Some gigging questions -- finding gigs, copyright concerns

[SciNote]

So, I know I've posted some of these questions a few years ago.  Just looking for updates and clarifications.  I've finally got equipment together that should help with gigging -- a couple keyboards, an amp, and a stand set-up that can accommodate 2 keyboards.  At some point in the near future, I think I'd like to give this a try.  I've heard of the "senior circuit", and figure that I can contact various senior centers and assisted living facilities in my area.

I believe they usually have someone in charge of entertainment who I would contact?  And would you recommend that I put together a demo of a collection of songs that I play?  Perhaps on CD, or as MP3's on a flash drive?  How many songs would you recommend?  Would you recommend just providing "snippets" of the songs, maybe about 1 minute long, so as to not just give away my performance?

And how about copyright concerns?  As I understand it, most facilities like this are members of music organizations, where they pay a fee to the organizations, which allows them to have musicians play cover songs there.  But what about private gigs?  Let's say a friend of a friend wants me to play keyboard in a private house for a party?  Or at a rented hall for a wedding reception?  Is there some organization that I should join to allow playing cover tunes without infringement?

And just as a side question, how do these organizations work?  I understand that a place like a senior center may pay a fee to them, based on the size of their entertainment venue and how many people they expect to entertain on a regular basis.  But then, how does any of this money make it to the original song writers?  Would I have to track every song I play and turn in a list to the entertainment director of the venue?  Or does this money just go to record companies, and then it is the record companies that work out any payments to the song writers based on their contracts?  Or does it all work another way?

Thanks for any input!

[mikf]

 I wouldn't worry about copyright for gigs. The problem lies with the venue, not you. Some pay their dues, some dont. But they will never come after you, its not really your problem, and even if it was, it would be way more trouble that the return. Do you really think multi million dollar organizations like ASCAP care about what Bob does on a Thursday afternoon
If a venue is paying one of these organizations ( typically either very big concert venues or local government owned establishments like community centers) they might ask you for a list of songs you play. It happened to me several times, but its mostly a bit of a sham. The venue manager used to tell me I don't care what songs you play, just give me a dozen or so song names so I can fill in the form. Nobody ever checks what you actually play. And as I said, it's not your responsibility anyway. Strictly speaking its the venues responsibility to listen to you play and list the songs, but they never do, and nothing ever happens.
Different story if you record, broadcast or put stuff on the net, especially for sale.
But playing live gigs pubs, care homes, restaurants etc, never an issue. I played myself as a pro for years, and had hundreds of friends do the same, not a single one ever had a copyright issue raised for live play.
Mike

[SciNote]

Okay, Mike, thanks for the input!  I thought it was generally the responsibility of the venue, as well, but also thought that there could still be a concern for the performer.  When you mentioned a large organization going after an individual, it reminded me of something that I remember happening ages ago -- maybe 25 years or so.  A local daycare center painted Disney characters on their playroom walls, and somehow, the Disney corporation got word of it, and actually threatened to sue the daycare center unless they took down or painted over those characters!  So, a large organization can sometimes zero in on the little guy!  But, as you said you never saw it happen in decades of experience concerning playing live gigs, I would be inclined to trust your experience.

How about landing a gig?  Any suggestions for that?

[mikf]

Why don't you visit a few of the care facilities near you and offer to come and do a free gig. If it goes well they might want you regularly. Then the doors open. Once you do one or two, you have references for the others.
Mike

[jtrue]

I will respect others' views and experience but when I was quite young, before entering the part-time music business, my favorite piano teacher offered a bit of advice. At the time I wasn't sure why he did so but now think he anticipated my likely future activities.  The advice was to never perform for free because, "When you do something for nothing, that's the value people will put on it."  So I would suggest offering a short sample performance for a bargain price but not free lest you saddle yourself with an unwelcome perception that might be difficult to escape.

   j.

[mikf]

Disagree completely.  Nearly all of us start out doing things for free. That's how we build our experience. And let's be honest, hardly anyone starting out is actually good enough to demand pay. Charity shows, care homes etc we all did them. In fact in the UK the care home scene is very different to the USA, they almost never pay performers, it's considered a work of charity.
The other advantage of starting out for free is that it reduces the pressure on the performer. Not a bad thing as you build confidence in performing for the public.
Mike

[EileenL]

Yes Mike I agree. Here in the UK we entertain the senior homes for free and are pleased to bring music to the old folks and see them tapping there feet and smiling

[mikf]

I have played many a time in care facilities in the UK , and was happy to do it free. But I also played right before Covid in a care home in Texas where I live most of the year. I had a friend whose father was a resident. They had a lovely grand piano and I played for them and they loved it. The manager of the facility was very keen to put me on his list of paid performers if I would come back, but I no longer have any interest in paid musical work, so I never did go back.
Mike

[jtrue]

SciNote lives in the USA where most senior facilities are run by corporations subject to government regulation, required to provide recreational activities and almost always staffed by a paid activities director with paid assistants and a recreation budget all funded by residents' fees.  It makes no difference to the residents whether a performer is paid or not but free entertainment services do add to corporate profits without enhancing resident experience.  If a musician is new to the game he/she may not command the same pay as a more seasoned performer but that does not mean his/her services are unworthy of compensation and the musician needs the money far more than the stockholders.  In addition, performing for free is unfair competition against those who depend on this work for some or all of their income.

  j.

