Are you struggling to get a job in music? You should consider trying a few networking tips to help meet people that could get you your next gig.
Networking doesn’t have to be sleazy or feel gross. You get to meet people who do similar things to you, and that’s a good thing!
So read on for my best tips for networking as a 21st century musician.
1. Start Now
One of the most important parts of networking is to do it as much as you can. That means the sooner you start, the sooner you can start to see results.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in college or if you’ve been working for years. It’s never too early or too late to start networking.
You can meet tons of awesome people and build good relationships. Eventually, one of those relationships may help you move your career along.
2. Be Kind and Helpful
Don’t be that person who takes and takes but never gives. Part of networking involves creating genuine friendships and relationships with others in the industry.
Be nice to people when you first meet them and when you interact later. No one wants to work with someone who’s rude or demanding.
Offer to help people when you can. For example, if you can’t do a gig that you thought you could, refer someone in your network who can do the gig.
People are much more likely to reciprocate your kindness.
3. Be Consistent
Unfortunately, you can’t just network once and expect it to solve all of your problems. You need to show up consistently to different events or to help various people you know.
And when you get that first gig, be consistent and reliable. That way, you can get the next gig and so on. Plus, you may get gigs from other people if you do a good job at your first.
Always be on time (if not early!), act professionally, and just be the best version of yourself. You’ll have much better results than if you’re inconsistent, lazy, and late.
4. Get on Social Media
In the past, networking happened almost exclusively in person. Now, with the internet, you can network in person and online. (Introverts, rejoice!)
Social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram are great places to start. You can join Facebook groups for musicians and attend online events.
On Instagram, you can follow people and interact with their content. If you’re short on time, focus your efforts on one platform at a time.
That way, you can learn how it works and learn how to build good relationships online.
5. Attend In-Person Events
While you can do a lot of stuff online, one of the best networking tips is still to attend events in person. If you’re a flute player, try to attend the National Flute Association Convention.
The 2023 NFA Convention was actually where I got my current job. So I can say from experience that attending conferences like it can work!
You can also visit smaller, local or regional festivals. Either way, these events are a great place to meet other music professionals and get your name out there.
Of course, you’ll want to think about your goals. Then, use that to decide which types of events are best for you to attend.
6. Attend Virtual Events
If you can’t afford to attend something in person, you may still be able to do some networking at an online event. My favorite example is the monthly Classical Musicianeer Meetup.
Katherine Emeneth is the group’s founder, and she hosts a monthly Zoom meeting for musicians. Each month has a different theme where you can learn about things related to your career.
You can also meet other musicians who may be great connections down the line.
Another option is to start hosting your own online events. Use that social media presence to promote your events where you can then meet potential clients!
7. Think About What You Want
One of the best networking tips I can give is to set a few goals for yourself. Think about what you want to do in your music career, and that can help you focus your efforts.
For example, maybe you want to teach private music lessons. You’ll want to network with band directors or orchestra directors in your area.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in doing church gigs, you’ll want to network with church musicians and music directors.
That way, you can make the most of the time you spend meeting people. If you’re an introvert, that can be especially helpful.
8. Give Back When You Can
As you start to see success, try to give back to people in your network. Maybe that means sending a few students to another teacher when your studio is full.
Or that could mean suggesting another musician to cover a gig you can’t do. You may not be able to do this right away, but keep people in mind when you have too much stuff on your plate.
Not only will you keep from overworking yourself, but you can suggest people you trust. That will help your clients trust you, and you’ll save them from having to hire someone else.
9. Stay Patient
Networking can be a long game, so don’t expect overnight results. For example, it took me a year of building connections that let to the job I have now.
You may get a job out of networking in less time, or it could take longer. Everyone is different, every relationship is different, and every career path is different.
Don’t give up if you don’t get the job of your dreams right away. Instead, keep meeting people, attending in-person and online events, and being nice to the people you meet.
Everything will work out as it’s supposed to!
Do I Have to Network?
Technically, you don’t have to network as a musician. However, you’ll have a much better chance at succeeding if you do work on your network.
You don’t have to spend all of your time on it. But consider putting one or two networking tips into practice, and you may see results sooner than you expect.
Do I Have to Be Fake?
Not only do you not have to be fake, but you shouldn’t be fake when networking. While you want to be professional, you want to be yourself.
Be the nice and helpful version of yourself when networking. And try to be as genuine as you can be so that you can build the right relationships for your career.
Which Networking Tips Will You Try?
The best networking tips can be crucial to your success as a modern musician. Be sure to be nice to people you meet and attend as many events as you can.
You never know what may come of your networking efforts. If you’re like me, you may just end up moving two states away for the job of a lifetime!
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