I'm also interested in any other performance-related jobs along these lines if anyone has anything to suggest!
Performing in hotel lobbies
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Performing in hotel lobbies
I now have a period of time of around half a year where I'm relatively free and want to look for a part-time job. My teacher suggested going to various hotels and asking if they would like a small ensemble or just flute and piano to perform in their lobbies as a part time job. Does anyone here have any experience with that kind of stuff? Like what kind of repertoire and for around how long are we supposed to perform? And do you repeat the same repertoire each time or are you supposed to vary it as much as possible from day to day? Would really appreciate it if someone who has done this kind of job could share some info!
I'm also interested in any other performance-related jobs along these lines if anyone has anything to suggest!
I'm also interested in any other performance-related jobs along these lines if anyone has anything to suggest!
Re: Performing in hotel lobbies
I do a lot of these types of performances. What you will perform will depend on the hotel management. Some like classical, some like tradition jazz, some like smooth jazz, some like pop, etc.... Over the years, I have kept a list together of people that are good at playing on the fly(Piano players, string players, guitar players, bassists, horn players, etc....). I have also gathered a lot of REAL/FAKE Books in many different styles over the years. The more styles and pieces/tunes you can play, the better! Usually, the hotel is not strict on the material you play as long as it fits into the style. Also, these types of gigs pay the most money on the average per player! Here are a few rules I go by when doing these types of gigs.chaos0008 wrote:I now have a period of time of around half a year where I'm relatively free and want to look for a part-time job. My teacher suggested going to various hotels and asking if they would like a small ensemble or just flute and piano to perform in their lobbies as a part time job. Does anyone here have any experience with that kind of stuff? Like what kind of repertoire and for around how long are we supposed to perform? And do you repeat the same repertoire each time or are you supposed to vary it as much as possible from day to day? Would really appreciate it if someone who has done this kind of job could share some info!
I'm also interested in any other performance-related jobs along these lines if anyone has anything to suggest!
1. Keep it simple. This is not a feature performance. You are just there to add to the atmosphere.
2. If you have to play for several hours, learn how to stretch the tunes/pieces out.
3. If you are free to pick your own list of tunes/pieces, choose a list the most people will be familiar with.
4. Keep your volume down unless you attract a big audience.
5. Keep an eye on what is going on around you.
6. Keep plenty of fluids close by. Remember, the smaller the ensemble, the longer you will have to play.
7. Wear black. You do not always have to wear a tux or a dress, but still wear black.
8. Tip jar! Be sure you check the policy of the hotel about tip jars. Most do not have a problem with it, just good to be cautious!
Most of all have fun. I love doing these kinds of gigs because it gives me a challenge, and gives me a chance to experiment. I am sure other people will chime in, but I hope this will give you a starting point.
Phineas
Re: Performing in hotel lobbies
Thanks Phineas! One question though, for these kinds of gigs, are they regular? Like for instance will the management have you come down certain days of the week for a long period of time, or is it usually for a few times only?
Re: Performing in hotel lobbies
Chaos
These types of gigs generally do not wind up turning steady for the most part. Sometimes I would find one that would last over a couple of months once a week. These are also very seasonal depending where you are. If the weather is bad/cold, they generally will not do something like this unless it is Xmas or some special event.
What will happen is exposure. Once people see you perform, and like your personality, you will start getting private gigs like weddings, parties, restaurants, instruction, etc.... Frankly, this is where you want to go because private gigs pay more money. Before you know it, your weekends will be swamped with work. Depending where you live of course!
Phineas
These types of gigs generally do not wind up turning steady for the most part. Sometimes I would find one that would last over a couple of months once a week. These are also very seasonal depending where you are. If the weather is bad/cold, they generally will not do something like this unless it is Xmas or some special event.
What will happen is exposure. Once people see you perform, and like your personality, you will start getting private gigs like weddings, parties, restaurants, instruction, etc.... Frankly, this is where you want to go because private gigs pay more money. Before you know it, your weekends will be swamped with work. Depending where you live of course!
Phineas