[mikf]

I live in the USA as well, so know the situation. But Bob is asking advice on how to get started and I think for someone with no track record playing free is a reasonable way to start.
Offering to play once or twice for 30 or 40 minutes free to establish a track record is hardly unfair competition, because it's additional, not replacing anyone. But even if it is, if someone just loves playing in care homes, doesn't need the money or want the hassle of keeping records or making tax returns, it should be their choice. If I offer to cut my 95 year old next door neighbor's grass, I certainly would not expect the local lawn cutting company to come knocking because it was unfair competition.
Mike

[SciNote]

I appreciate all of these suggestions.  As for playing for free, I can see the pros and cons.  Yes, since I have no professional track record, it could be a way for potential employers to at least hear me.  But I can also see the point that if I'm not careful, it may look like I'm just looking to do charity work -- and while, of course, there is nothing wrong with that, at this point, I would be looking for something that would eventually be able provide at least a part time wage.  Perhaps I would just need to make it clear that this would be some sort of "audition period" for one or two sessions, and not a permanent arrangement.  And I would certainly be fine with playing for a lower-than-average wage, since I do not have much previous experience.

Right now, I am working on getting a set of songs together.  I just finished building my set up with my 2-keyboard stand and multi-channel stereo amp, so now, I am working on registrations, synth settings, and playing styles geared to these keyboards.  Previously, I was playing with a set-up that included bass pedals.  That meant that I was playing the bass notes with my left foot, so that I didn't have to be as concerned with playing the bass with my hands.  At this point, it would be cumbersome to add bass pedals to the equipment that I would be carrying around, so I am modifying the arrangements of some of my songs to enhance left-hand bass.

How about the idea of supplying a sample of songs, or parts of songs, that I could record of me playing them live?

[mikf]

Bob, unless it's obvious charity work, I've never known people to assume I would do it free as a permanent thing. They will get it that you may offer to perform a show free to show what you can do.
But dont underestimate how much it might help you to get comfortable. Many of us started our public performing as part of a band, which is much easier. Performing a one man show is not without stress to begin with, and setting expectations by starting on a professional basis just ups the ante.
Mike

[RoyceM]

Hi Mike,

Here is my 2 cent offering on this subject.

I'm in my 17th year of performing exclusively in all kinds of senior living facilities of all sizes in our city and surrounding cities. (I'm in the Pacific Northwest: Salem, Oregon.)

I have tried every idea I could think of to attract interest to my for-pay service. Each idea attracted some interest, but none was the "magic bullet" I was looking for.

I eventually came to realize how incredibly busy many activity directors are. Bringing in a new entertainer can be a risk for them and their time. When somebody offers a free performance, it allows the facility to form an opinion as to quality, resident response, and they DO NOT have to do extra paperwork or spend/gamble precious budget funds on an unknown. THIS HAS TURNED OUT TO BE MY BEST MAGIC BULLET.

Eventually, simply hearing names of respected facilities where I regularly play has become enough proof to satisfy that I am not a risk and will be worth setting me up in their accounting system. Sometimes facilities reach out to me because of word-of-mouth.

Now days, I just leave my card. Facilities that have not contacted me in a while likely have had a turnover in activity directors who probably have not left a good record of entertainers and calendars.  In that case, my card re-introduces me. Otherwise, my card is a painless reminder that I am still around.

For my personality, being genuine has gone a long way. There's no need to come across as plastic, phony, or full of ourselves. I'm purposing to be a resource for THEIR team, not a self-absorbed irritant.

Any contact methods you apply will probably help you, Mike.

I hope you update us as your adventure unfolds.

- Royce

[mikf]

Royce, think you meant this for Bob, but of course as you will have seen above I completely agree with you. And as you say, the biggest driver is if the residents like you, and tell the management they want you back.

Mike

[RoyceM]

Royce, think you meant this for Bob, but of course as you will have seen above I completely agree with you. And as you say, the biggest driver is if the residents like you, and tell the management they want you back.

Mike

Thank you Mike. Yes, I meant my reply for Bob.

- Royce