12 Surprising Perks of Corporate Gigs for Musicians
When people think about live music, they often imagine packed concert venues, local bars, or music festivals. But another space is incredibly rewarding yet often overlooked by musicians’ corporate gigs. Performing at corporate events doesn’t just mean playing background music at a company party.
These gigs include conferences, trade shows, product launches, and meetings, offering plenty of opportunities. Whether you’re new or experienced, corporate gigs offer perks that can transform your music career.
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Let’s explore 12 surprising benefits of venturing into the corporate world as a musician.
1. Steady and Higher Pay
One of the biggest advantages of corporate gigs is their financial stability. Unlike smaller bar or cafe performances that might pay you less, corporate clients often have larger entertainment budgets. Companies are willing to spend generously to ensure their events are memorable, and that includes paying musicians well.
On top of that, corporate gigs often guarantee payment in advance, saving you the hassle of chasing unpaid invoices. For musicians looking to boost their income, corporate events can provide a steady and lucrative stream of work.
Tip:
Research local corporate event rates and price your services professionally.
2. Networking Opportunities
Corporate events are often packed with professionals from various industries. These events provide excellent networking opportunities you may not encounter in other gigs. You’ll meet key people who can recommend you for future gigs.
Building these professional relationships can lead to referrals, repeat bookings, and even unexpected business collaborations. Before you know it, you could become a sought-after name in the corporate entertainment circuit.
Tip:
Always carry business cards or have a digital portfolio ready to share. You never know who might approach you during a break.
3. Consistent Scheduling
Another benefit of corporate gigs is their consistency. These events are typically scheduled well in advance, giving you a reliable calendar.
This predictability allows you to plan your time better and even fill your schedule with additional gigs. Unlike last-minute bar gigs, corporate clients value organization, which benefits you.
Tip:
Invest in a planner or scheduling app to ensure you’re always ready for tasks like rehearsals and client meetings.
4. Professional Exposure
Corporate gigs can take your career to venues and audiences you might not otherwise reach. Companies often hold events in high-end spaces, like luxury hotels, resorts, or convention centers.
Performing in these environments exposes your music to professionals who may share your work with a much wider audience. You’ll also develop your stage presence and professionalism, adding an extra layer of polish to your performances.
5. Opportunities for Travel
Some corporate clients host events in other cities or even countries, which means you might get to travel while doing what you love. Imagine visiting new places and performing for audiences you wouldn’t normally meet. Travel gigs often come with covered expenses for accommodations and meals, making it a win all around.
Tip:
If you’re open to travel-based gigs, make sure you account for transport costs and have all your gear ready for easy travel.
6. Learning How to Adapt
Corporate audiences are often different from general music audiences. You may need to refine your setlist based on the event or the vibe a company wants. This challenge forces you to grow as a performer, learn to read rooms, and adapt quickly to various situations.
Example:
A holiday party may want lively hits, while a conference dinner might need soft background music.
7. Less Competition
Unlike more visible scenes like bars, clubs, or music festivals, corporate gigs often have fewer musicians actively pursuing them. This means there’s less competition when it comes to booking these events. Once you build a reputation in this space, you’ll find it easier to secure repeat clients.
Tip:
Set yourself apart by crafting a professional website or portfolio that highlights your experience with corporate events.
8. Professional Development
Corporate gigs require a more formal approach to your craft. From handling contracts to managing client expectations, these gigs teach you how to think like a business owner.
Every performance is an opportunity to refine your professionalism, from communication to your attire. Over time, you’ll likely find yourself feeling more confident about your overall presence in the music industry.
9. Marketing Opportunities
When performing at corporate events, you often have the chance to position yourself or your band as a “brand.” Many companies share event photos or videos on social media, which might show you performing. If tagged or mentioned, your exposure could skyrocket without additional marketing efforts on your part.
Tip:
Politely ask for any photos or videos post-event and share them on your own platforms to attract future bookings.
10. Repertoire Expansion
Working corporate gigs means you’ll often encounter requests for different styles or genres of music. This pushes you to expand your repertoire, helping you grow as a musician. It could also introduce you to music that you may not have discovered otherwise.
Example:
When clients request acoustic pop songs or jazz classics, you get to experiment and build your skills.
11. Improved Stage Presence
Corporate gigs are often more intimate settings where the audience may be closer to you than on a stage at a large concert. This will help you build your confidence as a performer.
You learn to connect with all kinds of audiences, from relaxed cocktail hours to lively gala dinners. The more gigs you do, the better your stage presence becomes.
12. Work-Life Balance
Unlike late-night bar gigs, corporate events often happen during daytime hours or early evenings. This allows for a better work-life balance. You get to spend more time on other projects or with your loved ones while enjoying a stable income from your performances.
Tip:
Use these extra hours to work on original music, refine your craft, or even explore other creative interests.
Corporate Gigs for Musicians
Corporate gigs are an underrated and often overlooked opportunity for musicians. These events can boost your income, grow your network, and advance your music career. If you want to grow your skills, earn more money, and make great connections, corporate gigs could be your next big move.
Remember, success in this space starts with showcasing your professionalism and delivering performances that resonate with diverse audiences. Once you break into the scene, the rewards can be immense. Are you ready to explore the many perks of corporate gigs? The possibilities might just surprise you.