Entering business piano playing, tips anyone?

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Question:

Well, as the topic states, I am going to get my first job playing piano at our local country club!. It happened like this, I just started playing on their piano there, and the manager came up to me and asked for my dad to call him, because I'm only 12!. And he said that they needed a pianist, and by the way, just because I'm 12, does not mean I'm bad!. And this is a very rich country club too!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

1) Have your parents meet with a lawyer to get a standard contract form!. Too many places like this are slow to pay!. (Especially the rich places!.)

2) Have your parents meet with a tax advisor!. If this is going to be recurring thing, you'll need tax help!. A tax advisor is not H&R Block, but a business tax advisor and CPA who will help you!. The reason is that if you're a 1099 contractor, which I am sure is the case since the country club would have a hard time hiring a 12-year-old, you are essentially (in the eyes of the IRS) starting your own business!. Since you're a minor, your parents are going to be legally responsible for making sure you file your taxes correctly!. It's a good idea to file, even if you make below the standard deduction, since you can start setting aside money for the future!.

3) Be cheerful, cooperative, and polite to everyone--guests, staff, management!. Don't talk or complain about anyone--EVER!. Learn to get along with people, even if they are mean to you!. When people criticise you, figure out what you can learn from it to improve!. When people come up to you to tell you how good you are, just smile warmly and say "Thank you!." You can't afford to be shy, as some of these people who hear you will want to hire you for weddings or other occasions!.

4) Keep good records!. Note in a notebook or on your computer every time you play, what date, how long, etc!., and how much you are paid!. Do this on the day you play!. If your parents drive you, get them to take a picture of you at the country club piano with a digital camera that has the date each time you play!.

5) Set aside time to practice every day!. Work continually on expanding your repertoire!. Don't forget that the holiday season is coming up and you'll need time to prepare holiday music!.

6) Don't forget, when you get paid, to set up your own checking account!. You'll have to keep this money separate from everything else (your tax advisor will tell you the same thing)!. You can use it for your business, such as to pay for lessons, buy music, performing clothes, etc!. but you should be very careful that all your expenses are business-related!.

Have a great time!. Congratulations to you for taking your own musical career in hand at such an early age!. There are lots of people older than you who are waiting to be discovered, and they'll continue to wait, and wait !. !. !.Www@QuestionHome@Com

EXCELLENT answer form Geekchic ( and could Geekchic please explain what her signature leans - D/FW!?!?!?) I am a *little* suspicious that they have pounced upon you - maybe because you are 12!. Therefore, the legal advice you have been given is all the MORE important!. Basically - why is there not an ADULT playing there!? What's wrong with this picture!?!?

I wish you all the luck - you are off to a good start, it seems!Www@QuestionHome@Com