If you’ve ever wondered whether a career as an instrumentalist can be as profitable—and as creatively fulfilling—as being a singer-songwriter, you’ll want to hear the insights of cellist and entrepreneur Marc Christian. On a recent episode of the Profitable Musician Show, host Bree Noble sat down with Marc to hear how he carved out a lucrative and meaningful career playing cello at weddings, corporate and private events, and more.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the episode here
Below, we dive into Marc’s journey, his best strategies for getting started (and growing) in the events world, and some sage advice for musicians at every stage.
Finding His Musical Voice
Marc didn’t start out on the cello. As he shared, “I actually started with drums… probably like 8 years old or so. I did piano a little bit before that, but I was too young. I started at five, and I quail, you know, typical five year old. I started drums… and like, what, like, young, like, boy doesn’t want to play drums?”
However, by age ten, the cello caught his ear—and heart. With older and younger siblings on viola and violin, growing up was a competition-filled trio at home. “We were like, super competitive with each other… just trying to, you know, outdo each other the whole time,” Marc laughed.
After studying cello performance at Cal State Northridge and gigging with bands across LA, Marc steadily built up his experience—playing everything from string ensembles to the Grammys. But it was when he moved into the special events business about five years ago that his entrepreneurial spark really ignited.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Unlike many musicians who rely on their network, Marc started out solo. “In the beginning I didn’t have a network at all,” he recalls. He dove into platforms like The Bash, The Knot, and GigSalad, and initially kept his rates low to build up volume and experience. “I think the first year I probably did 100 weddings,” he told Bree—gaining testimonials, buying quality sound equipment, and rapidly expanding his reputation with coordinators and event planners.
Most importantly, he recognized the value of relationships: “During that time I met so many coordinators, so many planners, a bunch of staff at wedding venues and just building that reputation… that’s what really made it solid at this point.”
The Power of Content and Niche Marketing
Marc credits a big leap in bookings and referrals to his proactive approach to content. About a year ago, he started hiring friends—“not professional content creators actually; they just, I just been having them use my iPhone”—to film him at every event, from guest arrivals to cocktail hours. “I have like, I don’t know, 30, 40 videos that I could scroll through and figure out which ones I want to use… I know there’s like some videos that’s made me tens of thousands of dollars… over time.”
Instagram is his main platform (“Instagram’s a great landing page for couples to kind of get to know your, and get to know who you are”). He posts video reels regularly, showing not just his performance, but the event setting—helping clients picture their own wedding experience.
Marc’s niche? Weddings, where his expertise and showmanship create emotional, memorable moments. “I always pitch it more as an experience than like, just music. That’s what I make for people too… I don’t like, play as background music. I give them like a half hour show, a solo. People are there watching intently, you know, they’re engaged and like, people are moved by and all that.”
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
On success, Marc doesn’t mince words: “You want the reputation of doing your best. You don’t even have to be the best, but you have to give your best.” He shared a story of accepting a $40 gig that eventually led to opportunities with Grammy-winning artists. The lesson? “Actually give it your best no matter what, you know, just be all in with it.”
And above all, find your place of service. “Find a niche you could really serve in… See yourself as someone that’s doing active service through your music; that’s a way different mindset than playing for applause.”
Important Links
– Instagram: @marcchristiancello
– TikTok: @marcchristiancello
– Website: marcchristiancello.com
Whether you’re a vocalist or instrumentalist, Marc’s story on the Profitable Musician Show proves that success is as much about relationships, professionalism, and creative marketing as it is about talent. Build your base, document your journey, and—no matter the gig—always show up and serve.
