Solo violin for weddings,receptions, funerals

January 17, 2009 at 05:35 AM ·

Since you are in a position that would make you risk-averse, why not take a risk?
Start a business playing where traditionally people could use music, but use canned music?
 

Some thoughts

• Conferences; playing for breaks, in the lobby, etc.
• Holiday parties for companies (If they have a banquet room, the venue may not provide music)
• On the theme of the above, if a number of restaurants have your contact information, retirements, etc. could easily book you when they book the dinner)
• Outdoor picnics (corporate, family, etc). This could end up competing with a clown, so I would suggest some ground rules.

On the whole, possibly try and identify anywhere there are 20 or more people gathered for an event, and see if your music could be part of the event. Possibly get close to a florist or caterer, and share customers?
Just some thoughts, I play for myself & my grandkids, so I have no public performance experience (at least with the violin involved... but that's another story).

January 17, 2009 at 04:27 PM ·

The first thing I would do is acquire repertoire, and in your case, probably mostly memorized. I'd estimate that you'll need 2-3 hours of tunes of every kind. Then I'd suggest recording a large number and have them available on your website so that people can hear your work, and so brides and others can figure out what they want. You might have to do lots of arranging yourself.

January 17, 2009 at 06:06 PM ·

A problem you are going to run into doing this "solo" with an accompanist is that there are lots and lots of venues that do not have pianos.  The ones that do are likely to have old pianos that have not been tuned in ages that will ultimately make you sound like less than what you are capable of.  There are few pianists willing to venture into the event business simply because they don't want to tangle themselves up in the world of electric keyboards.

January 17, 2009 at 07:18 PM ·

Hi Marina, good thoughts.  I have an electric and very portable keyboard that my pianist does not mind.........

January 17, 2009 at 07:32 PM ·

I've gotten gigs through a caterer, and that's a good connection.  As for repertoire (and just for fun), I recommend the Classical Fakebook.  It's an amazing compendium.  It includes the themes from each movement of each Brandenburg Concerto, themes from some of Bach's best known and loved oratorios, themes from each movement of each of Beethoven's symphonies, themes from the most widely known and widely played of Beethoven's piano sonatas and all his concertos, etc.  That's just a few of the B's.  There are 600 tunes in all in that book.  It can bring you lots of fun, maybe even some money.

January 18, 2009 at 08:02 AM ·

Could your pianist play the piano accordion instead?  My teacher plays in an ensmble/due whatever happens with a great pianist who does this, and their repertoire is eclectic and riveting because of the unexpectedness. 

January 18, 2009 at 02:45 PM ·

Over the past 6 years, I've performed at hospitals and nursing homes, for a small fee.  It's been a gratifying experience.  I get on their schedule and play once a month, so making phone calls to arrange shows is minimized to once a year.  All I can say is, in addition to making a part-time living teaching violin and playing in a band, I value the experiences I've had playing for these places.  In fact, to go in to a little more detail, no matter what is on my mind, once I enter the nursing home, I forget all my 'worries', and just concentrate on bringing a bit of joy and pleasure to others.  It's therapeutic for me!!

January 19, 2009 at 12:09 AM ·

Thanks to all for the outstanding responses.  I appreciate your input........GF

January 19, 2009 at 01:06 AM ·

My apologies--I didn't see you had an accompanist. That will limit you, even with an electronic keyboard.