10 Things Every Musician Should Have

Some of this has taken me a while to learn since I first started making money as a musician nearly 15 years ago, but these are the things I’ve needed time and time again.

The list doesn’t include the undefinables, the gifts, talents, mindsets, etc…that are needed to be a musician.

Rather, here are 10 simple things that will make a big difference in the marketing and success of yourself and your talents, whether you’re a seasoned pro, hopeful amateur or anything in between.

1. Website

If I could get all musicians in the world to do one thing for their business, this would be it. Have a website. Have a website. Have a website.

It’s best to have a dedicated domain (a la youname/brand.com), but using a free host like wordpress, blogspot, and musicteachershelper also works.

Make sure the site’s clean & organized. Simple = classy.

Think of your website as your portfolio, a one-stop preview of who you are and what you do. What could you include to give people the full picture of what you do, what you’ve done, and what you’d like to do in the future?

2. Great Bio

Have a carefully crafted bio at the ready. Don’t be shy about what you’ve done. Take note of bios you like and assimilate what you’ve like best from other people’s bios.

This is important: have both a long and short version. The long version’s for your website, marketing materials, etc. The short version is a good blurb for programs, newsletters, etc.

This is not the same thing as a CV/resume. Though, you should have one of those at the ready too.

3. Cocktail Line

What do you do? Having a great cocktail line may seem insignificant, but it’s not about small talk. It’s about a quick, authentic round-up of what lights you up in the world. You could be standing in front of your next student, concert promoter, collaborator, etc.

For help thinking about your cocktail line/pitch, check out the lovely Dyana Valentine and her Pitch Perfect worksheets, sessions, and workshops.

4. Professional Photos

Have a good headshot and/or professional photos. The investment will be worth it, I promise. You can use the photos on your website, promo material, business cards, programs, facebook profile/page, twitter profile, linkedin, etc.

Think about the image you want to get across. If you’d like a range of pics, work with the photographer and be detailed about what you’d like to convey and for what purpose.

Whatever you do, avoid photos that look like they were snapped by a friend at a party, taken of yourself in the bathroom, or have children/pets/miscellaneous props.

5. Business Card

It never fails; the day you forget to carry business cards will be the day a prospective client will come up and ask you for one. And it just doesn’t feel as elegant to have to grab a scrap of paper to put your info on.

Get some cards printed up cheaply at an online printing service, like Vistaprint.com. (Again, simple is better.) And if you’re into arty flair, I love Moo.com for specialty products and cards.

6. Respectable E-mail Address

Avoid monikers like sopranoxxx76@hotmail.com or greeneyedtrumpetplaya@aol.com.

Your name (e.g. janedoe@gmail.com) is better, a dedicated e-mail is best (e.g. jane@janedoe.com). Get on the gmail train if you still hear “you’ve got mail” when you check your e-mail.

7. Attire

Don’t add stress to your life and wait until the last minute to find the right outfit for performances. Have at least 3 outfits at the ready.

Make sure you have a pair of shoes you’re comfortable performing in and are scuffed up to prevent slipping on newly polished stage floors.

Ladies– have flattering make-up and hair styles practiced and ready to go.

8. Set rates + availability

Know EXACTLY what your rates are and EXACTLY when you’re available. Don’t wait until a request comes to set a rate or figure out your calendar. This is when the risk of overbooking at too little money becomes very high.

Being very clear on your rates & availability is a form of service and respect to yourself and others.

9. Proactive responses

Don’t waste time crafting responses to requests every time one comes in. This is reactive and a big energy waster. Be proactive and have set responses to requests.

For example, create a “Yes, I’m interested. Take a look at more of my info on my website…” e-mail and a “I’m honored you thought of me. However, I’m unavailable/my rate is ___. Here are people I recommend…”

Of course, the e-mail is personalized, but the structure and language of the response is already done and is effortlessly courteous and professional.

10. Have it in writing.

Have everything in writing, whether contract, agreement, dates, price, etc… It not only protects you legally, but you’ll find people step up their game when it becomes official.

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What of these have been the most useful for you? What other things do you think every musician should have?