For performing musicians, especially during peak gigging seasons like the holidays, the question isn’t “if” something will go wrong—it’s “when.” On the latest episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive into the reality of planning gigs months (or even years) in advance, only to run up against illness, injury, and unpredictable life obstacles. Their candid conversation delivers powerful insights and practical tips for handling the moments when you simply can’t be at your best—or can’t be there at all.

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What to Do When Illness or Injury Threatens Your Music Gigs with Tara B & Bree Noble

The Anxiety of Advance Booking

Musicians often book festive season gigs far in advance. But with winter comes colds, flu, and other ailments. As Tara Brueske admits, “I have actually gigs booked for 2026 December already…there is that sense of like, oh, I just hope I’m healthy, you know, that I can get through this next month.” The uncertainty can be stressful, especially with the added responsibilities of consistent church commitments or regular shows.

Bree Noble echoes this anxiety: “I remember when I was gigging all the time, I would book out Christmas gigs a year in advance. You can’t know what’s going to happen to you, but like then I have weekly worship. So I have to be on my game too.”

Coping With Coughs, Colds, and Lost Voices

Getting sick isn’t just physically taxing—it threatens the musical product you’re known for. Bree Noble shares her go-to remedies: “Throat coat tea you got to use Coate…I went on Amazon and I bought, like, the six pack, and I still have it, and I use it.” Tara Brueske also relies on “fire cider…apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, lemon in hot water,” and emphasizes the importance of getting through the performance, even if it means simplifying arrangements or using a neti pot to clear up sinus issues.

But sometimes, the voice just won’t perform. That’s when adaptability is key. Bree Noble notes: “I can change keys to plenty of different keys that are a little bit easier if needed…if I can’t hit those high notes or whatever. Or sometimes it’s even the low notes or…for me, it’s like the middle. I can sing low and I can sing super high, but the middle is literally gone.”

Tara Brueske agreed, “If I do get laryngitis, that’s exactly where it is. It’s right in the middle.”

Backup Plans: Building Your Musical Support Network

Sometimes, you simply can’t perform. Having backup is essential. Bree Noble advises: “I have a few people I can call now…those people know people. Even if I only know three people and they can’t do it, they know people.” Musicians, choir directors, students, even siblings––cast your net wide.

Tara Brueske adds, “If you’re teaching at a music studio, talk to the other teachers. If you’re at a church, talk to the music director or other music directors at other churches. There’s ways that…you get one name and then you call them, and usually they’ll know more people.”

And vet those subs, Bree Noble cautions: “If I call a person that I trust, I know that they’re going to give me someone really good…like, I would want to actually go to their gig and make sure that they were going to represent me.”

From Injury to Ingenuity: Adapting When Disaster Strikes

Tara Brueske, fresh from a finger injury, described having to completely pivot: “I am a pianist and accompany myself…Well, of course we have our technology world and so YouTube, I knew that there were karaoke videos and instrumental videos…that has been my go to.”

“It’s not like I know these arrangements that well…like, am I, are we ending yet? I think we are,” she laughed. Still, audiences often don’t notice the difference—or appreciate the effort. “Absolutely nothing. You know, I had people saying like, oh, it took me down memory lane or just kind of the normal things.”

Relationships Matter—and Honesty Goes a Long Way

Sickness and emergencies aren’t just musical; they’re human. As Bree Noble reminds us, “If they didn’t want a human, they would have just played canned music, you know? So humans come with human problems.” Tara Brueske encourages transparency: “The more that you’re just open and honest…and yet being proactive, they will respect that. We’re building relationships…with the people that book us.”

Final Thoughts

Musicians are marvelously resourceful—and human. Whether facing a sore throat or a jammed finger, being part of a support network, adapting your repertoire, and keeping the lines of communication open ensures the show can still go on. As Tara Brueske passionately put it: “Don’t feel like it’s the end of the world if you get sick or if you have to…we are human. That may happen and you may have to try to find someone to take a gig.”

Links Mentioned In This Episode

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