You get booked for funerals, weddings, recordings. Use a rate card, a kit list, and a cancellation policy.
This is booked performance or making. People hire you for funerals, weddings, recordings. Income is a stack of gigs, teaching, and commissions — rarely a single patron. Ask for the paid slot, not exposure. A normal week is rehearsal or studio time, a booking email, and showing up early with a one-page price list. Keep a non-art cash stream until the calendar repeats for a year. Social media is a flyer, not the studio.
The instrument or a repertoire book you already have. First gig often 1–4 weeks of asking (BLS musicians).
Each required material has a matching shop listing — photo, price, and a way to add it to the cart.
Your instrument or kit
Portable instrument or craft kit
Portable instrument or craft kit. A gig bag and the first-night extras for the instrument or craft you already play: strings or leads, a stand, a small amp or palette. You bring the instrument; this is the kit around it.
Transport
Local transit pass
A month of local transit (or a rideshare float of the same size) so a route job can move. This is fare, not a vehicle.
A one-page rider or price list
One-page rider or price list
A one-page rider/price list template you print or pin. Digital file; print locally.
A decent recording of the work
Handheld audio recorder
A stereo handheld recorder for interviews and a decent recording of the work. SD card included. Not a phone app and not a studio booth.
Public examples matched to this path by what they actually publish — not endorsements, and not a claim they run this exact shop. Handles change. Verify before you write to anyone.
Eric Whitacre
Ran a virtual choir from home singers learning parts without a conservatory.
Platforms on this card: YouTube.
Mira Chen left salaried work and now coaches this craft. Book a slot for a tailored plan, a starter kit list, and follow-up support.
Community-Theater Hired Gun
Lighting or stage-manage across companies
Community-Theater Hired Gun
Lighting or stage-manage across companies
You get booked for lighting or stage-manage across companies. Use a rate card, a kit list, and a cancellation policy.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital $200
Extra Violin
Hire out as the missing player for community orchestras and churches
Extra Violin
Hire out as the missing player for community orchestras and churches
You hire out as the missing player for community orchestras and churches. Clients pay a posted rate, ticket, dues, or commission.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital $200
Magic for Tables
Restaurants that want close-up, not smoke
Magic for Tables
Restaurants that want close-up, not smoke
You get booked for restaurants that want close-up, not smoke. Use a rate card, a kit list, and a cancellation policy.
Minimum initial capital Minimum initial capital $100
