Building Your Network! Networking Tips for Composers and Arrangers
Networking is crucial in any career, but especially for composers and arrangers.
The old adage of “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is as true now as it has ever been. Luckily, today it is easier than ever to connect with people anywhere in the world. Building strong connections can open doors for new opportunities to collaborate, perform, and sell your music!
You can never have too many contacts, so we have compiled this list of ideas and tips whether you are looking to begin or expand your thriving network:
1.
Attend Music Conferences and Festivals
Events like The Midwest Clinic, NAfME, ACDA, The Jazz Education Network conference, and your state’s music educator association conferences offer concentrated opportunities to meet and connect with a large number of music professionals in a short period of time.
These events often have workshops and masterclasses to attend and have opportunities to showcase your work with performances, or presentations. For more information on how to have your work showcased, check out our articles linked above!
2.
Use Social Media
Social media platforms provide a powerful way to connect with musicians worldwide, share your work, and build your online presence.
Build your professional profiles, connect with other musicians, share photos and videos of your work, and upload high-quality recordings so people can preview your compositions! Check out more ways to market your work using social media here.
3.
Network with Local Music Educators
Building relationships with local teachers is essential for getting your music performed in schools and reaching a wider audience.
Joining local music educator associations, offering accompaniment, arranging, or workshop services, or creating tailored pieces for school ensembles can be excellent ways to build connections with local educators.
4. Join Local or Online Communities
Online and offline communities provide valuable resources, support, and networking opportunities!
Professional Organizations like ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, and others offer resources, networking events and other resources. Participating in online forums and groups on platforms like Facebook, offer the opportunity to connect with other arrangers. We suggest the ArrangeMe Members Facebook group!
5. Engage with Your Local Music Community
Immersing yourself in the local music scene provides valuable networking opportunities and allows you to connect with other musicians in your area.
Attending local concerts, joining community bands/orchestras/choirs, or organizing and participating in writing circles or jam sessions, can provide informal and low pressure opportunities to meet and collaborate with other musicians!
6. Collaborate with Non-Music Professionals
Collaborating with professionals in other fields can lead to exciting and unexpected projects, expand your creative horizons, and diversify your income streams!
Other fields such as film, game development, marketing, theater, dance, etc. all have a need for original or arranged compositions. Networking outside of music circles can be just as valuable and lead to opportunities you never even considered.
7. Collaborate with Your Existing Network
Collaborating with colleagues can lead to new projects, introduce you to their networks, and strengthen your professional relationships. Not to mention, it’s fun!
Organizing joint projects, co-writing, or referring potential commission clients and collaborators to one another is a great way to support your growth as well as the growth of your colleagues.
8. Stay in touch with College Professors and Other Alumni
Maintaining connections with your mentors and fellow alumni can provide valuable support and guidance throughout your career.
Stay connected on social media, attend alumni events, seek advice and keep in contact with your mentors and peers. Likely they are or have gone through similar events in their careers and can offer advice to point you in the right direction.
9. Attend or Host Workshops and Masterclasses
Attending and hosting workshops and masterclasses provides valuable learning experiences and opportunities for networking.
Gain valuable insights from experienced professionals, gain new skills, and connect with other arrangers and composers! Or, host your own classes to share your expertise with others, and build your reputation as an arranging/composing professional.
10. Create an Online Portfolio
An online portfolio is essential for showcasing your work to potential clients and employers.
Create a professional website, that includes your bio, experience, sample of your work, etc. and tie it all together by creating your own publisher brand!
Have this ready for when new connections ask to see your work.
Fun fact: you can do all of this by creating an ArrangeMe Pro publisher page!
Conclusion
Building a strong network requires consistent effort and genuine engagement. By focusing on building authentic relationships, and actively contributing to your local music community, you'll not only expand your network, but also create a fulfilling and rewarding musical journey for yourself and those around you.
Happy networking!
