How to set up a Websta profile as a musician in New Zealand

What your profile page should contain

A Websta profile for a musician should include a clear description of what you do - whether that is live performance, music lessons, session recording, composition, sound engineering, or a mix of these. Set out each service separately so people know exactly what you offer and can book or request a quote for the right thing.

Add photos that show your instrument, your performance space, your teaching setup, or your recording equipment, depending on what you do. These help potential customers understand your work. If you teach, include a photo of your teaching space. If you perform, show yourself or your band in action.

Your profile should list the areas you cover - whether you travel to clients, work from home, meet in a studio, or some combination. New Zealand is spread across two islands and several hours of driving between major cities, so be clear about where you can work. You can also specify that you work nationwide if you do remote lessons or recording.

Write a short bio that covers how long you have been working as a musician and what styles or genres you specialise in. Keep it factual - just say what you do and what your background is.

Services and booking options

On Websta, you set your own prices and decide whether to accept bookings directly through the platform or invite customers to request a quote. For services with fixed rates - such as a one-hour lesson or a standard rehearsal slot - you can set these up as bookable items. For work that varies - such as composing a custom piece, recording an album, or arranging music - you can ask customers to post a task so you can make an offer.

Many musicians in New Zealand use a mix: bookable slots for teaching or regular gigs, and quote requests for custom work. You control whether bookings appear immediately in your calendar or whether you approve them first.

Websta handles payment through Stripe, which connects to your own bank account. You set the price, and the money goes to you.

How people search for musicians in New Zealand

On Websta, people search by service and location. Someone looking for a piano teacher in Auckland, or a guitarist in Wellington, or a studio engineer in Christchurch, will find profiles in that area. The marketplace currently lists musicians across the country, though the number of profiles in any one category or region may be small.

People also post tasks for services they need - for example, 'I need someone to arrange backing tracks for my folk band' or 'Looking for a jazz tutor for my daughter'. Providers can browse these tasks and make offers.

Make sure your profile name and service descriptions include the words people actually search for - your instrument, the type of music, the service (teaching, performance, recording), and any location you work in.

Publishing in English and te reo Maori

All Websta profiles are published in English. If you work with Maori communities or want to describe your services in te reo Maori as well, you can do this in your description text - for example, mentioning that you teach waiata or taonga pūoro, or that you are available for Maori events. There is no separate te reo profile interface, but bilingual descriptions work well.

If you perform or teach traditional Maori music, mentioning this in your description will help the right customers find you.

What to sort out as an independent musician in New Zealand

As a self-employed musician, you need to register with Inland Revenue and have an IRD number. You will need to file tax returns and pay tax on your income. If you employ other musicians, teach with assistants, or hire session players, you need to meet employment law requirements.

Check with your local council about any rules for working from home (if you teach or record at yours), and whether you need resource consent for loud music or frequent visitors. Rules vary by council and zone.

If you perform at venues or record other people's work, check copyright and licensing rules with NZ On Screen and Phonographic Performance Limited if you are playing recorded music in public.

You may need public liability insurance, especially if you perform at venues or teach in client homes. This is not a legal requirement, but it is standard practice.

For more detail on tax, employment, or venue rules, contact Inland Revenue, your local council, or a business adviser.

What to write in your first hour

Start with your profile description - write three to four sentences about what you do, how long you have been doing it, and what you specialise in. Be specific: 'I teach classical piano to beginners and intermediate students' or 'I perform funk and soul covers for weddings and events' tells people exactly what you offer.

Then list your main services. Even if you plan to ask for quotes on most work, write out what you do so it is searchable. Add the locations you work in or travel to.

Upload at least one clear photo - it can be of you, your instrument, your studio, or your performance setup. A photo makes your profile feel real and trustworthy.

Write a short note about the areas you cover and how people can reach out. If you teach online, say so. If you travel to venues or homes, mention the regions you cover. You can always add more detail or photos later.

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