<p>Most of the major music schools, schools with strong music departments maintain some type of service for music majors and talented non majors to list their specialties and obtain jobs. Some call it a gigline, gigpost, music job bank, etc; check with your department once you’re there.
Noted music schools are constantly getting calls for talent for local gigs, mostly one shots, but some can be recurring. </p>
<p>Sometimes musician wanted/instruction wanted jobs are pinned on the bulletin boards within the music building, or the student union or commons, it pays to look and frequently. (Look there for competitions as well, as most notices are sent to the music departments of established programs.) Those with talent or an odd specialty can make a nice sum; it’s not unusual to be in demand or turn gigs down if you’re reputation warrants it.</p>
<p>Look in the musicians section of the local craigslist, or advertise there as well.</p>
<p>Local area businesses, caterers, wedding planners, faith groups, funeral parlors, some clubs and restaurants want and actively support new talent and faces.</p>
<p>Develop and use a network of faculty, peers and upperclassman. Much can be word a mouth. Design and print a simple, effective business card, and leave a small stack where ever and whenever you play; some venues/occasions are easier to do this than others, so be judicious but always have a few available in a purse or pocket.</p>
<p>Boston will be tough. NEC, Longy, BU, BoCO, Harvard, MIT and others host a wealth of hungry high level talent. Good luck.</p>