I currently have a level 12 drow bard (virtuoso build). When I am in groups he does very well; his CC is very good and he is a good healer.
When I try to solo him or use a single hireling it does not go very well. I built him with CC and healing in mind, and his melee and ranged attacks are poor to moderate. I use Master's Touch and use the Hammer of the Leaden Clouds with a shield, or I use the Petrifying War Bow from the Lordsmarch quests. His charm and hold spells hit more often than not, and his disco ball works quite well, but his DPS is such that it takes forever for him to beat mobs down, and he can forget about soloing a boss.
In groups I tend to buff, sing songs, and when combat starts, throw some CC spells, spot heal when needed, and either pew-pew with my bow or melee with my hammer (neither of which does a lot of damage.) I did a normal run of Madstone Crater last night and finished with 3 kills.
I'm sure if I had a few past lives on him it would be a bit easier (he is a first life character.) I currently use him for guild events when I have no other characters in that level range, and other than that I don't really play him.
Any suggestions on soloing a virtuoso bard? And suggestions in general for leveling a first life bard without great gear?