9x12 inches. Hello Allen! Small living rooms or lounges are often used for performances; another favorite space is a facility’s dining room. Most of what you expressed here is familiar to me, but it was still good to read it and see the consistencies with my experience as well as a few fresh ideas. I agree entirely about the value of word-of-mouth, and I am a huge fan of hand-written thank you notes after each engagement. I live in a Senior community located in Fairfax County Virginia. I once knew several guys who did shows for Seniors but all of them have left the area or passed away. This can vary quite a bit, and will naturally influence the equipment a performer needs. And there will always be venues that will gravitate to booking those free and low-paid performers because of their various situations. How do I go about finding somebody to sing those old songs while I play them? (Instrumental Folio). This jam-packed collection features 130 hits for clarinet from the past and present, across a variety of genres such as rock, country and folk. My objective is not just entertainment, it is participation, since music is said to reach parts of the brain that remain responsive even when other types of social interaction are impaired. Most activities directors understand that many performers have day jobs and can only perform evenings. Staff turnover, frequent at seniors’ facilities, leads to problems along the “learning curve.” To further complicate matters, many for-profit facilities are part of national chains, and your payment comes from “Corporate” in another state. I hope you can help. One of the aspects of advanced age can be dementia, in mild or not-so-mild forms, and one of the aspects of dementia can be inability to read social cues, or adhere to behavioral norms. Most of them are, obviously, happy to get volunteers to perform for free, a little less generous about paying performers; they want better quality programs, musicians who, if not “pros,” at least conduct themselves professionally. Someone made a similar observation recently on the Delcamp classical guitar forum. I have been registered for quite some time with a booking agency (Gigmasters), but what few gig alerts I do get for nursing homes, I have been unsuccessful in scoring a gig. Making me chase down a lousy fee is a pain. This gave me a bit of a track record in performing for “special audiences.”. He specializes in folk and popular music programs for seniors, playing over 150 gigs annually. The only complaint we have is not getting paid sometimes when promised. I can add to this since I don’t do musical performances but I DO perform in retirement communities. Some professional performers are known as much for their patter as for the music. Working with seniors, and with the staff and leadership of seniors’ residences and organizations, has given me quite a bit of experience in this field. One last thing about entertaining in Seniors homes. We ere recently approached by a public access cable TV channel asking if they could record and broadcast some of our shows. I’m in Tennessee or I’d love to perform with you! I hope to inspire you to charge for your services. We would like to establish a regular schedule with each facility we play for so that the residents can become familiar with us, the day/time, and our music. Once the first performance is over I listen to resident remarks, see how many go speak to the entertainer and enthuse, ask around later and then I have a list marked like stop/go lights. Found insideHow Music Works is David Byrne's buoyant celebration of a subject he has spent a lifetime thinking about. Don’t listen to them when they tell you they don’t. Thanks! You article is spot on, and any information I was lacking, was right here and very helpful. I wish most Senior Facility Administrations and I would be on the same page with this practice, see the value in what music does for their seniors and, then pay us within a month. Recreation personnel do network, and refer performers; other performers also refer people they know, for potential jobs that they’re unable to schedule themselves. I perform quite often at assisted living facilities. I’d be surprised if any audience didn’t appreciate at least some patter, even if it’s just introducing the next song by name and the composer and/or noted performers of it. Found insideWith its simple, timeless message, Elvis Presley's Love Me Tender is destined to join Guess How Much I Love You as a baby shower staple. Thank you so much for this post Dave. He can play the classics from his piano training, quite a few holiday songs, and lots of Star Wars music :)! © 2021 Dave Ruch | Privacy Policy | Site Design by Renoun Creative. I am not sure if this would be considered “self-employment”, which would incur the self-employment tax, or if we would consider it a ministry, which is a different animal altogether, according to my CPA. This place is saturated with singers and players. Great advice. So many things to love about your post Aspen! We have a couple of places that offered to pay us $150 and told us to charge that amount because we were that good! 3o’s to the 60’s – that is where I will be focusing as well – thank you for the information. (Easy Piano Songbook). The first edition of our "easiest of easy piano songs" collection was such a success that we found 50 more favorite songs in the easiest of arrangements presented simply, with lyrics. I live in north central Indiana, and before the shut down I played over 200 gigs a year. I think he’ll try and put together a 30 minute performance and see if there are any takers. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. It is very apparent that you are an experienced entertainer with a high degree of common sense and insight into the subject matter. But the show up and start playing in the lobby works probably 4 out of 5 times. I know I’m disappointed when there’s no patter. Thank you. will also pay consistently AND treat their RESIDENTS well. And, if it is so considered, it’s up to the venue to comply — or not — with ASCAP/BMI rules, pay a license fee, and so forth. This series of beginning fake books for players new to "faking" includes: 100 memorable songs, all in the key of C * lyrics * chords which have been simplified, but remain true to each tune * easy-to-read, large music notation. 100 songs ... So far this year I’ve booked about 165 gigs, with the usual ratio that two-thirds are for senior audiences. And i charge double on weekends. But in the end, any exposure is born by the presenter, not the performer. This is excellent! The main purpose of the book is to explore basic music theory so thoroughly that the interested student will then be able to easily pick up whatever further theory is wanted. Of course, audience size influences my preparation for the gig, and the term “seniors” can include a wide variety of audiences; it may mean a group aged in their 60’s, who drive themselves to a senior center for lunch. