Business Skills for Flutists
I'm about to graduate with a performance degree...now what do I do?
In approximately one decade, I relocated five times, first for school, and later for employment. Here's a little of what I have learned about "starting over" as a self-employed musician:
The first thing to do when moving to a new town is to join its flute society. For a list of flute societies, visit The National Flute Association and click on Clubs, Activities, and Events --> Flute Clubs and Choirs. You're already a member of the NFA, right? If not, join now! Then volunteer to do anything, even if the job involves picking up trash after an event. Start attending the flute society's events and introduce yourself to anyone else who is alone. (Yes, this is scary. But it is much scarier to wonder if you will be able to pay next month's rent. So take a deep breath, smile, and start shaking hands!)
Next, get business cards made, and pass them out to everyone you meet. You never know when someone's co-worker's cousin's niece is going to need flute lessons! Your cards should include your name, a phrase like "flute lessons and music for your special event," phone number, and e-mail. If you don't have a website, now is the time to make one to advertise flute lessons and your background. I used to use FrontPage for my website, but I now use Weebly.com and am really liking it.
The next thing would be to join an ensemble. This is a great way to network with local flutists and make friends. There is usually a flute choir in any middle-to-large city. For links to flute choirs, visit the National Flute Association website.
You might also take some private lessons from a local "hotshot" teacher--a university professor, a symphony flutist, or a studio musician, for example. This can be a great way to improve your skills while learning about flute opportunities in your city.
Be patient, and keep working. It takes a lot of time to break in to a new music scene. I have found that being a "joiner"--of an ensemble, a flute association, etc. is one of the best approaches. You meet people, hand them a business card, do some volunteering, and eventually people start thinking of you for gigs.
One of my former teachers once said that you have to do THREE THINGS EVERY DAY to promote your career. I think that one of those three ought to be practicing. The other two, however, are non-music things related to being an entrepreneur. This might include :
Next, get business cards made, and pass them out to everyone you meet. You never know when someone's co-worker's cousin's niece is going to need flute lessons! Your cards should include your name, a phrase like "flute lessons and music for your special event," phone number, and e-mail. If you don't have a website, now is the time to make one to advertise flute lessons and your background. I used to use FrontPage for my website, but I now use Weebly.com and am really liking it.
The next thing would be to join an ensemble. This is a great way to network with local flutists and make friends. There is usually a flute choir in any middle-to-large city. For links to flute choirs, visit the National Flute Association website.
You might also take some private lessons from a local "hotshot" teacher--a university professor, a symphony flutist, or a studio musician, for example. This can be a great way to improve your skills while learning about flute opportunities in your city.
Be patient, and keep working. It takes a lot of time to break in to a new music scene. I have found that being a "joiner"--of an ensemble, a flute association, etc. is one of the best approaches. You meet people, hand them a business card, do some volunteering, and eventually people start thinking of you for gigs.
One of my former teachers once said that you have to do THREE THINGS EVERY DAY to promote your career. I think that one of those three ought to be practicing. The other two, however, are non-music things related to being an entrepreneur. This might include :
- design and print your business cards
- design and print a flier about your flute studio
- get headshots
- write a one-page and a full resume
- call community orchestra personnel managers; ask when/if they will next audition for their sub lists
- call band directors and offer a free clinic (at which you pass out those business cards and a flier on your private studio, of course!)
- take a private lesson from a symphony musician at which you work on orchestral excerpts
- Making Music in Looking-Glass Land: A Guide to Survival and Business Skills for the Classical Performer, by Ellen Highstein and Helen Highstein,Concert Artists Guild, 4th edition. This incredible book describes how to create your career as a musician. If it is out of stock, buy a used copy from Amazon! This is truly the best book for classical musicians. link to amazon.com
Making Money Teaching Music, by David Newsam and Barbara Sprague Newsam. How to successfully manage a private studio.
Practicespot Guide to Promoting Your Teaching Studio, by Philip Johnston, Practicespot Pty, Ltd., 2003. The author, who runs practicespot.com, has hundreds of ideas on networking, self-promotion, and the nuts-and-bolts business of teaching. link to amazon.com
Money Smart Secrets for the Self-Employed, by Linda Stern, Random House, 1997. How to do taxes, take writeoffs, etc. link to amazon.com
