Everybody is at a different point in their journey and I'm curious what people might need the most help with? Wishing all of you a melodious Wednesday. Go out and shine your love and light!!❤️

We want our music to sound great and all the residents to love us..but we don't have the perfect song list assembled yet. And we don't have that new guitar yet. And we don't have any idea if our equipment will suffice or where we'd be playing. We don't even know... Stop. Your overthinking it. There is an infinite number of things we try preparing for but really, you don't need any of it. Just bring in your guitar and sit with one resident and play for them and get them singing with you. Reach out to the closest community where you live and ask the person who picks up the phone if you can visit with your instrument and cheer up folks and make them smile. Let go of the protocol and lead with love. What do I mean? You don't need to know anything other than you knowing you want to make a positive impact on this community with your music. So what if you only know 3 songs? So what if you don't know if it'll work?So what if you just started playing and don't know much....this is how it starts. When I started playing it was just me and a guitar and my grandmother. I learned a LOT about what songs resonated with her and her roommates AND her friends in the dining room. I learned as I went. That's what I'm encouraging you to do. Learn as you go. Learn as you play those songs you love because honestly, I can't tell you what's going to work for you. You'll just need to try. Don't overthink it just do it!❤️

Starting out and want to charge for your services? Begin on the lower side and build up slowly. "For a one hour program my fee is $75" . As more communities begin booking you and you build experience performing, your act will become better. I raise my rates every year in increments of $25. Typical rates at communities vary and depend on their budget and how much the residents love you: $75-Opening rate for most communities $100-Usual beginner rate for the 1st 6 months -1year $125-Average rate for most communities $150+ -Residents love you and tell you your their favorite performer. Charge top dollar Activity Directors are always looking for someone new to entertain their residents. Sometimes they will open up about their budget and you could ask, "How much do performers like me typically charge you?" You might be surprised at their answer. Some communities have more money than you think and asking them politely what they invest can open up a bigger conversation about scheduling. In the end, it's about making the residents feel good and shining your love and light on them. Give them a good show and they will ask when your coming back. Always be creating that demand and you'll create a calendar thats full of shows that make an impact and an income.

95% of all my paid gigs are from some kind of senior living community. I know several members who indicated they play weddings and other types of places. I'm curious where most of us are coming from?

Residents want to experience your show,not just passively listen to the music. When we invest time with them, it's crucial to make a connection and share the reason we love music and why we are so happy to share it. "My grandfather taught me how to play guitar. He also smoked cigarettes while he sang the songs. I don't smoke, but every time I smell cigarettes I think of him and the music he shared that made my brothers and I feel so good" Some little stories like this resonate with them. "My grandma danced and she couldn't dance. Grandpa sang and he couldn't sing. They stayed married 60 years." Open up to your senior audience and make them 'feel' what you feel. Let your stories lead into songs and bring them on an emotional journey with you. This makes a lasting impression that will get them asking for you back more often. Why are you so excited about sharing music with senior communities??