A Musician's Guide to Getting Hired

Lamar Hampton

Hey there, friends, welcome back to Harmony Hub, presented by Memorial Connect. I'm Lamar, and today, we're stepping off the stage for a minute and talking all about something that hits close to home for a lot of us working musicians: how do you actually get your phone ringing with steady bookings—especially for those really meaningful events like funerals and memorials? So if you're tuning in hoping for a little help to grow your career and maybe carve out a real niche, you’re absolutely in the right place.

Lamar Hampton

Now, I want to start where honestly, every strong business starts: the brand. And—and I know, folks hear "brand" and they think, “Okay, do I need a fancy logo, or some kind of mysterious stage name?” But it’s so much more than visuals. What I see working—especially in memorial music—is that your brand is your reputation. It’s the feeling families, planners, even funeral directors get from working with you: are you reliable, can you be empathetic in tough moments, and are you professional? Those little things stick. Honestly, I tell folks, just think about what people say about you after you finish a service. That's your real brand.

Lamar Hampton

And targeting your audience—oh man, don't skip that homework. When I first launched Memorial Connect, I had all these ideas for what I thought would matter to families and event planners, but you know what really paid off? Real testimonials and feedback from my earliest clients. When families told me, “We felt safe choosing you. We felt heard,” that’s what let Memorial Connect stand out. That's what gives you immediate trust—using those real words, not empty promises.

Lamar Hampton

Think about the core people you're serving. Families of course, but also funeral homes, event planners, even faith leaders. They’re all looking for someone with calm and comfort, not just vocal chops! Do your research—find out what your local funeral homes need, talk to planners about what makes a ceremony unforgettable. And take a note from my playbook: listen for the words they use, and let those guide how you present yourself, online and in person. I guess what I’m saying is: your brand isn’t just for show, it’s for building real trust, one connection at a time.

Lamar Hampton

Okay, so you’ve figured out your brand, you know who you’re trying to reach—now it’s about reaching them, right? Folks, your website and your social media are gonna do a lot of the heavy lifting for you in today’s world. I learned this the hard way—I mean, even ten years ago folks would tell me, “I wish I’d known you existed!” So, having that digital presence matters.

Lamar Hampton

Let’s be specific: your website shouldn’t just be an online business card. You wanna have a section just for memorial or funeral services. List out the types of ceremonies you cover, maybe have sample videos or audio clips—yes, even if they're just recorded in your living room! Testimonials? Oh, they’re gold. And clear calls to action: “Contact me,” or “Request availability”—make it easy for folks who are grieving or planning to actually reach out.

Lamar Hampton

And then there’s social media—which, let’s be honest, not all musicians love! But even simple, regular updates make a difference. Share clips from performances, or even quick behind-the-scenes looks at your small rehearsal set-up. And shout-out to folks like Sarah Jones in Dallas—a performer who, I kid you not, turned her whole calendar around by adding just a few video clips singing “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria,” gathering up family reviews, and tagging her local funeral homes. Now she gets referrals on referrals…and her event fee went from, what, $150 to $400 in about a year? Wild. The little things add up fast when you’re consistent.

Lamar Hampton

And don’t be afraid to partner up with a photographer or videographer, even if it’s just a friend. Quality pictures—actual event moments, not just headshots—help set you apart. And every new testimonial, every thank-you note from families, should go online. You want people to see that not only are you active, but you’re trusted and in demand. That's how you start creating that steady stream of inquiries.

Lamar Hampton

So after you’ve built your brand and your online presence—how do you really take things to that next level? This is where you step beyond word-of-mouth and use some of the resources and networks that are actually built for this exact kind of work.

Lamar Hampton

Word of mouth is great, and look, I’ll never knock a good referral. But specialized directories like Memorial Connect—well, I built this platform because I saw the need. Families are overwhelmed, they’re searching for someone reliable who “gets it,” and sometimes they don’t know where to look. Musicians listing on a site like Memorial Connect? You’re now findable—actively looked for by folks who need exactly what you do. The platform actually brings clients to you. There’s nothing quite like seeing a new inquiry pop up just because you invested in that detailed profile with video samples and genuine reviews.

Lamar Hampton

And don’t underestimate collaboration, either. Some of the busiest musicians I know partner up with funeral directors, caterers, even florists—anyone involved in the memorial space. Every person you connect with is a potential referral source. I’ve seen folks join local remembrance events or work with community organizations…it just keeps growing from there! When people know who you are and what you do, they’re more likely to recommend you again and again.

Lamar Hampton

I guess that’s really why I started Memorial Connect in the first place. I wanted to make sure musicians and singers had a place to reach the families who needed their gift—so they could really grow their careers and, honestly, build something steady and meaningful. That’s always been my hope for this community. So, to anyone listening who’s ready to dig in and own your niche, remember: you’ve got tools, you’ve got networks, and you’ve got a community right here cheering you on.

Lamar Hampton

Well, that about wraps it up for today. If you’re ready to turn your music into a steady career, start with your brand, invest in your presence, and don’t shy away from the platforms and people waiting to help you grow. We’re gonna keep this conversation going, so be sure to join us for the next episode. Until then—keep sharing your gift, and I’ll see you soon on Harmony Hub.