If you are at the beginning of your journey in pursuit of getting more gigs in nursing homes, here are my recommended first steps:
1. Play at least 5 times as a volunteer somewhere. Check out Musicians On Call
2. Develop at least 45 minutes of material
3. Make a list of the facilities in your area you’d most like to work at.
4. Get the contact info of the Activities Director
5. Play a free show
6. Follow up
I have marketed myself independently to dozens of facilities. These are the steps I’ve taken. Certainly there are aways to improve and accelerate this marketing plan. I very much look forward to seeing your comments, and together we can learn from each other the best way to negotiate these gigs.
This is the postcard I send out everywhere:
1. Play at least 5 times as a volunteer somewhere. Check out Musicians On Call
If you have not played in an environment where people are struggling with physical and mental decline, you may be unprepared for all the ways in which it differs from the world of conventional music venues. I was very intimidated in the beginning just to play for people who were old and sick. The person you’re playing for may be altogether unresponsive. They may be in pain or emotional despair. They may be wanting to sleep or they’re glued to the TV. They may be from a completely different culture, not English speaking and you are stumped as to how to entertain them. If you are strolling room to room, there are often two TV’s blaring at top volume. If the resident doesn’t reach for the remote, I sing on top of that noise. An aide may come in and disturb the performance. There may be horrible smells that you have to put up with. The idea is to develop a connection to the person in front of you for those few moments of music, no matter how despairing the situation. You will get used to this though, and it all becomes less bewildering with each time you bring your light to the experience.
I volunteered with Musicians On Call in NYC for years- wonderful organization, now active in several cities. They have supportive guides walking with you room to room. An excellent way to get started.
2. Develop at least 45 minutes of material
I’m going to do a separate post all about my set list, what works best, why I make certain choices. I welcome you to please post in the comments about your selections. Instrumentalists, you already know what to play! My commentary here is about songs. Singers: you’ll want lots of upbeat optimistic songs (e.g. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, I Can See Clearly Now, Do You Believe In Magic?) a song or several in Spanish, songs with an amusing lyric (e.g. Jailhouse Rock, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again) standards that are universal in their message (e.g. Smile - though your heart is aching), a quiet beautiful song (e.g. What A Wonderful World) and songs with a faith message (e.g. Oh Happy Day). You want some soul and R&B (I love The Spinners, Temptations, Supremes, Marvin Gaye). I am not someone who knows hundreds of songs. That never stopped me from doing this work. You just have to find the material that you can put across. These days Boomers are moving into nursing homes – the Woodstock Generation. The sky is the limit. We are all humming in the same musical culture now.
3. Make a list of the facilities in your area you’d most like to work at.
A simple Google search is how I do it. Chose your neighborhoods and just start calling them.
4. Get the contact info of the Activities Director
You want the name, email and phone extension. Often the receptionist will put you right through and you can explain you’d like to be added to the roster of musicians. Set up some part of your online materials in a way they can easily view - even a simple email with video links, photos, testimonials if you have any. Keep records of who you reached, on what date and what the follow up is. (e.g “Activities Director Jenny Todd said call back in one week”).
5. Play a free show
I make a point to say hello to the residents and ask them what they’s like to hear more of. If they respond positively or ask when I’ll be back, I encourage them to tell the Activities Director they want me back!
6. Follow up
Often I will be offered a paying show right there on the spot, and BOOM I have another active client, hopefully booking me at least 6 times a year. Other times, they have to confer with a committee or they don’t have an opening for a long time. Just stay with it! Call and write, stay in touch. Send more marketing materials as you develop that. I send holiday cards and Thank You notes too. These people are busy. Make it easy for them to remember you and BOOK you!
Comments welcome! Let’s move forward together and share ideas and strategies. There is plenty of work to go around for all of us. Let’s PLAY!
You are doing a good thing! Thank you!
Such great advice, thanks Bibi!