If you are an organization or venue working on a small budget who gets excited at the thought of staging a live classical music event but can't afford to hire professional players, I have some good news for you.
I don't ask you to pay me a fixed fee.
Here is how it works:
- You decide whether my style of delivery is what you are looking for to meet your needs
- You invite me to use your venue to perform suitable repertoire
- We come to a mutually acceptable agreement on a percentage split of ticket sales and that is how you meet your costs and I earn my living as a classical clarinetist
Rather than you taking all the risk, we both shoulder the responsibility of the gig being a success. It's a win-win situation all round.
What's In It for You
- The only upfront costs to me that you have to worry about are a $100 deposit and a cheap return flight if applicable.
- Free access to my business expertise and specialist contacts worldwide in the areas of marketing, social media and audience development.
- The highest standards of classical music performance and delivery tailor made to suit you and your target audience
Am I a Good Match?
Availability
I've deliberately chosen a location-independent lifestyle which means I'm available to travel freely worldwide as engagements dictate without the restriction of being tied to any particular country.
Provided I have your proposed date free with a minimum of 6 weeks prior to performance date once contracts have been drawn up and signed, we can start working together on getting your show on the road.
Venue Types
I'm particularly interested in performing at unusual and non-traditional classical music venues e.g., municipal sports centers, shopping malls, night clubs (although obviously not at the same time as when a DJ is in residence!), sound and light shows at historical sites, etc.
It does not matter to me whether you are looking to fill a church hall or a space the size of the Cincinnati Opera House but I do ask that you can seat a minimum audience of 100.
As you would expect, I can turn my embouchure, tone and technique to suit to the majority of musical styles encompassing the entire history of the clarinet although I confess to having a special bias towards the French and British composers, Mozart, Weber and Brahms.
However, please note that my skill set does not include jazz or Klezmer styles and I am not a great fan of serial composition.
The repertoire for each event is unique, following discussion between me and the organizer.
Ticket Prices
It is important to me that ticket prices for events are kept at a level that will ensure easy accessibility for all who wish to attend.
My Expenses
Most initial conversations can be had using Skype and email although this does depend on the business practice in any particular country.
For final rehearsals and performance, I do ask that any flight costs are paid to me up front when the contract is exchanged and this is reflected in the agreed split on ticket sales.
So far as accommodation is concerned, I am far happier staying with you or somebody you know well – a fellow musician or classical music aficionado in your area perhaps – than being stuck in an anonymous hotel!
My Style of Classical Music Delivery
I can be whatever you want me to be although having burned my penguin suit back in 2008, I would struggle to find any ball gowns lurking at the back of my closet these days!
Informal ethnic clothing is my preference and I often perform barefoot.
I like to chat between pieces but do not expect a dry academic lecture! I aim to help audiences relate the music to what is going on in their own lives - to understand the present day relevance of a work which may have been written hundreds of years ago.
Sounds Intriguing? What To Do Now…
Let's talk.
Drop me an email outlining what sort of event you have in mind and we can start a conversation.
If you'd like some examples of my playing, let me know and I'll send you links to the most appropriate material.
My email address is on the Contact page.