Virtual Musical Performances: What To Know

Since the start of the pandemic, live musicians and singers have faced ongoing financial and creative challenges stemming from a lack of live, in-person shows. Livestream musical performances quickly become an emerging trend online. The shift is not only proving to be a way for musicians to reconnect with longtime fans and new listeners, but a means of earning income while doing what they love. 

SAG-AFTRA Vice President, Recording Artists/Singers, Dan Navarro knows a thing or two about livestream performances, having produced 200 and counting over the past year. 

The SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted Livestreaming for the Virtual Stage on Jan. 26, and Navarro provided firsthand knowledge and insight about getting started and performing shows on popular platforms. In addition to detailing the equipment he uses, he also covered best practices for engaging with online audiences, growing income and contributing to the ever-growing virtual musical community. 

“Most of what you want to accomplish [with video streaming or livestreaming] can be done with thought toward what platform you’re dealing with, but what I’ve learned is, engagement is what’s most important,” said Navarro. “There is something about extending yourself to an audience, and if you give them love, they will show up and support you.”

For more, scroll below. Other PTEOE workshops and panels can be found on sagaftra.org/video.

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.