© 2019 Vinny Ribas
In these tough economic times, everyone is cutting corners. One place we tend to cut back is on gift-giving. Since you have musical talent, here are some ideas that can save you money and just might mean more to your family and friends than the anything you could buy from a store.
- Write and record a song about friendship, and give a ‘limited edition’ copy to your friends. The sentiment can’t be topped, and the fact that you are only giving away a certain number of copies will make them feel special.
- You can do this same thing for family, your co-workers and others who are close to you. The response will be the same.
- Offer to write and record a song for someone else to give to his or her friends and family. Have a place for him/her to put their voice on it, even if it’s just a holiday wish, so that it is truly personalized. It will save them a lot of money.
- Do you have some form of recording studio? Invite someone to record a song who you know can’t afford to pay for studio time. This works especially well if it is their first song they’ve ever had recorded. There’s no feeling like having a professionally recorded version of your song.
- Are you a good singer or musician? Offer to play or sing on someone’s recording or gig for free. It’s like putting money in their pockets, and only costs you time.
- Write a song for a nonprofit organization or your church. Let them use it as they see fit. If you are so inclined, sign over the copyright. Either way, it’s a great gift to show your support.
- Offer to perform for free at someone’s Christmas party. This could range from singing a few Christmas songs to being the all out entertainment. It’s a way to make someone else’s holiday a little bit brighter.
- Offer to sing at your local homeless shelter, a nursing home, the Ronald McDonald House or other facility where less fortunate.people will be.
- Write and record a song that promotes a nonprofit. Sell downloads of the song to raise money for it.
10. Record one composite CD, or separate CDs of you singing your friends and family’s favorite songs. They will cherish it. - Perform for anyone you know who is sick or depressed.
- Hold a private house concert and invite only your closest friends and family. You might even video the concert and the party and give them a copy.
- Let someone appear in one of your music videos who would get a thrill out of it.
- Perform a concert and give the proceeds to a nonprofit.
- White and record a song specifically about 1 person and give it to them.
- Co-write with someone who needs your help in this area.
- Find another musician to mentor, even if it is just over 1 cup of coffee.
- Give a lesson for free (instrument or voice).
- Compile your music happy, uplifting songs into a CD and give it to anyone you know who needs a reason to smile.
- Share this article with every musician you know. It can be your gift to them. It will save them money while bringing tears of joy t countless others who would otherwise get socks for Christmas! .
Vinny Ribas is the founder and CEO of Indie Connect, an artist management, consulting and training company. Indie Connect helps its clients increase their chances of success by providing practical career direction and education, combined with live and online industry networking opportunities. During his 50+ year career, Vinny has been a full time musician, artist manager, booking agent, songwriter, studio owner, producer and the Entertainment Director for the NV State Fair. He is a published author and popular speaker at music industry conferences.
