Hi again guys. So I gave you a lot of stuff on my last post. Don't worry, it only gets more fun! So we talked about first impressions and such, and a little about preparation for playing for other people. Now we'll step into: becoming more well known. So you've got a list of songs in your head, you've practiced them all perfectly, and you've got something semi nice to wear. So what do you do to get noticed? Try asking your friends or relatives if they know someone who'd like a harpist to play for them, that's an alright start. You'll want to start small when it comes to playing at events or places. When I first started out one of my first places to play in was a small bookstore/cafe. It got me a good idea of how it was like taking my harp to other places and playing, so eventually I could play at places like the Fringe Festival, where there's a lot more people and a lot more places to drag your harp around. Try looking up shops, restaurants or events that have musicians come in for entertainment or background music. If you sign up and play there, it's a nice little way for more people to see you. So pretend someone tells you, 'hey, come play for us.' Here's a list of things you'll want to know or have with you, whether you're paid or otherwise:
1. Where it is. (and how to get there)
2. How long you're playing. (when you start and when you end)
3. Where exactly in what spot you're playing, and if you have to move your harp.
4. Are you giving background music or are you the focus entertainment.
5. (if you're hired) What price you're giving them for the length of time you're playing.
6. Are you allowed breaks.
7. What you're taking with you.
These are examples of a couple things handy to take with you:
Stool (or chair). This is the seat you can bring that you're comfortable sitting on while playing your harp. The seat has to be low enough that the lowest set of levers are level to your eye. If you're too low or too high, it's really awkward when you're playing. If you forget to bring it with you, it's a slim chance the person you hired you will have something like it. But bring it anyway, it's a good sign to people that you can come prepared and not forgetting stuff.
Tuning machine (with lever tuner):
Your strings absolutely love to go wonky on you. It's good to arrive early and do a little last minute tuning for your harp, just to be sure it'll sound as well as it can.
Those are the most important to bring with you. In another post I'll go into more detail about all the useful stuff you can have with you, to make your performance as comfortable, or as awesome, as possible.
If you're getting paid, you have to have your price ready when someone contacts you to hire you. It's normal for a harpist to be paid 100$ for one hour of playing, or half hour. If you play longer, you'll want to consider prices as 115$ or 120$, and so on, depending on how long they want you to play for. It's alright if you want to be paid less, but let that because you yourself decided to, not because your employee asks for it. People will want lower prices, and you have to guard yourself against being persuaded to give a lower price than you deserve. You may want to research a bit more about how much harpists usually cost for what hours. For me I'm usually paid in cheques, and you may do it like that too.
Next post, more info! Agh, there's a lot to talk about. See ya!
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