Hotel Lobby Piano gigs « MusicianWages.com Forums

MusicianWages.com Forums » General Musician Topics

Latest reply from goldtvs

(5 posts) (7 people)

Hotel Lobby Piano gigs

Posted 1 year ago by Andree-Ann

#

Andree-Ann said 1 year ago

Hey guys,

I am thinking of seeking hotel lobby gigs for the summer and I am wondering about the best way to approach hotels.

Would it be best to call or email? Send my epk right away or wait to hear back from them?

A lot of hotels are listing general phone lines and email adresses, should I try and contact more specific contacts in the administration or go with the general lines?

If anybody have any tips on how to approach hotels and their management, pleaaaaase answer me!

Andree-Ann
http://www.myspace.com/andreeanndeschenes
#

David J. Hahn said 1 year ago

First off, try to find out who would be in charge of hiring the pianists. Call and ask for them specifically.

One thing I've run into in the past is hotels/restaurants that have a piano, but don't hire a pianist regularly. They may tell you, "No, we don't hire pianists, but when we have a banquet or a wedding, we'll recommend you." That, in my experience, is a blow off.

You could try sending your epk with a coupon - like, "free no obligation 30 minute session". Or "Buy 2 hours, get 1 free for first time customers". You have to find a way for them to want to pull the trigger - that's the hardest part. If you can give them a good incentive to try you, they might be into it.

When you are pitching the idea to them, try using the phrase "multiplier effect". This business term is popular in the arts now - it's the idea that for for every dollar you spend on the arts, it creates $2 (or whatever) in revenue for the business. Obviously there's no way to record and track that for these hotels, but it might be enough to say something like,

"...consider the multiplier effect that hiring a pianist would have on your business here at the hotel. For every hour you purchase live music, consider how many more guests will linger for another drink in your restaurants or write favorably reviews online - and that will likely bring more money into your hotel than you ever spent on me."

Join my songwriting newsletter at Songwriter.fm
#

brian said 1 year ago

I'll be interested to know how this works out for you. I'm in the process of working up some music for a free gig at a local hotel. They said that they host many wedding and social events and would refer me and try to plug me into those events where I would actually get paid. David has told me before that this has never really worked out in his experience before. I may very well find this to be the case for me but i want to do it once or twice just for the experience.

As far as how to approach hotels, I couldn't help much here. The lady at this hotel actually sought me out through a mutual friend. However, if this somehow works out, I'll probably try to seek out other hotels in the area and then write back with feedback on how it went for me.
#

Andree-Ann said 1 year ago

bpm938,
I'm currently making a spreadsheet of potential hotels, so once I contact them and get answers, I'll let you know what worked and what didn't!

Thanks David for all the info! Will try all the suggestions!

Andree-Ann
http://www.myspace.com/andreeanndeschenes
#

goldtvs said 1 year ago

When you are pitching the idea to them, try using the phrase "multiplier effect". This business term is popular in the arts now - it's the idea that for for every dollar you spend on the arts, it creates $2 (or whatever) in revenue for the business. Obviously there's no way to record and track that for these hotels, but it might be enough to say something like
#

shalaks said 1 year ago

how it went for me.

-----------------------
Adios Slimming Pills
Airfix Models
#

himani said 1 year ago

As far as how to approach hotels, I couldn't help much here. The lady at this hotel actually sought me out through a mutual friend. However, if this somehow works out, I'll probably try to seek out other hotels in the area and then write back with feedback on how it went for me.

--------------------
Seo Glasgow
link building
#

ndrewoods said 7 months ago

In my own point of view, don't just go for the general lines cause they may have the tendency to just ignore you with your concern. Go for the higher offices that will surely entertain you. And if you would email them, attach an mp3 of you play piano. This would help them decide if they would get you for the gigs. Best of luck.