
The Gigging Musician Podcast
Playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. In this podcast, we dissect everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician.
Episodes
286 episodes
Why Wedding Gigs Are the Best Training for Corporate Events
In this episode, Jared breaks down why wedding gigs are more than just love songs and aisle walks—they're bootcamp for high-end corporate events. He challenges the misconception that weddings are beneath serious musicians and makes a bold case ...
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9:51

The Art of the Follow-Up: How I Got on a Venue’s Preferred Vendor List
In this episode, Jared shares the rollercoaster journey of finally getting on the preferred vendor list of a prestigious wedding venue in Colorado—after years of getting ignored. From strategic outreach to a well-timed performance and a surpris...
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9:53

How One Awful Gig Turned Into a Life-Changing Call
In this episode, Jared shares the surprising story of how his lowest-paid, most frustrating gig became the unexpected gateway to a high-paying corporate performance. From chaotic load-ins to venue staff indifference, you'll hear how perseveranc...
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15:56

Why I Charge $1,500+ for a One-Hour Gig (And Why You Should Too)
In this episode, Jared shares what goes into delivering a high-end solo performance—and why most musicians are drastically undercharging for their time, gear, and expertise. From setting up three PA systems to handling last-minute corporate inq...
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14:20

Wealth Denotes Speed: How Raising My Rates Changed Everything
In this episode, Jared reflects on the quote “Wealth Denotes Speed” and how it radically shifted his approach to building a thriving music career. He shares the exact progression of how he raised his solo act rates—from $495 to $1,500+—and what...
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15:18

How Helping Event Planners Can Help You Get More Gigs (and Why Most Musicians Miss This)
In this episode, Jared shares how building genuine relationships with event planners—and actually helping them with their challenges—can lead to more bookings and long-term success as a gigging musician. Hear how a conversation with a hospitali...
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12:05

Banned from GigSalad?! Why Diversifying Your Gig Sources Matters More Than Ever
In this candid episode, Jared shares how his electric violin act was banned from GigSalad—and why that may have been a blessing in disguise. He explores the danger of relying on a single lead source (hello, Dan Kennedy’s “most dangerous number ...
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9:45

The Funnel That Pays My Bills: How I Book High-End Gigs Without Agents or Gig Apps
In this episode, Jared breaks down the exact online marketing system he uses to book high-paying weddings and events—without relying on agents, gig apps, or social media algorithms. From getting on preferred vendor lists to using a video sales ...
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13:22

How to Confidently Play Weddings (and Why Cocktail Hours Are the Easiest High-Paying Gigs)
In this episode, Jared takes you behind the scenes of a high-paying wedding gig in Estes Park, Colorado. He shares exactly how to approach playing ceremonies and cocktail hours—even if you’ve never done it before. From planning your prelude set...
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11:51

Why I Played This Gig for Free—And Would Do It Again
In this episode, Jared shares why he intentionally performed for free at a high-end venue—and how it aligns with his strategy to get more paid gigs. You'll hear how this corporate event at the Denver Botanic Gardens was more than just a perform...
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8:17

Why I Charged $1,000 for an Acoustic Gig—and You Should Too
In this episode, Jared reflects on a unique acoustic wedding gig at the Denver Botanic Gardens—and how it exposed both the raw vulnerability of playing unplugged and the mindset traps musicians face around money. He opens up about his own strug...
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10:14

Kicking Off Wedding Season… and Witnessing a DJ Disaster
In this episode, Jared kicks off the 2025 wedding season with a stunning mountain gig—and a reminder that professionalism always matters. He reflects on how doubling his soloist rates was a game-changer, shares how he problem-solved a ceremony-...
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13:59

How Helping Event Planners Can Help You Get Booked
In this episode, Jared shares a behind-the-scenes look at a $1,800 performance booking at a hospitality school fundraiser—and how it turned into a powerful networking opportunity. He explores the importance of becoming a true resource to event ...
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12:05

The Full Blueprint: How to Launch Your High-End Gigging Career in 2025
In this episode, Jared unveils the exact step-by-step strategy behind his newly launched High-End Gigs Launchpad course. Whether you're new to the private events industry or looking to upgrade your current approach, Jared walks you through the ...
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11:19

Back-to-Back High-End Gigs, Buc-ee’s Pit Stops & Building Strategic Partnerships
In this episode, Jared reflects on two high-end gigs—one at a Wyoming governor’s gala and another at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel—and the lessons they offer for musicians looking to break into elite events. From the power of repeat bookings an...
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12:31

Why Leading with Price Could Be Killing Your Gigs
In this episode, Jared shares a powerful strategy shift that’s helped him consistently land high-paying gigs—without leading with price. After playing at the prestigious Governor’s Citizens Award ceremony, he breaks down why talking about price...
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20:20

Making 2025 Your Year of High-End Gigs: Reflect, Refocus, and Rise
In this episode, Jared reflects on his 2024 gigging experiences—the wins, the lessons, and the challenges—and shares practical tips for setting meaningful goals for 2025. He guides listeners through evaluating the quantity and quality of their ...
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11:37

From Fear to Flourishing: Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone to Book More Gigs
In this episode, Jared reflects on a corporate holiday gig and shares a game-changing marketing tip to get authentic video reviews that build trust with future clients. He also dives deep into overcoming the fear of networking and stepping out ...
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12:46

Scam Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Fake Gig Inquiries
In this episode, Jared shares a recent gig experience at the Denver Athletic Club and dives into a crucial topic for gigging musicians: spotting and avoiding scam inquiries. Using a real example from his inbox, Jared breaks down the red flags o...
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11:55

The Power of Strategic Free Gigs: Unlocking High-End Opportunities
In this episode, Jared shares his experience of playing a strategic free gig at a linen company’s open house and explains how it led to valuable connections with high-end event planners, venue owners, and catering companies. Discover the art of...
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12:47

Revolutionizing Strings: Mark Wood on Innovation, Business, and Breaking Boundaries
In this episode, Jared dives deep with Mark Wood, legendary founder of Wood Violins and inventor of the 6 and 7-string electric violin. Mark shares his incredible journey from Juilliard to pioneering the electric string industry, performing wit...
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58:54

From Bass to Solo Act: Steve Lyon’s Journey to High-End Gigs
In this episode, Jared interviews Steve Lyon, a former bassist turned solo acoustic guitarist and singer based in Rhode Island. Steve shares his incredible evolution from touring with national acts to building his solo music business, transitio...
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36:50

How Jenny Peters Built Chicago Elegant Piano and Booked Her First Gig
In this episode, Jared interviews Jenny Peters, a multi-instrumentalist and Fulltime Music Academy member, who recently launched Chicago Elegant Piano and booked her first gig. Jenny shares her journey from teaching and running a ukulele busine...
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35:00

How to Book High-End Gigs Through Venue Tours and Strategic Sponsorships
In this episode, Jared breaks down the strategies he uses to land high-paying gigs, from sponsoring key events to conducting venue tours. He recaps a packed week of performances, including gigs at high-end venues like the Four Seasons Hotel and...
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15:38

Getting Paid What You’re Worth: Booking High-End Gigs and Smart Relationship Building
In this episode, Jared shares insights from his recent gig at Neiman Marcus, where he performed for their high-end clientele in the jewelry department. He dives into strategies for securing high-paying, recurring gigs and how to build meaningfu...
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15:09
