Solo Acoustic Musician

In Solo Acoustic Musician (SAM), Michael Nichols shares his personal experiences and technical know-how gathered from over 30 years as a live performer. In a straightforward conversational voice, he lays out a dynamic vision for how to make a living and have fun being a SAM. The value of Nichols’ story is found in the small things and minor details. He reveals how to navigate challenges, play to various kinds of audiences, book gigs, and more.

In Solo Acoustic Musician (SAM) 2, Michael Nichols expands on the information and perspectives shared in his first book, delving deeper into the world of the SAM by interviewing a half dozen of his peers, as well as a man who repairs and restores guitars: the essential tool of the SAM’s trade.

Michael Nichols has done a deep dive into the business side of booking a gig by interviewing managers, owners, and agents who are in charge of hiring Solo Acoustic Musicians. This book reveals the perspectives of the people who handle the calendar of events and tells you what they think, what they want to know, and how to approach them, all of which is vital to success as a Solo Acoustic Musician.

The fourth volume of the Solo Acoustic Musician series expands on subjects only touched upon in earlier volumes. Michael Nichols chooses in this book to focus on a unique musical environment and subculture — the “open mic” event, at which performers sign up to play. Some are amateurs, some are professionals, and many are Solo Acoustic Musicians. Michael once again strives to give you a truthful and transparent look into a Solo Acoustic Musician's lifestyle by sharing his experiences at various types of open mics, as a performer, as a host, and as a member of the audience.