How to get jobs playing music in Singapore?

[classicrock]

Hello..

Just wondering how do I go about getting a job playing music at the local pubs and bars maybe? I'm a musician, can play lead guitar, bass, drums and in an indie band here in US. What sort of permit do I need to get from the immigration? I'm not a degree holder or anything, just a tradesman back home. What can I do for jobs there? Btw, wife is also from Singapore.

[sundaymorningstaple]

You will probably need you wife to come back to Singapore, get a job and then apply for PR for you. Then you would be able to get a job as a musician. Otherwise, zilch in all probability.

[Girl_Next_Door]

There's a lot of places in Singapore that play live music, so there should be jobs/positions available. Of course, the most important thing is how well are they paid...

I think most places hired filipinos in their bands. The few Caucasian musicians, are usually doing it as a part time basis (i.e. they have a full time job in the day, and play in the evenings). I know a couple of Singaporean musicians have a full time job (in the day), and play in the evening for extra cash and/or passion. Most of them took a long time to be established enough to quit their full time job and be a full time musician, so I am not sure how easy it is going to be for you to find one that can pay you well enough.

So far, the only place I know is Howl At The Moon who have caucasian musicians doing it full time. I heard that they are moving or opening another location around clarke quay, so you can email them and give it a shot? Their band members usually need to be able to play a few instruments (i.e. piano and guitar/drums etc).

Good luck in your search!

[sundaymorningstaple]

Girl_Next_Door, how is he going to get a valid employment pass unless he already has his band or has a contract for a temporary gig? MOM will not give him an employment pass to be a musician.

[Girl_Next_Door]

Not sure about the process/procedures in getting employment pass since I am not in HR field, or alike. But I am merely sharing my limited knowledge of places that have caucasian band players, and where he can try to find a job, etc. Hope that's not a crime!

On the other hand... I would think that if he managed to get a job as a musician at Howl at the Moon (if they are even hiring to start!), they would know the process n procedures to get him a valid employment pass? Since they have a couple of band members from US and NZ? Of course, I might be wrong (again).

[classicrock]

Thanks for the replies..

Any information will be helpful in this situation. How long do I have to wait for my wife to apply a PR for me? I read somewhere here, one of those treads.. mentioned 6 payslips? That'll be in 6mths time correct? cos you guys get paid monthly. Does she have to make certain amount of money to be my sponsor? We also have a child born in Singapore few yrs ago before returning to America. Will that make it easier for me to get PR status?

[econoMIC]

Hi there,

your wife actually does not have to go back to Singapore for you to apply PR. I am married to a Singaporean as well and applied for PR at the high commission in London. You can do the same at your nearest Singaporean Embassy/foreign mission. Although in the guidelines they will ask for your CPF statements and tax returns for the last three years this won't be a problem, just give them your local tax returns.

I went through this in April and within three months I had my PR approved. You can also read my old thread I started (under my old username littlegreenman) on applying for PR while overseas here: http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/ftopic58547.html . Pretty much everything you need to know is in there. Let me know if you have further questions.

[angeliquinha]

Hello..

Just wondering how do I go about getting a job playing music at the local pubs and bars maybe? I'm a musician, can play lead guitar, bass, drums and in an indie band here in US. What sort of permit do I need to get from the immigration? I'm not a degree holder or anything, just a tradesman back home. What can I do for jobs there? Btw, wife is also from Singapore.

hi,

you can check this site

www.aor.com.sg

they're looking for music instructors

good luck!