
8. Private Events (Weddings, Parties)
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$-$$$$
If you have a full setlist ready to go and are really trying to make some money, private events are the place for you. You have three main options to go for this: You can either promote yourself either via a website or on listing sites like GigSalad and wait for people to reach out, or you can keep an eye out for potential gigs and pitch yourself to them. The first is more passive, but there is more competition, if you’re a great fit for their specific event you’re good. The second requires more active searching, but you can potentially get more gigs as you’re making it easier for people who may already be overwhelmed with all the other planning. Some events may not even be considering a live musician, so letting them know it’s an option and a service you can provide also gets you ahead of the game. You can always just start out with your friends, family, and coworkers, and then allow word of mouth to do it’s work.
But yes, there is a lot of potential for you as a solo artist. A band may be nice during a wedding reception, but they would prefer a slower, softer act during the ceremony. While they may hire a duet or quartet, usually, the wedding planner would reach out to them individually, and they’ll come together to rehearse just before the gig. You can learn more about this process on FoolishFrankie’s YouTube channel as he is regularly hired to join other musicians at a variety of events and venues. Funerals are also great for solo musicians as they want more somber music, not something flashy or distracting. This is especially great for melodic instruments like violin or flute. And of course, any other events like birthday parties, work parties, galas, they may like a live musician in the background as people socialize or eat.
But yes, this is where the money is really at and for good reason. Usually, you would be expected to have a full setlist for a couple sets, and be a highlight of their night. They expect you to not only play some good music, but to energize
9. Funerals
While also a private event, I wanted to put this in it’s own category as it definitely works differently.
9. Talent Shows & Fundraiser
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$
While this sounds like a high school thing, you’d be surprised how many community events are still open to members of the public. A good place to start is at places like libraries, community centers, and local theatres. I will say, this is probably better if you play an instrument or have songs that are a bit more entertaining or exciting, but you never know what may resonate with the crowd.
10. County Fairs, Amusement Parks & Exhibitions
Cost to You: May Need Permit/Audition Cost | Money to Be Made: $$$
If you live in a bigger city, it may be worth checking out local fairs, parks and exhibitions. While the rides and food are what brings most people around, the shows allow opportunities for families to experience a show together, and who wouldn’t mind some entertainment while they’re taking a short break for lemonade or donuts?
Similar to private busking, these places usually have their own audition process. Obviously, the bigger names get the bigger stages, but it’s still worth seeing if you can play in an area with a lot of foot traffic, or at other places where people may relax like in the food court or by the park. And if they don’t accept you, get your busking license and see if you can play near the exit or the closest bus stop.
11. Hospitals & Hospice Care Facilities
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0-$$
If you didn’t know, hospitals love musicians, and so do the patients. Music is known to have many mental and emotional benefits and can help improve memory, energize individuals, and provide a sense of connection. Hospitals love musicians who can play for individuals or a room of patients to spark some joy and hope. While hospitals love volunteers in general, many of them do have budgets or are willing to pay more serious and committed musicians.
12. Care Homes & Retirement Homes
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $-$$$
Similar to hospitals, Care Homes and Retirement Homes love having musicians for their clients for their mental and emotional benefits, but the main difference being that these homes usually have a budget set aside for external entertainment. In most cases, you will perform a set for a large group of people at certain times, think midday/midweek, but they may be open for individual performances as well. Definitely reach out to some homes near you and see what can be arranged.
13. One-on-One Performances
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $$-$$$
It’s unlikely that a single individual will hire a band for themselves, but if they really are looking for a musical therapy session, for themselves or for their loved ones, they would usually hire one person. This is great if you play a more soothing instrument like the flute, piano, or clarinet.
14. Churches
Cost to You: $0 | Money to Be Made: $0-$$
As a Christian, I believe only true believer should be serving at a church ( )*, but I am aware that many will hire musicians because they are desperate. Either way, it is a solid gig for those who choose to participate. If you’re at a bigger church, they will likely have multiple pianists, guitarists, and drummers so they can rotate each week or month. Smaller churches may be lucky to have 1 pianist, so that individual bares the burden of playing for every single service, so keep that in mind. Some churches have enough of a budget to pay all their musicians well, while others may only pay the music director, and in others, everyone volunteers. If you are considering this, be sure to ask before you start how often you would be expected to play and if there would be any financial incentives.
15. Host Your Own Concert
Cost to You: Depends On Platform | Money to Be Made: $0-$$$
We live in a day and age where you don’t have to wait for someone else to host something if you want to get on stage. The only issue is, it will cost you money to rent a venue, and you will have to promote unless you are fine with just a handful of your family and friends being in the audience. But otherwise, it’s not a difficult thing.
A good place to start is your local rehearsal studio. Just like how they have rehearsal spaces to rent, some of them will also have a stage room that you can rent out and perform at. Best of all, they are usually pre-equipped with mics, monitors, speakers, soundboards, and lighting. And maybe for a little extra, a staff member can handle the sound board and sometimes even the videography or livestreaming during your concert.
16. Online
Cost to You: May Need Permid+Audition | Money to Be Made: $$
Another thing that didn’t exist ages ago is the ability to livestream a gig. Once again, you will have to set it up and promote it on your own, but if you’re a bedroom musician who wants to at least gain some exposure playing live for others, this is a great place to start.
There are many musicians who play on sites like ****. I’ve also seen YouTubers go on Omegle, a video chat site where you can talk to strangers, and will simply ask if they can play something for them.
I also stumbled across an app called ** which gives you points***.