United States

I am very new to performing but have been very lucky lately to be getting a lot of gigs. The only major problem that I have is that I don't know how to turn businesses or people down when I have too many without possibly burning that opportunity in the future.
So, the bottom line. How do I tactfully turn a gig down without losing an opportunity later.

Thanks!

I've always said "I'm sorry, but lately I've bitten off more than I can chew, spread myself too thin, etc..." usually when your "excuse" clearly lays the blame on yourself, people see it as honesty and will generally respect you for it.

Just tell the truth.

"I'm booked for that night, but please keep me in mind, because I'd love to do a show for you on another night."

Hey, Jessica, I'm glad to see you getting the work that you deserve! Ain't it great to be able to say "I'm too busy" after worrying about getting gigs in the 1st place just a few weeks ago?

You are obviously moving in the right direction! Kudos!

Hey Jessica,
I'm just curious, as your field of music is probably the polar opposite as mine, but where are you getting gigs? What type of gigs/pay, etc.. are they?

I'm not considering that type of music or anything lol, just curious about the world outside of my little bubble

Hey Jessica,
I'm just curious, as your field of music is probably the polar opposite as mine, but where are you getting gigs? What type of gigs/pay, etc.. are they?

I'm not considering that type of music or anything lol, just curious about the world outside of my little bubble

Mostly little things, I was offered two choirs to direct, two jazz gigs at coffee shops, concert in the park series, an opera....etc. The pay isn't "i'm buying a BMW next week" type pay, but it is adding up.

My reason behind my post is that I turned a gig down telling the gentleman that I was booked or working for the month and could take anything else. He went off on me about just trying to sound busy and building myself up and said that he is going to tell everyone that he can. Sooo, that is the scoop. I realize there are nuts out there, but I don't want a nut to crack my chances. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Thank you Paradox. I will get him those numbers. That is a wonderful idea.

Tell them you are booked for that night, that tells them you are in high demand and just makes them want you all that much more. Congrats on your success!

Most of the time someone in this biz. bad mouths one person to another they just end up making themselves look bad, ignore him he's an a$$.

Oh bullshit!
Jessica you dont have to be a scratching post for every selfish pinhead who wants to down you because you dont run to their beck and call. Tell em to go butt a stump. No doormat ever made it into the house.
If you tell him the truth and he cant accept it. You dont EVER want to do bussiness with him anyway. And its a safe bet all his Ass-ociates know he is a pinhead anyway.
Love yourself first!!

yup. He sounds nutty to me. I've never run into anything like that in over 30 years of pro playing.

I wouldn't let it bother me. You'll still get the gigs from your professional demeanor, your dependability, your reputation & your awesome performances, no matter what this fruitcake spouts about you.

I mean, just think about it. If he does go & start talking about how you wouldn't perform for him on demand because you claim to be too busy, that is advertising for you. Someone once said that any publicity is good publicity. I think that fits perfectly in your situation.

When he talks about you turning him down, others might be intrigued enough to find out more about you, & want to see if you'd work for them.

It's a win/win for you, & his loss, if it were me, cuz I'd never approach him for work or help his business out in any way after he acted like such a twit. He'd definitely be off my Xmas card list, or list of possibles in the future!

Flook 'im & feed 'im beans, m'lady, & let those fabulous pipes do the talking for you.