Solo Work

As piano players, we have an advantage over most other instrumentalists when it comes to solo work, in that we can play the melody, harmony (chords), and rhythm of a song all at once, creating an authentic “solo piano” arrangement. If you are also a vocalist, the piano is the ideal accompaniment instrument for the voice across a wide range of popular styles.

If you are new to playing solo gigs, a good place to get started would be an “open mic” session at a local club or coffee house, particularly if they have a piano already set up. The musicians at these events are mostly singer-songwriters, and you normally get to do either one, two, or three songs depending on the time available. This can be a good way to get some performance experience, before moving on to other types of work. Invite some friends along so you have some built-in support!

A lot of clubs, bars, and restaurants have solo piano players, and most (but not all) of them are also singers. The style of music will vary depending on the venue. Hiring just one piano player is more economical than hiring a full band, which is also in the solo performer’s favor. Check out the venues in your area, the musical styles they feature, and the nights of the week when they have music. You can inquire directly with the management at the club, or through the agent if the club uses one. Submit a promo pack with a brief bio, photo, and music CD of your playing. You can also get to know the players currently playing, and ask if they need “subs” at any time. Of course, before doing all this, you need to be fluent in the style(s) needed, and to have sufficient “repertoire” under your fingers.

At a higher level of solo work, there is the “hotel circuit.” Some of my students have played at the Beverly Hills Hotel “Polo Lounge,” which is perhaps the best hotel gig in the Los Angeles area. These high-end gigs are normally found either by personal recommendation or referral, or through the hotel management or an agent. To have a shot at this type of gig, you need to be very personable and presentable, and have a good repertoire of pop and jazz standards, show tunes, and “popular” classical music.

To get the better-paying solo gigs, it is often advisable to register with an agent in your area. They will need your photo, bio, and demo CD, plus a repertoire list of tunes that you know in different styles. This can be the gateway to solo work opportunities for private parties, weddings, corporate functions, and so on. You can also advertise your own services in publications and on the internet. Networking with other musicians, and doing some of these gigs on a “sub” basis for someone else, is also a good way to get started.

Bookstores are also another venue to consider for solo (as well as band) work. Most bookstores don’t pay the musicians anymore (unless there’s a grand opening for a new store location), but playing there can be good publicity, and you get to sell your CDs if you have any (whether or not the store actually distributes them). Many stores don’t have a lot of room for the musicians, which again favors a solo performer or duo rather than a full band.

Shopping malls and retail stores also hire piano players, normally just solo piano (without vocals). The upscale clothing store Nordstroms frequently has pianists playing background music, mostly a mixture of light classical and standards. I must admit that the pianists I have heard in Nordstroms have been rather “busy” for my taste—I keep wanting to get them a T-shirt which says “Arpeggios R Us”! (No disrespect intended if you’ve done a Nordstroms gig… honest!) Shopping malls also have piano players, often on a seasonal basis (i.e., playing Christmas carols during the shopping season before the holidays).