These are just some things I've been wondering lately...
1. What type of freelance jobs do you do?
2. How do you find freelance work?
3. Is it hard to find freelance work?
4. What type of work do you do alongside freelancing, if any?
Questions for freelance musicians
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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flapperflute
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:33 pm
- Location: New York, NY
Hi asoalin!
When I was making my living as a full-time freelance flutist, I made my "bread and butter" teaching private flute lessons. I taught at a few community music schools as well as home teaching.
I had a lot of freelance work as a performer, mostly playing chamber music at weddings, parties, etc. I also played flute in local chamber orchestras and opera companies.
I am looking to get back to freelancing after a long hiatus, so I am curious to hear what other pro flutists have to say about this.
I currently work full-time at an office and would love to transition to being a full-time musican, but at almost 40 years old, I cannot afford nor do I have any interest in the starving artist lifestyle anymore.
Would love to hear from others!
When I was making my living as a full-time freelance flutist, I made my "bread and butter" teaching private flute lessons. I taught at a few community music schools as well as home teaching.
I had a lot of freelance work as a performer, mostly playing chamber music at weddings, parties, etc. I also played flute in local chamber orchestras and opera companies.
I am looking to get back to freelancing after a long hiatus, so I am curious to hear what other pro flutists have to say about this.
I currently work full-time at an office and would love to transition to being a full-time musican, but at almost 40 years old, I cannot afford nor do I have any interest in the starving artist lifestyle anymore.
Would love to hear from others!
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
I do a lot of freelancing even though I live in a fairly small community. I typically do several weddings a year (mostly outdoor weddings where a piano is not an option). That is how i got started. I also play at receptions, ladies luncheons, holiday parties, and anywhere else a flutist can be enjoyed. I am now doing some studio work on the side, which I love. For me, I just had to put myself out there and advertise. I also did some free gigs for members of my church. It is rewarding work, but it takes a lot of patience and self assurance in the beginning. Once you get a few gigs, pending that you handle yourself well and sound good, the rest will come. I have a few students who are starting to play at weddings this summer under my guidance 
I can honestly say that I am more nervous about them playing that playing myself.
I can honestly say that I am more nervous about them playing that playing myself.-
fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
Unfortunately, I have little experiance in this area. There arent many opportunities for freelancing gigs in central KY, and those that are, are covered by the numerous flute professors and orchestral musicians in the area. I am sure that I could dig a few things up if I wanted to though. I am just focusing on school right now.
But, I beleive I have a few prospective students in the area that I will go fishing for tomorrow.
But, I beleive I have a few prospective students in the area that I will go fishing for tomorrow.
Re: Questions for freelance musicians
Answer 1asoalin wrote:These are just some things I've been wondering lately...
1. What type of freelance jobs do you do?
2. How do you find freelance work?
3. Is it hard to find freelance work?
4. What type of work do you do alongside freelancing, if any?
I play almost any style of music, although most of my jobs are kind of in the jazz/brazilian realm, and mostly smaller groups. Even though, I regularly play with this group.
http://www.originalknightsofswing.com/
(Search around the band members, you will see my ugly mug shot...lol)
Answer 2 and 3
It is called politics, and knowing how to be seen. If you are good, and people like you, you will get gigs. I move around alot, so I have gotten into the habit of developing methods to get into circulation in a given community. Here are a few things.
1. Play at a church.
2. Hang out at a local college music department.
3. Tour the local music store.
4. Visit the local musicians union.
5. Volunteer.
6. Practice out in public like a park.
7. Play on the street for tips.(If you can get a group together, this works very well!)
8. Answer ads in the paper.
9. Open mic/poetry nights.
10. Kareoke bars.
Anything to get yourself exposed. Normally, all I need is 3 things off this list, and some one will offer me a gig. After you play one gig, others follow behind. If you think this is a joke, consider I even found gigs in Tainan Taiwan, and was playing 4 nights a week! All I did was play flute at the right piano bar, and instantly became popular. (Speaking a little Chinese did not hurt either!)
Answer 4
I am an Engineer/Integrator that works in the field of Factory Automation/MES/Robotics. I am also freelance in this occupation.
Phineas
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fluttiegurl
- Posts: 882
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 11:05 pm
Phineas,
You have some great ideas! I too volunteer and play at church, but I never thought of poetry nights or simply practicing in public. I will have to give it a try!
The answer to #4 is I am a part time flute teacher and a minister of music, which does make it a little easier for me to find gigs. I also live in KY, but I guess I have found my own venues that no one around here is interested in.
You have some great ideas! I too volunteer and play at church, but I never thought of poetry nights or simply practicing in public. I will have to give it a try!
The answer to #4 is I am a part time flute teacher and a minister of music, which does make it a little easier for me to find gigs. I also live in KY, but I guess I have found my own venues that no one around here is interested in.