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The Loop Academy
201 members • Free
Pro Gig Academy
4.9k members • Free
The Performer's Circle
30 members • Free
4 contributions to The Performer's Circle
Jun 11 •
Guitar Type Choice
Hi all. I am lucky enough to have a few guitars to choose from for performing. Unfortunately that sometimes makes me have a hard time deciding which one will work best for playing at senior facilities. I have a nice old maple 1980 Guild F-50 jumbo which sounds great, but it has passive pad type piezo pickups with no volume control in the guitar. So, I have to adjust things on the amp. These guitars are full sounding and very bright. My other guitar choice is a nylon string Yamaha NTX3 crossover guitar which does have a built-in preamp and controls in the guitar. This guitar is very mellow. Any opinions on which guitar might be better for performing at senior facilities? The nice thing about the Guild F-50 is that it is loud, so if I were performing un-amplified this is the one I would take.
2 likes • 28d
I have played my Martin for decades, and have an Epiphone Masterbilt _ I love both, but I have been playing a carbon fiber guitar that most of you will laugh me out of the group for playing... I am soon to be retiring as a Worship Pastor (after ~50 years) and was given an ENYA X3 PRO MINI. I absolutely love it!
1 like • 15d
First and foremost for durability and the fact that temperature changes and humility doesn’t affect it at all! It also helps that it actually has a great tone.
Jun 2 •
How do you prepare your setlist at shows?
I'm curious what everyone uses when referencing a setlist during shows? I go completely from memory and don't rely on anything and I'm wondering if anyone else does this?
Poll
13 members have voted
1 like • 28d
@Pete Hill I just started using Band helper, it is a great app!
0 likes • 23d
I have imported PDF files into forScore on my iPad for YEARS now, however!
24d •
What venue type comprises most of your gig experience?
95% of all my paid gigs are from some kind of senior living community. I know several members who indicated they play weddings and other types of places. I'm curious where most of us are coming from?
Poll
13 members have voted
2 likes • 24d
The other category works Brad for me…. Weddings, funerals, church retreats, banquets, senior centers, festivals, etc.
Jun 12 •
Why do you want to share your music?
Residents want to experience your show,not just passively listen to the music. When we invest time with them, it's crucial to make a connection and share the reason we love music and why we are so happy to share it. "My grandfather taught me how to play guitar. He also smoked cigarettes while he sang the songs. I don't smoke, but every time I smell cigarettes I think of him and the music he shared that made my brothers and I feel so good" Some little stories like this resonate with them. "My grandma danced and she couldn't dance. Grandpa sang and he couldn't sing. They stayed married 60 years." Open up to your senior audience and make them 'feel' what you feel. Let your stories lead into songs and bring them on an emotional journey with you. This makes a lasting impression that will get them asking for you back more often. Why are you so excited about sharing music with senior communities??
3 likes • 27d
Thank you so much, Chris, for what you are doing! I am retiring at the end of this year after ~50 years in ministry. While I am pretty confidant in playing and singing solo, the gigging scene is very new to me. It is a VERY different discipline that what I have done in music directing and leading worship. It is also a VERY different discipline than stage productions and the sort. I am working to "beef up" my repertoire. Being a closet perfectionist, that has been somewhat slow going... 🫤 As with most of the people here in this amazing community, I started going to senior facilities to visit my Dad - who has since passed, Being a pastor, I have continued to make these visits just to make sure that these who are there can still feel connected. My goal is to now make the jump from simply visiting to sharing and uplifting them in a new form of ministry. Your tips and advice is incredibly helpful and freeing!
1 like • 26d
@Miriam P. Tierno it’s good to know that we are not alone, Miriam, AND that there is such a great community to draw from!
1-4 of 4
Active 2d ago
Joined Jun 16, 2026