Showing Off Your Skills

So now that you’ve started taking lessons with Lessonface and are busy learning as many songs as you can get your hands on, what’s next?  It’s simple, get out there and put your skills to the test. 

Performing is an important aspect of the learning process when studying an instrument.  It has a variety of benefits including building confidence and meeting fellow musicians.  Not to mention, performing is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

This post will give you all the tips and resources you need to start sharing your music with the rest of the world, whether it’s at your local coffee shop or from behind your computer desk, you can be reaching people with your music in no time with the help of these tools.

Meetup.com

Photo Courtesy of Marc Revenson

http://www.meetup.com/find/
One cool way to meet other musicians and start playing together is through Meetup.com.  This website allows users to join local interest groups that meet on a regular basis.   Many of the groups on the site are music based; from singers to accordion players they have it all!  The groups feature meet up jam sessions where artists can perform together and trade tips and songs.  Many also offer group outings to attend workshops, concerts, and other events.  If you can’t find an existing group you like, start your own for only as little as $12 a month.

​OpenMikes.org

Photo Courtesy of Noel Reinhold

http://openmikes.org/
Not ready for a full set but still want to try out a song or two in front of a live crowd?  Check out OpenMikes.org to find small coffee-shop style venues to play at.  As a musician myself, I strongly recommend going to open mics as a first step into the world of performing.  Open mics are perfectly suited for beginners as audiences are always supportive and the venues are usually small and less intimidating.  Another great thing about open mics is that they provide a perfect opportunity to network with other musicians.  Try striking up a conversation with that cool jazz pianist that played after you and the next thing you know you may be forming a band.  Definitely check out open mics, they’re ideal for building up confidence in performing and can be a great learning experience. 

Gigg.com

http://www.gigg.com/
If you are a musician that has ever uploaded cover videos to YouTube, or has even been tempted by the idea, this is the perfect site for you.  Gigg.com allows users to participate in cover contests hosted by their favorite bands to compete for cool prizes like gift certificates, band merchandise, and occasionally the chance to perform as an opening act for a famous band.  Users have a limited time span once competitions start to upload their videos.  After the deadline, top cover videos are narrowed down through a bracket style series of voting.  The final winner is then decided through a combination of fan views, votes by the website board, and input from the hosting band.  All contest winners are also featured on the Gigg.com website as well as artists’ social media platforms, which is great exposure for an up and coming musician.  Signing up is free and the site is loaded with amazing talent to check out.  Build a fan base and start competing with your covers today!

SplitGigs.com 

Photo Courtesy of Mark Hillary

http://www.splitgigs.com/
This new and growing site creates a digital marketplace for international venues and artists to connect and coordinate gigs.  One of the highlights of this site is that it allows artists to split gigs with other musicians.  This is extremely useful if you’re an amateur band and don’t quite have enough material for a full set.  Using the invite option you can ask other artists to split the gig with you, and together you can pack the venue.  Each time you book a gig you can earn Split points which can be used to win contests and prizes on the site as well as publicity opportunities and chances to perform.  The site has artists and venues worldwide and is growing daily.  Make a profile and start getting gigs now!   

BandWagongigs.com (UK)

http://www.bandwagongigs.com/
Just started a new band?  Finally decided to go solo? Well now its time to get your first gig.  With the help of Bandwagon you can create an artist profile for you or your band and start searching for gigs advertised by venues specifically in the UK.  Upload a biography, pictures, and videos to impress local venues and secure both paid and unpaid gigs.  Joining could be your first step to becoming a regular headliner!

Other Resources

Checking your school or local community center for music clubs can also be one way to get out and start playing, and if there aren’t any clubs yet, start one!  Ask your drama club if they need musical accompaniment in their next play.  See if it’s possible to play at your local library once a week by holding a kids music session.  Talk to the managers at local coffee shops to see if you could perform a songs or two there.  Also stay on the lookout for local talent shows; you never know it could be your big break!  Whatever the case, there are endless opportunities to get out and impress people with your music skills. The resources above can be a great help but at the end of the day all you really need to start performing is you, your instrument, and a little courage.  So give it a try!  I guarantee you’ll be addicted in no time.

Top photo is a Uke Meet-Up in Times Square.