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Rock of Ages (Ma’oz Tzur) I keep spreadsheets of my gigs, including information about date, time, location, mileage, payment receipt, and a contact name and phone for follow-up if needed. First of all, as a musician,. I found myself doing many of these songs for our sing-a-longs. Much gratitude Allen for your integrity in providing such a clear and comprehensive overview of what one can expect in performing at senior care facilities. I find it important to keep good financial records, and to manage “accounts receivable.” I report all music income for tax purposes, as Schedule C personal income; I keep track of and report music-related expenses, mileage, etc. Jim King, Waupaca, WI. All the best to you! However, if it is someone that the residents enjoy I will still bring them in and that month balance out with some less favorite but more reasonable priced entertainers and of course during the course of the year I do have those more reasonably priced people in more often. Or you can use social network account to register. South Wind/Girl I Left Behind Me, Deck the Halls* . 2020 Holiday Greetings from the Glastonbury Ukulele Band. Increasingly, I find places that call, but have no intention of paying. Whatever strategy a performer uses to get started, expansion of his/her schedule will largely result from word-of-mouth referrals. On the other side, we wouldn’t need the best professionals. I am: By creating an account on LiveJournal, you agree to our User Agreement. Dan. It almost invariably goes well and I work on a regular schedule for the rest of the year. Recently, I was asked to submit proof of liability insurance, before being given bookings at certain facilities. And it’s crucial to try to enunciate lyrics clearly, perhaps speak a bit slower; I have been complimented by senior audiences, saying they could “understand the words” –– important to their involvement and enjoyment. I have also been asked, as a condition of playing for a local government, to obtain a waiver of workers’ compensation insurance –– again, a one-time occurrence –– but this only involved obtaining and completing a form that exempted me from workers’ comp coverage. Call and get the name of the person who books entertainment, and send your information directly to that person’s attention. LOOKING FOR VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING FOR SENIOR FACILITIES? Share. I’m very fortunate to have found and developed a “niche” playing music in my community (Rochester NY). Found insideIn This Is Your Brain On Music Levitin offers nothing less than a new way to understand music, and what it can teach us about ourselves. ***** 'Music seems to have an almost wilful, evasive quality, defying simple explanation, so that the ... I plan to come back and review this article often as I commence my traveling performer’s journey. (Arlo Guthrie comes to mind.). I see most jobs are in the afternoons, but could one get gigs anywhere from 6 to 9 p.m.? Staff members who provide routine care and supervision at residences, are underpaid and overworked, in many cases. If you are a pro, act like a pro and charge like a pro. would it be worth trying if only available for evening performances? All that came to a crashing halt in March, and I fear that senior facilities will be among the last places to resume having any kind of outside entertainment. By looking at the guitar note chart below, we have only provided the notes from A Natural … The Pennsylvania Council on Humanities never seems to have openings for new speakers. I was wanting to start performing or seniors and this post gave me direction! However should I declare any monies received if I only charge a nominal fee of £20 or £30 and/or only play occasionally? But , I have noticed that the age of the residents is getting younger and I now find that I play 1940’s to 1980 material, including some Billy Joel, Eagles, Simon and Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor etc. Again, thank you for the blog. Imagine the gladness and connection you'll feel playing this sacred music in a group. And you can be sure that this collection of worship ukulele songs has all the essential elements you need. As has been said here many times in the past, Themed Shows Get Booked! You’re coming to provide a music service, and you should quote them what you think fair for your time and talents. There are inherent factors leading some to find it not to their liking. this last year, an activities director came to me and asked me to do a special show for August about Princess Diana. I operate as a small business in Canada and pay taxes on what I earn. Thanks so much for a very informative article about making music for seniors.. The problem we found is some Activities Directors resent when we inquire about our payment when it’s overdue a month or more. I do 1/2 hour or so ,because of attenetion span. She is a Tony award-winning musical theatre actress. I have been at it for about 11 1/2 years now in this area. (Piano/Vocal/Guitar Songbook). 80 romantic hits in many musical styles: Always on My Mind * Body and Soul * Cherish * Fields of Gold * I Honestly Love You * I'll Be There * Isn't It Romantic? * Lady * My Heart Will Go On * Save the Best for ... It’s a shame some Activity Directors decide to no longer hire us even though their residents say we were the best entertainers they ever had! – The observation about insurance was interesting. Performing successfully, and recurrently, at a single facility produces inquiries from other possible venues. I, on the other hand, feel that performing as a professional entertainer –– including booking, preparation, reliable and punctual adherence to schedule, dependable performance quality (including special programs when requested), and overall value –– is worth a reasonable fee. Once, a resident asked if he could sit in with me on guitar. They are lying. Rose’s fee is usually $100, sometimes a little more or a little less. The bills have to be put on hold t wait for a check. I believe that as a musician, these seniors are the best audience that any performer could ask for and I feel very privileged that I am able to do what I do. “They won’t pay it if they can get it free or cheaper from someone else.” That is utter bullshirt. I remember speeding up the tempo, and not playing it a second time. (Fretted). 20 Christmas classics arranged especially for the uke, including: Blue Christmas * The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) * Christmas Time Is Here * Feliz Navidad * Frosty the Snow Man * I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa ... However, I do find the music tastes of the residents is changing as was mentioned by some other people who wrote in the blog and I often joke if we are going to be doing reminisce with future Memory Care residents will we be burning incense and having a Woodstock in the garden. As $ 40 teach you how to use copyrighted songs speeding up the volume or the stage.. 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