BFlinch83

Does anyone have ideas about marketing a trumpet and organ duo (or trumpet and piano)? Here's what we've been doing so far...

I try to get in touch with as many churches or organists that I know, asking to use their church for a recital. We play for free (to the church) as long as we can take a free will offering which we then split 20% for the church and 40% for both the organist and me. That way, the church makes some money as do we.

Does anyone else have any ideas?

stchasking

Contact the local of the American Guild of Organists. Ask if they have anybody that will accompany a trumpet player as a duo gig. They will have a list of available organists to try out.
I was the music commitee chairman for my church and an elder. Presbyterian U.S.A. is my denomination. I would suggest you go to the largest church in town with the biggest pipe organ. Presbyterians are tight. You might want to try Baptists and Catholics. You go to the church board and offer to be artists in residence. Work up an entire year or season of recitals and then ask to split the donation from a free will offering. It will start slow but if you're good and you advertise, it will develop a following. Don't play contemporary music.

Always offer to play for the summer break. The choir usually takes the summer off. If you and your organist can get the Sunday morning gig for $200.00 a pop you'll be set up for any afternoon recitals. Try not to play better than the preachers sermon will be. If the preacher is a substitute, play anything you want with plenty of flashy stuff.
Always have coffee and cookies afterward. Offer to play for weddings and give them a little better deal as artist in residence.