The following is something I wrote in a Facebook group in response to a young saxophonist who had questions about working as a multi-instrumentalist and finding gigs:
Here’s a picture of my rig on my main casual account, minus the congas. If you are a solid multi-instrumentalist, especially with rhythm instrument skills, you increase your opportunities to work. Add reliability to the equation and you can become indispensable.
Success in this business is not about who you know but rather who knows you. Make yourself as visible as possible. Go to every jam session (jazz, rock, R&B, etc.) in the communities surrounding your home, and go repeatedly. Sub on as many rehearsal bands as possible. Get to know other musicians on a personal level. Go out for a late night bite with them after a gig or rehearsal and talk with them about non-musical stuff. Success and longevity in this business is all about cultivating relationships. Yes, your skill set is important, but in the final analysis it’s mostly about how you get along with other people.
Paul Navidad Online 