
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
275 episodes
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

5 Gigs, One Weekend: Booking High-End Events and Building Relationships in the Music Industry
In this episode, Jared recaps a whirlwind weekend of gigs, from a high-end festival to a wedding cocktail hour and a heartfelt charity event. He shares behind-the-scenes insights on booking premium gigs, the power of standing out, and the impor...
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18:41

Why Most Musicians Struggle to Make Real Money (And How to Break the Cycle)
In this episode, Jared dives into the mindset shifts and business strategies that separate high-earning musicians from those stuck in the $100-a-night gig cycle. He discusses the importance of treating music as a business and why being coachabl...
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12:20

Get Featured on The Gigging Musician Podcast: Share Your Story & Amplify Your Reach!
In this episode, Jared shares an exciting opportunity for musicians to feature on The Gigging Musician Podcast. Jared invites musicians to reach out and schedule a time to discuss their journey, gigs, and unique sound on the show. Not only will...
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7:20

Landing High-Paying Gigs: Breaking $3K Solo Performances & Booking Holiday Shows
In this episode, Jared shares his latest success stories, including how he landed two of the highest-paid solo gigs of his career, including a $3,000 gig in Austin and a lucrative festival in Colorado. He dives into his booking strategies, gigg...
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11:22

Navigating Gig Challenges and Maximizing Opportunities at High-End Events
In this episode, Jared shares his experiences from a nonprofit fundraiser gala at an art gallery in Denver. Despite battling challenging acoustics and technical issues with his PA system, Jared reveals how he successfully adapted, connected wit...
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10:20

New Gear, Big Gigs, and Building Corporate Event Connections
In this episode, Jared dives into the world of destination management companies (DMCs) and how they connect musicians to high-end corporate gigs. He shares his experience playing a corporate event in Denver and discusses the power of networking...
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12:16

Building Relationships and Delivering Excellence at High-End Gigs
In this episode, Jared shares the details of a unique grand opening gig at the Kimpton Hotel in Denver. He talks about how his involvement in a local events networking group led to the opportunity and how he negotiated the deal to benefit both ...
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15:16

Navigating Gig Challenges and Thriving Under Pressure
In this episode, Jared shares the behind-the-scenes experience of a challenging gig at Cherokee Ranch and Castle. From unexpected weather to power outages, Jared recounts how he adapted to the situation, stayed calm under pressure, and turned a...
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12:50

Facing Challenges in the Music Industry: Sponsorship Struggles and Breaking Through
In this episode, Jared opens up about a frustrating experience with event sponsorship and the challenges musicians face when competing with larger agencies. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of losing a major opportunity, how he navigated t...
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15:44

Why Marketing is Key to Unlocking High-End Gigs for Musicians
In this episode, Jared dives deep into the often-overlooked importance of marketing for musicians and debunks the myth that simply being a great musician is enough to land high-paying gigs. He shares his personal journey from skepticism to embr...
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23:33

Farmers Markets, First Gigs, and Staying Power: Building Connections Beyond the Stage
In this episode, Jared reflects on his first-ever farmers market gig and how playing non-high-end gigs can still lead to exciting opportunities, networking, and even higher-paying clients. Jared also shares the lessons he learned from playing l...
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14:37
