How To Get Gigs

[@ChadLefkowitzBrown]

Use coupon code “JLV50” for $50 off a Full Access Pass to the Virtual Saxophone Workshop! 16 Live Masterclasses plus 30 Days of Unlimited Streaming Access! www.jazzlessonvideos.com/virtualsaxophoneworkshop Sign up for the waitlist to study with Chad through the Chad LB Text Lessons Studio! www.jazzlessonvideos.com/text-lessons Use $5 coupon code “CLB5” for $5 off practice materials at www.jazzlessonvideos.com/pdf-packages Chad LB plays Nexus Saxophones, Mouthpieces and Reeds. For more information, visit www.nexussax.com

[@pablodiegosilvacosta]

One thing that you forgot to mention is that having a good audiovisual material, recorded with professional quality, is essential. Everyone that contacts you and doesn't know you already will ask for your youtube channel.

[@GardensoftheAncientsHerbal]

That’s great if your community actually has decent humans….

[@dario5076]

i feel like another important aspect that people forget is just simply to be a good friend to have around. If you are a great player and a good person to be around people will call you on their giggs

[@SaxSpy]

I never had a formal audition for most of my high end gigs, but I did go over and play duets with the contractors and get to know them that way

[@DeMariusJackson]

Spot on advice Great video!

[@danpinsonsax]

Monk said, “If you want to be seen, be on the scene.” I say, “It’s hard to ignore a badass.”

[@Fokan44]

"How to get gigs? Get freaking good boys"

[@kevincoltri2310]

Spot on advice Chad! I would also add networking/reaching out to other saxophonists, especially if your schedule is light and your looking for more work. Good saxophone players get double/triple + booked all the time and are always looking for subs. Just a, “Hey man my schedule these next few months is light. If you need anyone to sub, I’m available” can go a long way. (That’s assuming you have the musicianship, stage presence, professionalism, etc. to handle the gig.)

[@stuartdryer1352]

My first thought seeing the first part of this video is that the dude is one of the best sax players alive today, like Brecker before him, and Coltrane, and other icons, and he's going to get gigs no matter what. But all his videos are great too, this one included. Maybe especially this one.

[@bmcguire06]

You’re the best living saxophone player there is. The gigs come to you. I get gigs by being reliable, playing well, getting along with the band.

[@dexter_piano]

lol

[@Renaya2000]

Hi Chad. Thanks again for your generosity and sharing all those tips and experiences. You are lifting up the musicianship level of everyone. Hope life gives it back to you. I wish you a good fall season. Take care : )

[@saxiroth6647]

Wow. Super helpful. Joining a gigging quintet this fall and this is all so very helpful to know. Thanks Chad!! Edit: never heard of stage presence before but you make a very valid point

[@mrsquishyman]

Chad, that was your best video yet. Thanks man.

[@RogelioEscobar]

Recommendations are an indicator that you are playing well enough for people to notice. Skills, Professionalism, Stage Presence, and having some sort of leadership skills incase things go south and someone needs to make a decision about leading the group into our out of a musical situation. Also....just be a good band mate!! All good points. Thanks Chad!

[@robinreidmusic]

Also being on your best behaviour and being a great team player is an integral part of “Professionalism” You are going on tour with a large group of musicians and stage, lighting and Sound crew. Treat them with respect and be the type of person who makes them want to support you to the best of their ability. Remember to thank them because they are in control of the stage. No one will tolerate a jerk for long no matter how good you are. I am 67 and played a long time and had a great older musician tell me that when I was 17 and I never forgot that lesson and it served me well for 50 years. Just my two cents worth. Thanks Chad you are an inspiration to all of us.

[@Windwalker7]

I have been asking myself this question. And so thanks!!! It's been answered. I'll be at the wood shed if your looking for me... 😉

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

Rare but great video 👍 topic which is quite informative... You are a wise soul; thanks, sir.

[@lukewehayes]

Helpful thoughts! I have gotten gigs by DMing people before, but not actual bookings. It was like you said, it came down to making individual connections with musicians/booking agents. After they heard me play was I then able to get paid. On the other hand, stage presence is very difficult....I feel it developing along with stage experience, but having confidence 100% in playing is easier said than done. Playing more in public and getting complimented helps though. Def gonna take the advice and dig up some tapes and copycat some greats. Thanks for the help! It is reassuring to know that things are on the right path, now I gotta practice for a gig tonight!! Stay cool =P

[@jacobtrejo1596]

Great vid Chad

[@oskarjones449]

How do you just go out and meet people if you don't know people to begin with? How do you get those first contacts that you meet new people through?

[@bounderby99]

I don’t know the answer to this either, but my guess is that the best thing you can do is to just be around clubs and introduce yourself to players. I’d also assume that it’d be good to have some videos/recordings of you playing on your own so that you can send them to people if they want to hear you play, or to gather a small audience. I also know that there are places that hold jam sessions, so going and playing at one of those could be a good place to get noticed or meet people.

[@diditzufarullah3399]

impresive, very inspiring

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

I read this with american psycho voice from the calling card scene

[@Sulamanjansulttaani]

Step 1: git gud Step 2: show others you got gud

[@עומרילוי-ד2ט]

Nice haircut! Is the short hair making a comeback?

[@parappada]

could majoring in music be a gamble?

[@stangetz534]

fyi- jay leno would pay bars 50 bucks a night to get his foot in the door. if the audience liked it he got his money back, if not the bar kept his money. he said early on he lost a lot of money.....

[@robertocasale5991]

💪🏻👏🏻Bravo

[@alvarocarranzatapia9640]

First comment!

[@kwamethver2.033]

Second comment!

[@easymusic9582]

@@kwamethver2.033 ... а вот и третий )))

[@kwamethver2.033]

@@easymusic9582 русский？

[@easymusic9582]

@@kwamethver2.033 Да (yes)

[@Frygonz]

Speak softly and carry a big stick pretty much.