How to get paid gigs at private and corporate events

Leonard Patterson is a music consultant who helps independent musicians transition from bar gigs to well-paying private and corporate events. With over two decades of experience in music marketing and performance, Leonard now runs a creative consultancy that helps bands grow their visibility, land paid music gigs, and build lasting fan communities.

His signature guide, Bars to Ballroom, is a free PDF packed with practical music marketing ideas. It’s designed for working bands who are ready to move beyond casual shows and start booking upscale gigs like weddings, galas, and corporate functions.

“I created Bars to Ballroom for those working musicians who already have a few shows under their belt, know their sound, and want to start pitching themselves for more professional, better-paying events,” says Leonard.

Let’s dive deep into Leonard’s top strategies to get paid gigs that go beyond the bar scene, based on real-world experience and smart, simple tactics.

1. Use social media to promote your value

How do you use social media without looking like you’re begging for gigs?

“Every post should show you’re working, even when you’re not playing,” says Leonard. To help bands avoid burnout or repetition, he coaches clients to create content using the 5 E’s:

• Educational: Teach fans something, like a fun fact about a song you cover or the history behind a genre.
• Entertaining: Share behind-the-scenes clips, live show snippets, or jam session moments.
• Engaging: Ask questions that spark conversation, like “Name a song with ‘summer’ in the title.”
• Encouraging:  Post something uplifting or inspiring to create a positive vibe around your brand.
• Earning: Promote your event, offer a free download, or ask people to join your email list.

Leonard recommends using the PosterMyWall social media post templates to simplify the design process and Content Planner to map out content ahead of time. You can also take advantage of fun observance days like Star Wars Day or National Beverage Day. These unusual hooks give your content personality—and make your band more memorable.

By mixing up your posts and planning ahead with social media post templates, you’ll stay top-of-mind for fans and event planners—even during downtime.

2. Build your email list, right from the stage

How can you turn a live performance into a list-building opportunity?

Leonard doesn’t wait for fans to find his band online, he brings the connection to them. “We build our email list primarily at our shows,” he shares. A printed banner with a QR code links directly to the signup form. He also hands out gig cards with the band’s logo, upcoming shows, and QR codes for both email and Instagram.

These cards double as conversation starters. “When people are dancing near the stage, I’ll tell them to grab one so they know where we’re playing next,” he says. “I also tell them we send emails every couple of weeks and it’s the best way to stay in touch, no social media algorithms in the way.”

For Leonard, email is a direct line to loyal fans. He encourages bands to:

• Collect emails consistently at shows
• Make signing up easy with scannable QR codes
• Send updates a few times a month with show announcements and highlights
• Use email as a reliable way to promote your event

You can create an email campaign and streamline the process with free band email templates on PosterMyWall.

3. Build a website that sells you as a pro

How do you make your online presence look legit?

A website is where you control the experience. It shows you’re serious. That’s what clients booking $2,000 events want to see.

At a minimum, your website should include:

• A short bio that speaks to your professionalism
• High-quality performance videos
• A simple contact or booking form

You can also add a downloadable media kit and link to your PDF resource or promo materials. This gives potential clients confidence that you’re prepared, polished, and worth the investment.

4. Encourage word-of-mouth through memorable experiences

How do you get people talking about your gigs?

Leonard encourages musicians to introduce themselves to guests, thank event planners personally, and leave behind a one-sheet or business card. These small touches go a long way in the corporate and private event world.

Bonus tip: If someone shares your show on social media, re-share it. Tag them. Say thank you. Make it a two-way street.

5. Use tools like PosterMyWall to save time and look pro

What tools can help you look pro without burning out?

Leonard recommends PosterMyWall to simplify his concert promotion workflow. “I’ve created and saved templates for our band’s flyers, so I can make a new promo in five minutes.”

From designing polished event flyers to creating emails and video promos, PosterMyWall helps you look professional, without hiring a designer. With PosterMyWall Events, you can do even more. Add an RSVP form, share your full calendar, and send reminders, all in one place.

6. Build a community, not just a crowd

What’s the difference between having fans and growing a real music community?

It’s not about flooding your feed with band photos or polished promo shots. “That only gets you so far,” Leonard explains. “Authority doesn’t grow your fanbase, community does.”

Here are Leonard’s top tips for growing a loyal, engaged community:

• Turn the camera around: Post selfies with fans. Celebrate their presence, not just your performance.
• Treat social media like a conversation, not a broadcast: Ask questions, create polls, and engage in the comments. Start meaningful exchanges rather than just pushing content.
• Use Facebook Events creatively: Instead of spamming your feed, start conversations inside your event pages, like asking what song you should open with.
• Use tags to expand reach: Use Facebook’s @followers, @topfans, and @everyone tags to notify your core audience without being spammy.
• Send exclusive behind-the-scenes content to your email list: Reward your most dedicated fans with early updates or private clips.

When you show genuine appreciation and keep your audience involved, they become your promoters. They refer you for weddings, book you for private parties, and stay invested in your success.

Final thoughts: You don’t have to stay stuck in the bar scene

Getting paid music gigs isn’t about being lucky. It’s about being intentional; about showing up, being seen, and staying ready. Leonard’s approach proves that with smart marketing and the right tools, better bookings will follow.

So don’t sit around hoping someone will discover you. Promote yourself the way a pro would.

Download Leonard’s Bars to Ballrooms PDF, design your next promo flyer in minutes on PosterMyWall, and start pitching with confidence. 

Your next big gig could be one email away.