What does it take to actually pull a gig off?

Today, I want to tell you about an experience that one of my sax students lived recently, and what there is to learn from it.

My student posted a video of herself playing that got shared to many people. One person from those she reached liked what they saw, and contacted her to book her for an event. It sounded great, until it was revealed that the gig was in only two weeks.

Panic ensued. She did not know what to do. On one hand, she did not want to pass on the opportunity to play in public, even if for free. On the other, she did not feel ready. After consulting with family members and with myself as her teacher, she decided to go for it, playing a song she already knows well, and one she was working on. She did her best, and while she received no complaints, she ended up feeling overwhelmed and a tad regretful. She told me that she wished she could have an entire year to properly prepare. I can understand, I have been there!

Last minute gigs can open many doors, but they can also be the stone that trips you and makes you stumble. Whenever you are offered a gig in short notice, you have to ask yourself some things that a regular gig doesn't require, like:

• Do you have enough songs, that you know and can play confidently with little to no time for rehearsal or preparation, for this gig?
• If you need to learn new songs, do you have the knowledge and ability to do so in time?
• Are there last minute arrangements in your life that you have to make in order to accept this gig? For example, finding someone to take care of your kids, elderly relatives, or pets; getting public transit tickets or a car to drive to the venue; getting time off from your day job in order to make time for the event; etc.
• If there are last minute arrangements to be done, can you do them at a reasonable cost, be that personal or financial? 

The answers to these questions will help you make the best decision in a pinch, and also design the best pricing system for managing this kind of eventuality long term. 

My student now knows what she can and cannot manage. However, she will have to reassess and reflect again whenever she is offered a gig. We all do. Even after decades of professional work in the music industry, I still ask myself questions, go over what I am doing and what I would need to do or arrange, and consider pros and cons before accepting a gig. This is the best way to ensure a quality performance for clients and longevity for your own career!