After years of training and hard work, you’ve decided you’re ready to hit the stage alone for the first time. Brilliant! But where do you start with organising it?

It’s always a good idea to do your first concert as a fundraiser, because you will be sure to attract an audience whether they’re there to suppport you or the good cause. I did my first solo recital for the youth charity Spun Out (http://www.spunout.ie) shortly after becoming a fan, and an audience of over 80 turned out, made up of well-meaning charity supporters and friends and family from the locality.

So first you need to make a list of what you need to get started…

• A programme, roughly 40-60 minutes long, that is within your performing ability
• One or two pieces for an encore – I made the mistake of not preparing for this!
• Choose a few dates which will allow you time to prepare – but no solid decisions yet.
• A venue – this can be a local hall, a church, a school, provided it is big enough. Find out if there is a fee and what dates are available.
• Equipment hire – in my case, this was a grand piano. Get a quote, and dates when the supplier is available.
• Contact the charity organisation – discuss ideas and see if they can provide any promotional supplies. Invite a speaker if possible.
• Promotion – now you can decide the date and get to work on posters and tickets. Decide your ticket charge which will go to charity.
• Sponsorship – I got sponsorship from local businesses to cover my costs, which was very successful. List businesses and amount given.
• Programmes – I made these at home. Write some programme notes to show your opinion on the pieces. List your sponsors here.
• Outfit – don’t forget to sort out your formal attire!

It’s really important that you keep careful track of money when you’re organising all this. When you’re selling tickets you’ll be bombarded with €5, €10 and €20 notes. The best way to look after all this is to get yourself a lockable money box, preferably one that’s divided into sections. That way you can distinguish which cash is for the charity organisation and which is for covering you’re expenses. They’re easy to get and will probably come in useful to you again in the future!

It may be useful to have a few words prepared for the end of the concert, to say your “thank-yous” and acknowledge any help you were given. This is where I really got caught out! If it’s possible, find someone to be your MC so you get an introduction etc., and perhaps have some background music to put on during your interval.

Hopefully I haven’t left any vital information out. Do let me know if there’s anything I’ve skimmed over!