In order to make a living on a regular basis, you will need to:
Play well: The better you are at your respective instrument, the more demand there will be for your
services, and the more opportunities will present themselves.
Read well: The better that you can read music, the more bookings will be available to you. This is
virtually a mandatory requirement for the higher paying professional gigs.
Have an extensive song list in the style that you play.
If you can sing, the more tunes that you can accompany vocally, the better: If two equal musicians
audition for the same gig, the one that can sing the lead in more of them will usually get the booking.
Play by ear: If you have this ability also, it will increase the amount of work you can get.
Sound good: Make sure that your equipment is set for the appropriate volume levels and is properly tuned.
Be punctual: On time and dressed for the gig.
Be polite: The more people that like you at the booking, the more chances you will get another by referral.
Be prepared: Know what will be expected of you and provide it.
Enjoy yourself: The more that you enjoy what you are doing, the more others will enjoy you. This leads to
more work.
Be a team player: You are there for the enjoyment of the audience, not yourself. Work together to
make the magic work, and convey that to the audience.
