[spacer height=”20px”]

Everything you’ve ever learned about how to act on a gig, you learned in kindergarten.  Things like;  sharing, be nice to others, don’t say mean things, and don’t hog all the solos!  Ha!  But seriously, sometimes I think we forget why we got into playing in the first place, remember, it’s because playing is fun!  Although you are going to work and making money in the traditional sense, people always ask “where are you playing?”.  Have you noticed that only musicians ask each other “where are you working?”.

Gig etiquette can be different depending on the particular job you are on (big band, orchestra, musicals, casuals, salsa, top 40, jazz, etc.).  But, generally, I think these “rules” apply to all types of gigs.

Keeping the working/playing idea in mind, here is my list of gig do’s and dont’s.

1.  Always show up at least half an hour before downbeat (unless the leader says otherwise).  Many musicians don’t understand this until they are a leader.  A musician friend told me “if you are early, you are on time.  I you are on time, you are late.  If you are late, you’re fired”.  Probably good advice.
2.  Dress appropriately.  If you are not sure what to wear, bring different things to wear just in case.  Always be sure to ask.

3.  Know where to load in.  Generally, if it is a private event, it’s not cool to walk through the crowd, and if you do have to for some reason, make sure you’re already in your gig clothes.  So, you’ll probably have to find the service elevator and go through the kitchen (I know i know, many a good musician joke ends with this punchline).

4.  If it’s a big band gig, or other type of performance where their are a lot of solos, pass them around.

5.  Don’t ask to play a solo that is written in someone else’s part…..not cool.  I have a general rule (it’s my own rule) that if I have back to back solo’s in subsequent tunes, I’ll pass the second one.  If nobody wants to play it then i’ll do it.

6.  Never ever comment on someone else’s mistake.  If a player cracks a note, comes in wrong, plays out of tune, plays too loud, plays too soft etc. let it go.  Don’t point, or stare, or turn around to acknowledge that you indeed heard that “clam”.  It makes it really uncomfortable for all.  Trust me, no one feels worse about the mistake then the person who made it.  Aren’t we our worst critics?!  And, better yet, it could be YOU who “phracks” that next entrance!

7.  Be fun to stand/sit next to.

8.  Don’t make the gig a drag.

9.  Don’t comment about other people’s playing unless it’s positive .

10.  Don’t “ask” to play the lead book or the solo chair.  Sit wherever.

11.  Don’t play in the green room.  That is for chilling, not for warming up.  Trust me, the rhythm section doesn’t want to hear Clarkes #2.

12.  Don’t pass out your business cards unless someone asks for it.