The Self-publisher’s Calendar
As the blank calendar of the new year starts to fill up, it becomes easier to put your self-publishing efforts on the back burner. By creating an intentional plan for the year, you can make the most of your time to ensure that your music reaches as many customers as possible, and optimize your sales at the same time! We have put together the following general calendar of musicians’ buying patterns to help better assist you in preparing a release plan for the year.
The first step, of course, is to write great music! Take a look at our guide and determine how much time you need to create a new piece. For example, in order to have your holiday music ready to release in August, will you start arranging in July? Or will you start in April? Giving yourself a deadline is great motivation to complete your arrangements.
Once your music is published, use the calendar guide below to know when to release and begin promoting your music!
January – February
School band, orchestra, and choir directors finalize spring concert programs
Church choir directors purchase and begin rehearsing Easter music
Musicians purchase solo and small ensemble music for spring recitals
March
Church musicians purchase Easter music for piano, organ, and brass ensembles
Musicians purchase and rehearse solo and small ensemble music for spring recitals
Small ensembles begin to purchase and rehearse wedding music
April – May
School band directors purchase marching band music
Music educators begin planning for the next academic year
Wedding season begins, small ensembles continue to purchase and perform wedding music
June – July
This can be a slower buying period, perfect for preparing your Christmas/holiday music and tackling larger projects!
August
School and church music directors begin to purchase Christmas/holiday choral and instrumental music
Students and teachers purchase educational materials material for lessons and classes
September
School, church, and community large ensembles continue purchasing Christmas/holiday music
Musicians purchase and rehearse solo and small ensemble music for fall recitals
School band, orchestra, and choir directors finalize winter concert programs
October – November
Musicians purchase and rehearse Christmas/holiday chamber and solo music
Music educators finalize festival selections, including music for large and small ensembles
December
December is a great time to market the success of your Christmas/holiday music with videos of performances from the season!
