The Ultimate Guide to Performing at Corporate Events

When you think of live music at a corporate event, what comes to mind? For some, it’s a lively party band after dinner. For others, it’s a jazz trio or solo guitarist providing a smooth backdrop for networking and conversation. The truth is, corporate entertainment can take many forms, but one thing is constant: the music must serve the event.

Over the years, I’ve performed at corporate events of every size and type — employee appreciation luncheons, client receptions, holiday parties, industry mixers, and more. Each event has its own unique personality, but certain principles always hold true. Recently I played a large corporate appreciation event for a national produce supplier, and it served as another reminder of how much I love this work — and why I’m excited to bring the same professionalism to Myrtle Beach corporate events.

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Always Allow Extra Travel Time

One of my most important rules of thumb is simple: always allow at least an hour more than you think you’ll need to arrive and set up.

Corporate events involve many moving parts, and things rarely go exactly according to plan. Over the years I’ve experienced:

• Wrong addresses provided by coordinators coming in from out of town.

• Long detours after missing a highway exit.

• Elaborate check-in or security procedures to enter a corporate facility.

• Confusing instructions about where exactly in the building or complex to set up.

Because I consistently allow plenty of buffer time, none of these hiccups ever become stressful. Arriving early means I can stay calm, smile, look sharp, and project complete professionalism. That’s what clients notice — not the behind-the-scenes hassles.

For me, this is one of the most important marks of a professional corporate event musician: be ready for anything, but never let the client feel the stress.

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Plan Ahead for Meals and Energy

Corporate events often take place during lunch or dinner hours, but that doesn’t mean the musicians get to sit down and eat on schedule. Many times, I don’t eat until long after the event is over.

That’s why I’ve learned to always bring my own food and plan my energy for the day. If an event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., I know I won’t be eating until 2:00 or later — so I plan accordingly.

The point is not about food, really. It’s about priorities. At a corporate event, the client’s needs come first. As a musician, you have to be ready to give your full energy and focus at the appointed time, regardless of what your stomach might be saying.

For the client, this translates into peace of mind: they know they’ve hired someone who takes care of themselves and will always put the event first.

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Manage Volume and Atmosphere

Perhaps the most overlooked but critical skill in corporate event music is knowing the right volume and atmosphere.

Corporate events are not concerts — they are about people connecting with each other. My role is to provide background music that enhances the setting without dominating it, like the sample here shows. That means:

• Choosing happy, uplifting songs that create a positive mood.

• Playing at a volume that encourages conversation, not competes with it.

• Avoiding the temptation to showcase myself; the focus is on the company and its people.

Over the years, I’ve developed simple ways to read whether the volume is right. If guests are leaning in uncomfortably to talk, or if they’re avoiding the area where I’m playing, that’s a clear sign the music is too loud. When people are smiling, mingling, and moving freely, I know I’ve struck the right balance.

The result is a room that feels alive, energized, and welcoming — without anyone consciously thinking about the music.

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Versatility Is Key

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that versatility makes all the difference at corporate events. Every gathering has its own vibe, and part of my job is to figure out what instrumentation, repertoire, and level of engagement will best support it.

a) Sometimes that means choosing between acoustic or electric guitar, or deciding whether the feel should lean jazz, pop, Latin, or soul. Most corporate events call for tasteful background music, but not all. At one appreciation party, for example, the employees — and even their spouses — ended up joining us on stage to sing. The organizer himself came up for a tune, and it turned into a highlight of the night.  Here are some excerpts from the event.

b) Versatility also means being ready to shift gears on a moment’s notice. At another event, there were many children present, so I pivoted to kid-friendly songs and added interactive elements like clapping, miming, and sing-alongs. It kept them engaged and brought joy to the whole room.

c) Underpinning all this is having a huge repertoire to draw from. Whether the moment calls for soft jazz standards, upbeat pop tunes, salsa grooves, or even interactive family fun, we’re prepared.  Here is an example of an event where we noticed that people were enjoying the slow dances, so we emphasized those kinds of tunes.

The ability to adapt — musically and socially — is what ensures that each event feels unique and perfectly tailored, rather than generic.

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Bring Tools That Add Value

Another lesson from years of doing corporate events is to always be prepared with extras that might come in handy.

One of my favorite examples is a wireless microphone. I bring one to almost every event, even when I haven’t been asked. Time and again, it’s saved the day — when a manager wanted to thank employees, when a CEO needed to make an announcement, or when someone wanted to give a toast but didn’t want to shout across the room.

Most companies don’t want to go through the expense of renting a separate PA system just for speeches, but having a mic on hand adds a layer of professionalism to the event. It’s a small touch, but it makes the client’s life easier and helps everything run smoothly.

In Myrtle Beach, with its mix of resort ballrooms, convention centers, and open-air spaces, this kind of flexibility can make a big difference.

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The Reward of Positive Feedback

At the end of a long corporate event day — sometimes ten hours from departure to return — I don’t feel drained. I feel grateful.

Guests often come up to thank me and tell me how much they enjoyed the music. Managers and executives appreciate that I’ve helped create the exact atmosphere they wanted. And sometimes there are even sweet surprises — like being sent home with a gift of fresh produce after playing for a food supplier’s appreciation day.

Those gestures remind me why I love this work. They validate the care I put into choosing the right songs, adjusting volume, balancing improvisation with structure, and reading the room moment by moment.

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Why Corporate Events Matter to Me

Corporate events require a special mindset. They are not about showcasing the musician. They are about supporting the company’s goals for the gathering — whether that’s celebrating employees, impressing clients, or fostering networking.

Over the years, I’ve come to love this challenge:

• Tailoring my vast repertoire to the needs of the event.

• Deciding how much to improvise and how much to stick to the familiar form of a tune.

• Balancing being unobtrusive background and providing entertainment for those who are listening closely.

• Maintaining a professional, calm presence no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.

Yes, it’s work. There’s travel, setup, logistics, and long hours. But for me, it’s joyful work. It’s meaningful because it helps companies bring people together, and music is a perfect tool for that.

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Bringing This Approach to Myrtle Beach

Now that I’m bringing my music services to Myrtle Beach, I’m excited to offer this same level of professionalism to local businesses and organizations.

Myrtle Beach is an incredible destination for corporate gatherings, with its resorts, convention centers, golf courses, and beachfront venues. Whether it’s a staff appreciation lunch, a networking reception, a client dinner, or a holiday party, live music can elevate the event — and I bring the experience and care to make sure it’s done right.

What clients can expect from me at their Myrtle Beach corporate event:

• Reliability: I always arrive early and come prepared for the unexpected.

• Professionalism: From attire to demeanor, I represent both myself and your company well.

• Atmosphere: Music that enhances conversation and connection, never overwhelms it.

• Flexibility: From a solo guitarist to a full ensemble, with extras like microphones and sound support if needed.

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Final Thoughts

After years of performing at corporate events, I’ve come to appreciate both the challenges and the rewards of this work. It requires preparation, awareness, and professionalism, but it also offers the joy of seeing people relax, smile, and connect in an atmosphere that music helps create.

As I expand my services to Myrtle Beach, I look forward to helping businesses here host memorable events — ones that celebrate their people, impress their clients, and make lasting impressions. Whether you’re planning a luncheon, a retreat, or a gala, I’d be honored to provide the soundtrack.