Live musician for weddings and events

Couples and event planners, restaurant and bar owners, corporate clients, community groups and festival organizers.

A flat fee per gig or per hour, with higher rates for weddings and corporate events. Extra income from travel fees, extra sets or add-on services like ceremony music.

• Strong playing or singing with a ready repertoire
• Reliable and professional with clients
• Basic sound equipment know-how
• Self-promotion and networking

• Commercial general liability insurance, which some venues ask to see
• Check whether you need a SOCAN or Re:Sound licence arrangement; usually the venue holds it, but confirm
• Check with your municipality about any business licence needed to operate
• Income is uneven and seasonal, with winter often quieter outside the holiday season
• Once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold, you may need to register for GST/HST

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on the instruments and sound equipment you already own and what you need to buy. These are estimates, so list your gear needs before budgeting.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $3,000, depending on how many bookings you win and the kinds of events you play. Income is uneven and seasonal, with winter often quieter outside the holiday season.

Check whether you need a SOCAN or Re:Sound licence arrangement, though the venue usually holds it. Also check liability insurance, any municipal business licence, and whether you must register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.