Musician: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering musician
You offer solo or small group live music for ceremonies, dinners and private events. This guide covers what customers ask, how to win the booking and what to show on your profile.
What customers ask
- What instrument will you play, and can you play background music quietly?
- Can you play the songs I picked, and do you need sheet music?
- How long will you play, and what happens during breaks?
- Do you bring your own equipment, and what power do you need?
- Can I hear a recording from a similar event?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask about the event type, the moments that need music, the venue and the volume the room needs
- Send a recording of you playing live at an event like the customer's, labeled with the instrument and setting
- Put the moments, the repertoire, the set length and the equipment in the written quote
- Share a sample set list with a mix of background and featured songs so the customer can see your range
- Confirm the setup space, the power source and any amplification needs with the venue
- Ask for the song list at least two weeks before the event, and confirm sheet music or key changes early
- Name the backup plan if you cannot attend, and confirm the booking in writing
What to put on your profile
- Recordings of live performances on your instrument, labeled by setting
- Photos of you performing at real events with the instrument visible
- A list of the repertoire you play best and the moments you cover
- Your insurance status and the types of venues where you have played
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a song list review call to confirm the key, the tempo and the timing of each piece
- Suggest a short sound check with the venue to set the volume for the room
- Recommend a plan for guests who request songs, so the customer knows how those requests will be handled
Licenses and permits
No state license is usually required for a musician. Carry general liability insurance, any local business license that applies and a written note of the venue's noise rules, and check state and local requirements with your licensing agency before taking jobs.
Questions
Do I need music licensing for songs I play live?
Venues often hold public performance licensing for recorded music. Ask each venue what it covers and what you are responsible for, and note the answer in the contract.
How do I set the volume for a dinner?
Agree on a level with the venue before the event. Keep the volume below conversation level and check the room during the first piece.
What if the customer asks for a song I do not know?
Say so politely and offer a piece from your repertoire that suits the moment. Tell the customer ahead of time whether you take unplanned requests.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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