2. Learning How to Not Work, I Mean, Network, In Denver

Beautiful Pike's Peak in CO

SoulX, the great band I played with in Denver

As you know from my last post, after three years on cruise ships, I was ready to get my feet back on the ground and try to make music my full-time gig on land. I wasn’t sure where to go, but a friend suggested Denver with its four seasons, beautiful mountains and warmer winters (a definite plus for a North Dakota boy).

Knowing three people and not knowing what I was getting into, I committed to six months in Denver. Unfortunately, networking and finding gigs were not something I was taught in school, so I didn’t know where to get started. On one of my first nights, I headed to the Dazzle with a friend for a jam session. Dazzle is one of the biggest jazz clubs in Denver, and I met many musicians, some of whom had come from cruise ships like I had.

These connections proved fruitful, and I began to sub in a big band and play for an event here and there. However, I knew this wouldn’t be enough to sustain me in the long-term, so I started a search for steady work.

Every day, I scoured Craigslist, searching for keywords like “piano,” “keyboard,” and “band” This led me to a gig with a worship band. The guitar player in the group suggested I contact a few local agencies to see if they needed a keyboard player for their cover bands.

I didn’t know much about agencies before, but this would be a turning point in my journey.  Soon after, I got my first cover band gig – a wedding at a beautiful mountain resort in Vail, Colorado. Just like on cruise ships, I enjoyed playing with other talented musicians and was interested in doing more, especially if they paid this well.  

Even with the few gigs I was finding, it still wasn’t enough to make ends meet. My savings were quickly becoming depleted, and I started interviewing for a few temporary office jobs to make ends meet.
​
Little did I know that I had a big break around the corner. Just as I was beginning to resign myself to the day job world, the same agency called me, asking if I would be interested in auditioning for their top cover band, promising over 50 well-paying gigs a year.

I can’t say I knew what I was doing, but I got the gig and was soon asked to be a permanent member. I didn’t realize that keyboardists were in such high demand. It turns out that keys players who were able to find all the right sounds and cover multiple parts were in short supply.

With the momentum of having some steady work, I turned my sights to a few other side jobs.  I accompanied a couple fantastic choirs, as well as a big string studio. I started teaching in-home piano lessons where I learned how to be an effective and inspiring teacher. I also became a part-time music director in a small church to supplement my income. Through this, I learned to play the organ, direct a choir, select music for worship and even become more comfortable singing – skills that would prove valuable in my next move. But for the moment, I was sitting pretty with my combination of cover band gigs, piano lessons, church and even a few solo concerts.

​

---