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I've figured that unless I do something soon no one will ever hear me play live apart from my computer and my video recorder! So here comes the time when I really want to go out and play live, and I was hoping to be able to play at local venues. I now live in Munich, and the place is full with piano bars and jazz bars.

Have people done this sort of thing? Where do you start? I really don't care about income -- I'd happily play for free although I wouldn't say no to a modest fee! -- I just want the experience and opportunity to play in public. There's one snag: I'd really like to play my own stuff, and ultimately I would like the word to spread around a bit.

I wonder whether this would make things more difficult. While I don't mind playing covers, I'm much more comfortable with my own music. A few people checking out this forum might be familiar with my sounds, but if not, please do listen to samples on my Facebook page (this is not intended as an Ad; my intention honestly is for you to usefully evaluate my music and its suitability). There are plenty of songs uploaded, roughly in reverse-chronological order of composition. The link is here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tar-Viturawong/63159029794?v=app_19935916616&ref=ts

You'll find that some of the things I've written is very strongly classical-influenced and will be "too heavy". My thought is that I could have a "toned-down" version for these pieces. I feel that my earlier music is much more "piano bar" tailored as it is (e.g. Leavers, The Heartbreaking Smile, The Shining Light, A Million Miles, Song of Consolation, all posted).

How would I approach these venues so that they may become interested, especially with no prior experience (= no real "credits")? Do I need some kind of press kit? Am I being realistic to want to play my own music? A "For Dummies" from people who are experienced would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,

Tar

I listened to your Valentine's Day piece. There is no question you have a gift, my friend, not only for composition but performing. I wish I could perform as flawlessly as you do! Too many responsibilities to devote the amount of time I'd like.

To achieve a dream like yours I suspect you kind of have to grab the bull by the horns and make it happen yourself. The question is, Can it happen? Yes. Will you find encouragement? Yes.

Many of us are in the same boat, would relish a career in music - it would be like never having to work again, doing instead what we love! - but the standards are so incredibly high.

The consensus from those in the industry seems to be to discourage people from seeking this path unless they absolutely will not be dissuaded. It's hard to get rich as a musician, after all, though it is possible to earn a comfortable living.

You'll need to ask yourself, How badly do I want this?


Your ideas about keeping it light re: heavy syrup classical vs. more a whimsical jazz sound are astute and show musical wisdom on your part. You'll need to find the right door and walk through it!


I'm sorry I cannot offer anything more concrete other than a little encouragement.

Here's a link to a recent discussion in the non-classical forum on just this topic:

How to find jazz gigs

good luck!

Cathy

I have not been to Munich so I don't know if the setting is different there, but when I think "piano bar" I see more emphasis on the "bar" part, imagining that there is a lot of conversation and ambient noise and not very many moments where anyone would be quiet enough to really focus in on quality music. For just the FUN of performing, I could imagine you could easily join a small combo, play some jazz, and maybe talk them into giving you a small solo set that might grow longer as your name gets out there and interest grows. But I'm still not sure the bar setting is where you'd be happiest. ?? Would there be a quieter place, like here in the States sometimes bookstores will bring in a nice quality piano and have someone perform...obviously this would start as a small venue with mostly catching the passing "traffic", but once you get known, hopefully there'd be a following that would notice when the posters go up that you're going to be there! Or heck, enroll in a 2-credit music class of some kind at a large university, just to get access to the performing hall, and then do a full recital of your work!!!!!!!

I listened to some of the music on your website and I think you should definitely be playing out. One thing you might want to do is look for a place such as a coffee shop where musicians occasionally play and which has a piano and ask the owners if they would be interested in having you play some time, if you don't care too much about the money that would greatly increase your chance of getting a gig. I have not played any solo bar gigs myself, but I have played a few as part of a band and have spent some time visiting establishments that have live music to see about getting gigs for the aforementioned band with some success. Don't worry too much if the first few places you try turn you down, if you talk to enough coffee shop / bar owners you should eventually find someone likes what you do and is willing to give you a chance.

As for the gig itself probably the biggest issue is the piano itself, if possible see if you can spend some time practicing on it before you play in front of an audience. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thank you so much everyone for the encouragement!! It's a tough career path, which is why I'm not making it my career However, I really do miss playing live in general -- there's something very different about playing with others or in public and playing for myself! It's a pity because I'm supposed to be in a culture centre of Europe, yet I feel like I really haven't made the most of the opportunities.

I checked out the jazz gig thread and I've taken a couple of points on board.

Right now there's also the linguistic barrier (ich spreche aber nicht so gut Deutsch!), but I'm crossing my fingers on owners of these places being cool with speaking English. This is more problem when it comes to joining a band, in addition to my not actually knowing any "formal" jazz.

I'll give it a stab and report back. This could take weeks or even months, but let's see!

Thanks ever so much again!