Your First Solo Acoustic Gig -Nursing Homes

In this video I'm going to talk about the some of the benefits of playing nursing home gigs. They are a great way to not only get your first paying gigs but also to make extra money during slower periods of the week. Most importantly you are doing a great service to men and women who really can benefit from the healing powers of music.

[@jamesdeschenes8307]

You're a good guy, Frank. This is an important lesson about life and true charity. Visiting the sick and homebound is a corporal work of mercy. God Bless you and your family

[@FrankPersico]

Aww thanks so much.

[@stanleyjungleib650]

This is real humanity on display. Deep respect for your experience and wisdom.

[@FrankPersico]

I appreciate the kind words

[@gregsmith29]

Great advice, I play a Nursing Home every Month. Nice to play for people that are so appreciative and are a blessing!

[@FrankPersico]

Totally agree! Good for you for doing that. And thanks for commenting

[@LicksoftheLegend]

Great video man I really enjoyed it as a musician and someone who works at a long term care home. A couple things I would add for anyone thinking of doing this. Curate your set list to the age group I’ll always book the person doing old country or 50s rock first ( even if it’s not your wheelhouse these gigs are never more than an hour so you really only need 10-12 songs). Second price accordingly I’m willing to go as high as $150 for an hour but I’ve had people straight to try yo charge upwards of $200 -$250 for a single hour which is an immediate no go. Lastly just be a nice person and be respectful and you will 100% get booked back. It’s actually a struggle to get musicians into these places so it’s a literal gold mine for easy money and easy gigs provided you have the personality and can adapt musically.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for the comment and for the great insight to these types of performances.

[@Stoagman1]

Thx for the information.

[@thecorz72]

Great video Frank I do 4 to 5 night time show a week and also do aged care shows because it's extra money during the day and I enjoy. But I find my other muso friends frown upon them because they consider them uncool so it's great to hear someone talk about them out in the open cheers mate great job

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for commenting. Yeah I get that. We all have this idea ingrained in us about what “success” is in the music biz and no one puts old age homes on that list Lolol. There are all different kinds of gigs and I have played em all. They are ALL important to me anyway. I think the musicians who frown on that are saying more about their own demons and insecurities than anything else. Thanks for the kind words and for supporting the channel. Cheers

[@keechpeach2863]

My mum recently passed away but oh she did love when people came in to play music, even when her dementia got pretty bad. The Seekers, Peter Paul and Mary, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, and Neil Diamond were her faves all her life right to the end.

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing this. And sorry for your loss. Lost my mom back in 2014. It’s a hard one to say the least.

[@keechpeach2863]

@@FrankPersico for sure it is. I'm sorry for your loss too. Mums don't come along every day.

[@FASFatherandSon]

I have been meaning to do a nursing home gig again. Did one a couple of years ago, it was pretty good

[@FrankPersico]

They aren’t like anyone’s dream gig but you are definitely spreading some joy into the world when you do it

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

There’s a whole misconception. People in nursing homes who are in at 7580 years old think about what they were listening to 40 years ago. The Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Elvis Frank Sinatra they are regular people and they like music I play 2,3,4 nursing home gigs a week. They like upbeat music. I started out because my mother was in a rehab and I would go there for free and sit by the piano and play and they enjoyed it. Then one day some guy came in and set up a PA and I asked him if he got paid to do that and he said yes they have budget so I applied 15 years ago and I never looked back. I love it it’s very rewarding. And I am the rockstar of the nursing homes

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I feel the same. I actually started playing in nursing homes when an aunt of mine was in one. have a great day and keep putting out that positive energy.

[@cmcapps1963]

A nursing home was my first "gig" as well and it was so rewarding. It was volunteer but really helped my confidence. The residents were very sweet, although none were 7,580 years old in my case 😉

[@piperofsimms]

It's still a performance. Nothing but good for your experience. These homes are great for getting your act together. Very valuable post Frank. Thank you. Tucson, AZ.

[@FrankPersico]

Totally agree!

[@stevemcclanahan3845]

Great Video! Thx for all the info Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

my pleasure

[@JoMarquez]

I salute 🫡 you sir

[@FrankPersico]

🙏

[@solomusiciantimlucas]

Great points! Thanks for this video

[@FrankPersico]

You are quite welcome

[@MikeHolperMusic-zq1rx]

Great video Frank!

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks so much

[@robertgrimsted877]

Really great video it really matters

[@FrankPersico]

Glad you think so!

[@georgecanizales1190]

Hey Frank..that's great advice, I've been playing for many years in many different venues and situations and the retirement communities are very enjoyable gigs. The people are very charming, appreciative and love to hear stories in between the songs. I was amazed when I got a request for Hotel California and some AC/DC.

[@FrankPersico]

That’s great thanks for sharing. Hope all is well George

[@ChrisHardyWorld]

Oh yeah, I do a lot of 70s classic rock: Chicago, Steely Dan, America, Doobie Brothers, etc and the retirement home crowd loves that stuff! I don't even know any 50s or 60s songs, lol.

[@bowlhog2181]

❤❤

[@FrankPersico]

Thanks

[@purelightyogaandreiki]

This is great advice! Thank you for sharing your experience and tips. How do you suggest we get the gig? Email or call?

[@FrankPersico]

You are welcome. You can start by email and attempt to get the name of the person who is in charge of scheduling the events. But don’t be afraid to be persistent and keep trying by phone. Always be upbeat and positive. These places will respond well to your positive energy. :) good luck

[@WildBill1120]

I can only play one Dylan song. Knocking on Heaven’s Door. Would that be inappropriate?

[@FrankPersico]

Hahaah

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

They have entertainment pretty much daily or weekly

[@FrankPersico]

That’s awesome. It’s so important to provide them with entertainment

[@kabudah]

8:12 😂

[@FrankPersico]

lol I just rewatched that spot oooopsy

[@alanfaber1261]

I am assuming that at senior gigs, it’s not appropriate to have a tip cup. Is that correct?

[@FrankPersico]

Yeah I wouldn’t do it … plus I don’t think anyone in the places I play is really walking (or should I say rolling) around with $$

[@donmcelohiney8112]

do you charge money for playing in nursing homes, or are these freebee gigs?

[@FrankPersico]

It depends.. most nursing homes to pay but it is usually a fairly small budget. But generally speaking YES you would get paid. That being said I do also do some charity work in veterans homes, nursing homes and hospitals.