By Eric Stoddard
In life people can be divided into 3 groups: Finders, Minders, and Grinders.
Finders are those who naturally like to talk about starting something new, finding new opportunities, and persuading someone to try something new. Minders are those who keep the figures in order, people in order, cars in order, prisoners in order, students in order, etc. Grinders are those who just love doing the work; want the job delivered to them to do; have confidence that once a structure is set they can accomplish anything. Which are you? Most great singers are Finders. Most starving musicians are Grinders. Few musicians are Minders. So with that in mind ask yourself this question: which am I?
If you are a Grinder or a Minder, you won’t like this advice and you won’t take it and you will likely never get out of the rut you are in. If you are a Finder and a good to great singer then there is hope. Here’s how.
A singer has a reputation which must be considered and burnished and displayed. A great singer has a passion to sing but not to teach. Teachers are grinders and minders. Singers are Finders. Here are the steps for a singer who has a passion for performance to find/create singing gigs.
Step 1
Sometimes Finding is sometimes fishing and sometimes hunting and sometimes both. In either event a singer must have a set program which lasts one hour or about a dozen songs which can be performed at a moments notice. That means also the singer must have an accompanist who is also ready to perform the same set. More experience will generate more sets. Having a set does not mean each is perfectly performed but rather adequately performed. Perfection takes multiple performances [not multiple rehearsals].
Step 2
After you have your set, your accompanist, and you can perform them at least adequately you are ready for the next step. Step 2 is selling your performance. But to who? Answer: Church groups. Most churches and synagogues have or would like to have an evening Sunday or Shabat performance of high quality religious/classical music. Most will be willing to pay a modest fee for the performance, some will pay nothing.
So that is to whom you will sell to and sing to.
Step 3
Next talk to the rabbi or minister and set up a date about 3 weeks from now for your performance. In the meeting do a demo of two songs which will be included. Review the set of songs to be sung. Be willing to take one or two requests to customize the performance to the group or to special holidays.
Step 4
Go sing.
Step 5
Repeat ad infinitum. There are thousands of churches and synagogues and most would welcome such an offer. Start “smilin’ and dialin’.”
Does this system work? Yes. I’ve tried it and have found success with it.
Eric Stoddard, BS, MOB is a businessman with extensive international business experience. He has hired many bands, singers, and acts in America and abroad. He has also led many choirs, big-bands, and played trumpet in high school and university. Visit Eric’s website at www.EricStoddardConsulting.com or email him at elstoddard46@gmail.com.
