Open Mic Hosts (Ages 16+) - Paid Opportunity

Role title: Open Mic Hosts (Paid Freelance-Style Placement) - Drop the Mic

Dates:

Fee: £108 per event

Role summary: We’re looking for confident, reliable young musicians (16+) to host Drop the Mic events, alongside an experienced supporting host. You’ll welcome the room, introduce acts, keep the energy flowing, and perform short sets to open/close (and potentially fill transitions). This is a real-world opportunity to build professional skills in live events, communication, and self-management.

Key responsibilities:

  • Host the event with support from the supporting host

  • Welcome the audience and set a positive, inclusive tone

  • Introduce performers clearly and respectfully

  • Manage transitions between acts (light stage management with support from team)

  • Perform self-accompanied material to open/close, and where needed, fill short gaps

  • Represent The Song School values (inclusive, safe, community focused)

  • Arrive on time for agreed call times

Essential Requirements:

  • Aged 16+

  • Able to accompany yourself live (no other musicians or backing tracks)

  • A minimum of 30 minutes of performance ready material

  • Willingness to learn material from memory (minimal lyric sheets or phones on stage)

  • Confident in speaking to an audience (or willing to get better at it)

  • Reliable, punctual, responsive and prepared

  • Comfortable in taking direction on being supported as a host

What you’ll gain:

  • Paid, real world experience of live hosting

  • Coaching and feedback from experienced working musicians

  • An understanding of professional expectations including; communication, punctuality, preparation, venue coordination and more

  • Evidence for CV/ Portfolio (where appropriate)

Nice to Have:

  • Ability to adapt set length on the fly (depending on how much is needed)

  • Strong stage presence and calmness under pressure

  • Networking skills

  • Experience in different performance settings

  • Knowledge of creating your own invoices (or willingness to learn)

How to apply:

Please complete the form below. This will then be assessed by our team for feedback and next steps.

Billy HoyleThe Fickle PickleComment