Musician profile page in Canada: what to include

What sections to include on your profile

Your Websta profile page should tell people what you do and how to reach you. The core sections are a description of who you are as a musician, the specific services you offer, your photos, and a way for people to contact you or book time.

Start with a clear description: your name, the instruments you play, the genres or styles you work in, and your experience. If you teach, perform, record, produce, arrange or do session work, say so. If you work with particular groups - wedding clients, jazz ensembles, orchestras, bands - mention them. Keep this section factual rather than promotional.

Add a services section where you list what people can hire you for. Examples might be live performance for weddings or events, private or group lessons, session recording, composition, accompaniment, or ensemble participation. You decide what services to offer and what to call them.

Photos that show your work

Photos matter because people want to see you in action and get a sense of your work. Upload photos of yourself performing, playing your instrument, teaching, or in a studio. If you perform at venues or events, include photos from those settings.

You can also add photos of your setup - recording equipment, teaching space, or stage setup - depending on the services you offer. People looking for a session musician or recording artist want to see what they're getting into.

Booking and contact options

Your profile includes a contact form so people can reach you with questions. You can also set up online booking if you offer services with set time slots - for example, weekly lesson times or specific rehearsal windows. If your services are more custom - a wedding performance, a one-off session, or project work - you can use quote requests instead, where people describe what they need and you reply with details.

You decide which works best for your services. Lessons might use booking slots. Custom arrangements or event performances might use quote requests.

Which language or languages to use

Publish your profile in the languages your clients use. In most of Canada, English is the main language. In Quebec and parts of New Brunswick, many people search in French. If you work in a bilingual region or serve bilingual clients, consider adding both English and French versions of your profile. You control this in your profile settings.

How people in Canada find musicians

On Websta's marketplace, people search by service type and location. They might search for 'guitar lessons in Toronto' or 'jazz musician for events in Montreal'. The marketplace also lets people post a task - for example, 'I need a classical guitarist for a wedding in June' - and musicians nearby can make offers.

People also find you through your profile page itself if they have the direct link, or if they search your name. Make sure your profile includes the town or area where you work so location-based searches find you.

What to check as an independent musician

Working as an independent musician in Canada means you are responsible for your own business setup. Check with your local municipal or provincial authority about whether you need a business license to teach, perform, or offer music services in your area. Licensing rules vary by province and by city.

Understand your tax obligations. As a self-employed musician, you may need to register for GST or HST if your income meets the threshold set by the Canada Revenue Agency. Keep records of your income and expenses. If you incorporate or operate as a sole proprietor, the requirements differ - speak with an accountant or check the CRA website for guidance.

Consider liability insurance if you perform at events or in others' homes. Check your local Musicians' Union or professional association for Canada - there may be resources or group insurance options for independent providers.

What to write in your first hour

When you first set up your Websta profile, focus on getting the basics right rather than perfecting every word.

Write a two or three sentence description of who you are: your name, main instruments, and what you do. Example: 'I'm a flute player based in Calgary with 10 years of experience in classical and folk music. I offer private lessons and perform at weddings and chamber concerts.'

List three to five services you actually offer right now. Don't list everything you could theoretically do - stick to what you are actively doing.

Add one good photo of yourself playing. It doesn't need to be professional; it just needs to be clear.

Write a sentence about how people should contact you or what to expect if they book. For example: 'Contact me with details of the event and I'll send a quote within two business days.' Or: 'Lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Message me to discuss what works for you.'

Set your location to the town or region where you work. This is how local searches find you.