Most ensemble / music bands / artists will have assembled a repertoire of music content, they'll want others to hear it. But how do they go about finding a gig to showcase their performance ?

The Basics :The ground rule is to avoid performing for an audience that doesn't really know your type of music. A metal band aiming for a folk club gig is a recipe for rejection - you'll find enough of that without looking for it.

A recording of the artist / bands’ music will be required. Most professional music labels will insist on a CD demo – don’t despair, they're easy & economical to make. If you have one, fine. If not, make one - it can even be a live recording burned onto a CD-R – ensure the sound quality is good & you're pleased with the performance.

The first gig usually will not be at the top of the bill. Everyone starts small. The chances are it will be a brief opening slot for a bigger name (or possibly not such a big name). Slowly one needs to work their way up from there - much like an apprenticeship. Complaining doesn’t help - most came up the same way.

Call the clubs, associations
you'd like to play & establish communication with the decision making authority. You can get an address to send your demo - it's even better if you go in person & meet them. The CD must contain contact information, web site (if you have one - if you don't already, we can help you make one !), etc.. If you don’t hear from them in three weeks, politely call. If they don't like what they have heard, accept that. Not everyone is going to be a fan & there are other avenues like Television, radio, interactive media , etc.  around - especially if you live in a city. Don't take the rejection personally; you're going to come across it often in your music journey, so acquire a thick skin early !

Don't quit at the first sign of failure. Your belief in your music must keep you going. Sooner or later someone will assign you work. Initially, be prepared to play for the experience rather than the fee - the chances are that the fees will be a pittance at most.

Before The Gig

Despite being apparent, ensure everything that is needed is there. An "idiot check" - a list of everything that needs to be brought - at home or the rehearsal space always helps and must be habituated. Spare strings for all string instruments (at least two sets; they have a habit of breaking at the most inopportune times), extra drumsticks if there is a drum kit, all amplifiers checked & packed securely, etc..

Avoid  drinking up anything
other than pure water; set list discussion over a meal will help psych up for the show. Ensure adequate water onstage for the performance - it'll be needed.

After The Gig, the first thing is to tear down & move the equipment immediately. Clear the gear off the stage to allow the next artist to set up. Feel the adrenaline rush that comes from performance !

Now, enjoy a drink - most
clubs will give performers at least one free drink token. Dissect the performance. If it was good, talk about the high points. If it disappointed (most real artists are never satisfied with their work), why didn't things work ? How can it be improved the next time ?

For one night rest on the laurels. Next morning back to work - start making the rounds again, finding another gig,  then another. It never stops, but as reputation grows, it becomes easier & the net needs to be cast wider including playing in other cities.

The more public
performances, the greater the confidence grows. Performance becomes tighter & more adept at glossing over the tiny errors that occur. Regular rehearsing will keep the strive to play in public alive.

We can help …