Musicians Frequently Asked Questions about Concerts In Your Home

Q: How many gigs will I get? A: CIYH is dedicated to creating opportunities and interest, but we are not a booking agency. Your bookings will be a direct result of your appeal to this market, your ability to turn someone's interest into a gig, and your ability to go where the opportunities present themselves. CIYH takes no percentage. Anything you make is yours.

Q: Can I list my full-band?

A: We are promoting acts who can comfortably fit and play in the living room of a common home. It's not impossible that someone might want a full band, but most hosts will be looking for smaller acts. House concerts in a great way for the songwriters in the band to get extra work in a nice setting, without creating a whole new website.

Q: How do I know if the site is really being promoted?

A: Check our press page regularly (starting June 1, 2006) and see our progress. We will also give you tools to promote yourself in your town.

Q: What do I do when someone calls/emails?

A: Be friendly and professional! Keep in mind that hosts may have very little experience booking acts, and might need you to walk them through the process.

Q: How much should I charge or collect as deposit?

A: Hosts may or may not be comfortable with paying up-front deposits, but everything is negotiable. Keep in mind that house concerts are usually paid from DONATIONS, collected from the guests. The suggested donation usually ranges from $7 to $15 per person.

Q: What should I put on my rider?

A: Whatever is absolutely necessary for you to do a show, that you are not able to provide. We really suggest keeping it simple. (example: two stools/chairs with no arms, a table for merchandise)

Q: How is my placement determined in artist searches on CIYH?

A: By relevance. If someone searches for "acoustic, duo, and Kansas", the results will begin with acts that meet all three criteria, followed by acts that meet two of the three and so on.

Q: Why should I pay to join when I can put house concert info on my own website?

A: By all means - put information on your own website if you like. However, that will only reach your current fans. Joining CIYH will expose you to new people who are reading about CIYH all over the country - people who want to book artists to play in their homes. Linking to our site also helps make a great presentation to your fans who have no idea what a house concert might be like.

Q: What if I don't get any gigs after listing with CIYH?

A: Well how many gigs will you get if you don't list with CIYH? Your downside risk is only $25, which will give you exposure to the growing house concert market for an entire year. That is one whole year to book a single show, which should easily quadruple the return on your investment. What if you book several shows?

Please contact us
if you have additional questions.

Thanks!