What does a General Business Musician (Freelance Musician) do?
A freelance musician earns income from a portfolio of performance, recording, arranging, teaching, content, and other project-based work. Freelancers manage their own contracts, schedules, invoicing, taxes, marketing, equipment, and professional relationships while maintaining the musical skills needed for each engagement. The exact mix of work changes over time and may span live, studio, educational, and digital settings.
At a Glance
Alongside session and touring work, general business gigs represent a major porition of the freelance work available for professional musicians who haven't broken through as recording artists. While some make playing general business gigs their career and life's work, for most it's simply another way to make a living while pursuing another angle, like auditioning for orchestras, playing with an original band, or writing songs.
While many find their first general business gigs by doing favors for friends who need a band to play their nephew's bar mitzvah or their company's holiday mixer, this isn't a sustainable model for finding work. If one is interested in a long-term career in this field, finding a booking agency or events planning company to partner with is the first step. It's also beneficial to seek out professional partnerships with wedding planners and party planners, as well as recurring gigs at restaurants, clubs, and bars.
- Excellent instrumental proficiency
- Wide musical repertoire
- Live performance
- Arranging
- Public speaking
- Flexibility
General business musicians are skilled performers with excellent people skills. They must understand that they aren’t the stars of the show, their job is to support the event and make sure everyone has a good time, not to push their own art. Charisma, sensitivity, and public speaking skills all help in that regard. Additionally, leaders of show bands must be excellent organizers, negotiators, and networkers.
Most general business musicians are freelancers who travel to play gigs, which often last from late afternoon to late evening. As such, it's best when paired with some kind of day job.
