Collaborating with fellow musicians can inspire creativity and community – but at times, it can be limiting, too. Coordinating schedules, compiling setlists, and navigating creative differences can complicate gigging as a group. There are plenty of other reasons to go solo, too, as many pop artists have proven in recent years – better payouts, the potential to develop new creative relationships, and reduced limitations in terms of the who, what, where, and when you’ll perform. 

But, if you’re considering gigging as a solo musician, breaking into the scene can feel daunting and anxiety-inducing at first. Without the backing of a band or a manager, you’re not just the performer — you’re also taking on roles and responsibilities that you may have shouldered when gigging with your fellow bandmates in the past. You can fly solo – but to succeed, you’ll need to perform and function as your very own booking agent, marketer, and logistics coordinator, too.

While the climb may seem steep, don’t fret. Landing gigs as an independent artist is entirely within reach with the right strategy! This guide will help you thrive as a solo performer by walking you through creating a captivating solo portfolio, mastering networking, and setting your rates.

Step One: Build a Portfolio Before You Start Gigging as a Solo Musician 

Wondering where to start or how to be a solo musician? Whether you’re striving to be a professional violinist or a guitar-strumming singer-songwriter,  your first step is to build your solo portfolio. After all, first impressions matter, especially when booking gigs. Think of your portfolio as your musical resume – you’ll want to ensure you showcase your skills, style, and professionalism. Here are three key components to include:

1. An Electronic Press Kit 

A well-crafted EPK is often the difference between landing a gig and being overlooked – which is why an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is a digital portfolio must-have. Your EPK can be a stand-alone website that you host, hosted on an EPK-specific website, or take an interactive PDF format. 

No matter how you craft your EPK, be sure to feature your bio, high-quality photos, sample music or videos, and past performance highlights. If applicable, include your social media handles and any press releases or articles covering past performances. 

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The goal of your EPK should be to make it quick and easy for venue owners to see what you bring to the stage. Aim for a clean, clear, and representative EPK that symbolizes you as an artist – and, like a resume, be sure to update your EPK regularly to highlight your latest achievements and performances.  

2. Compile Music Videos

If you want to break into gigging as a solo musician, you’ll want to ensure you include live performance videos. Whether it’s a polished music video or a clip of your friend shot while you were playing at an open mic, pairing your musical stylings with visuals can help potential clients envision you at their event and get a sense of your stage presence.

A stellar video can be a decision-maker for venues, which means it’s a wise decision to invest some time in creating videos with good lighting and clear audio to leave a strong impression.

3. Gather Testimonials

If an EPK is your musical resume, testimonials are your musical references. Positive endorsements from venue managers or event organizers build trust and credibility.  When you’re just getting started, consider offering to perform at small events or charity gigs to gather those initial testimonials. 

When gathering testimonials, you’ll want to ensure you have written feedback that speaks to your performance and professionalism. Include the testimonial giver’s name, title, and venue. Also, include the event type (wedding, gala, featured musician) and number of attendees, too.

As you grow, be sure to continually gather reviews or testimonials from past gigs and to keep your testimonials section up to date. 

Step Two: Leverage Your Online Presence to Get Gigs as a Solo Musician 

Wondering how to get gigs as a solo musician? In today’s digital-first world, a strong online presence is non-negotiable. Here’s how to establish an online presence and maximize your reach:

Build Your Brand With a Website

Create a professional website that serves as your online hub. Include your EPK, gig calendar, contact information, and a blog or news section to keep fans updated. A well-maintained website shows that you take your music career seriously and provides an easy way for potential clients (and fans!) to learn more about you.

Show Your Stuff on Social Media

Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to share performance clips, covers, original songs, practice sessions, and even behind-the-scenes content. Engaging with your followers helps grow your fan base, which in turn can help you attract and land gig opportunities. 

Remember to tag your location (whether your city when you’re at home jamming or the venue if it’s a live performance clip). Finally, consider using relevant keyphrases in your social media copy for an SEO boost and to increase your visibility: think “live music,” “solo musician,” or “violinist.” 

Find Your Presence on Booking Platforms

Sites like GigSalad and Thumbtack can help connect solo musicians with event organizers. Optimize your profiles on these platforms with detailed descriptions, professional photos, and videos. Regularly update your availability and respond promptly to inquiries to boost your chances of securing gigs!

Step Three: Network Like a Pro to Land Solo Gigs

You’ve laid some solid groundwork to establish yourself as a solo artist, but straight outreach and an online presence alone might not be the most reliable source of gigging opportunities. 

Building connections is essential in the music industry. Networking opens doors to gigs you might not find through traditional methods. When it comes to the music biz, the old adage is true: Sometimes, it is about who you know! 

Connect with Venue Managers

Introduce yourself to local venue owners and pitch your act. Whether you walk in on foot or place a phone call, be ready with a concise pitch and leave behind a business card or link to your EPK. Follow up with a polite email or call to stay on their radar. 

Collaborate with Other Musicians IRL 

Yes, the goal is to go solo, but going solo doesn’t mean going alone. Plenty of solo musicians continue to attend open mics, jam sessions, and music events to meet fellow artists. Your fellow musicians can be one of your greatest assets; they can refer you for gigs or even invite you to join their performances as a support act. Collaborations can expose you to new audiences, helping you expand your fan base and get on the radar of venues and event planners. 

Join and Participate in Online Music Communities

LinkedIn probably isn’t your best bet for snagging gigs. But your local online musicians’ networks might be a great tool. Whether online forums or social media groups for musicians, these digital spaces often have gig opportunities posted by members. Engage actively, share your experiences, and offer advice to build a reputation as a reliable and talented solo musician.

Step Four: Determine Your Rates

How much should a solo musician charge? This is one of the tricker answers to figure out. You must value your time and talent while weighing tangible benefits (dollars!) with opportunities down the road, which can be tricky to navigate and balance. 

Here are some factors to consider as you set your prices.

The Venue Type

Your fee should reflect the size and prestige of the venue. A small cafe gig might pay less than a corporate event or a wedding. Understand the expectations of different venue types and adjust your rates accordingly.

The Event Type

Consider the nature of the event — is it a casual gathering or a formal event? Higher-profile occasions typically warrant higher fees. For weddings or corporate events, clients may expect additional services like learning specific songs or dressing to fit a theme, which can justify higher pricing.

Travel, Rentals, and Lodging

Factor in travel costs and local market rates. Research what other solo musicians in your area charge to stay competitive. If applicable, include expenses like parking, lodging, or equipment rental!

Clear communication about your pricing will establish professionalism and avoid misunderstandings. To further streamline the process, consider creating a rate sheet that outlines your services and fees for different types of events.

Take Control of Your Music Career With CodaBow 

Gigging as a solo musician is both challenging and rewarding. By building a strong portfolio, mastering the art of networking, and honing your craft, you’ll be well on your way to securing consistent gigs. Remember, every performance is an opportunity to grow your fan base and enhance your reputation. Stay persistent, learn from each experience, and continuously refine your approach to achieve solo success.

CodaBow is here to help string musicians feel confident onstage and ensure every note shines with a CodaBow Custom Chroma bow. Whether you’re playing at a local cafe or a grand concert hall, crafting a made-for-you bow can ensure you shine. Visit CodaBow today to explore our exclusive collection and build the Chroma that resonates with your solo ambitions.