Enough people have asked me how I got into making a living playing the college market that I'll tell you what I know to get you started.

The main organization to get into is National Association of Campus Activities or "NACA". Call them at 1-800-845-2338 and ask for an Associate Member Kit, and a sample issue of Programming Magazine. Their annual membership fee is $210.

Before we go any further, check this list to see if you really should be doing this:

For 'unsigned' bands, colleges pay $400-$1200 per show.

For soloists (also called "coffeehouse"), you can get $250-$600

But it's really hard to be successful at this without playing covers. You've gotta be a crowd pleaser. And it really really helps to be obviously unique. Get a gimmick, if you can. Think about this in their terms. If you're a college kid & have a chance to hire a band that plays all your favorite songs, or a self-indulgent band that somberly plays all-originals, which would you choose?

Comedians & coffehouse are the most booked acts. Schools are always trying to get the most out of their activities budgets. A single comedian or hypnotist can provide as much entertainment as a 6-piece band.

More to come here when I get the time to write it...