Approaching Professional Musicians and Ensembles for Performance of Contemporary Classical Works

As a contemporary classical composer, it can be a daunting task to seek the interest of professional musicians or ensembles to play your compositions. Whether your works have not yet been performed or you only occasionally have the opportunity to showcase your talent, it is essential to develop a strategic approach that not only conveys the value of your music but also creates an engaging and mutually beneficial relationship. This article will provide insights and strategies for composers to effectively communicate with professional musicians and ensembles.

How to Approach Professional Musicians and Ensembles

The primary goal should be to build a relationship based on mutual respect and shared goals. Here are two effective methods to consider:

Approach One: Offering Incentives

One strategy is to offer financial incentives to professional musicians or ensembles. This can be particularly effective for well-known or established artists who may not be inclined to take on a new and unproven composition. Providing a generous honorarium or a commission for the performance can often tip the scales in favor of your work. However, it is worth noting that this approach might not be feasible for all composers due to financial constraints.

Approach Two: Self-Performance

If financial considerations are a barrier, another approach is to write music that you can perform yourself. By doing so, you can ensure the quality and suitability of the music for performance while showcasing your skills and dedication. This can also serve as a form of promotion since you are directly involved in the performance, which can help to attract other musicians or ensembles to your music.

Building a Strategic Approach

No matter which approach you choose, building a strategic and well-planned strategy will help to increase the likelihood of success. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Research

Thoroughly research the professional musicians or ensembles you are targeting. Understand their repertoire, preferred style, and what kind of music they are interested in performing. This will help you to tailor your approach and proposal more effectively.

2. Create a Proposal

Develop a compelling proposal that outlines the benefits of performing your work. Highlight the unique aspects of your composition and how it aligns with the interests and goals of the ensemble. Include testimonials or letters of recommendation from other musicians who have performed your music.

3. Network

Networking is an important aspect of building relationships with professional musicians and ensembles. Attend concerts, meetups, and other events where you can interact with these professionals. Utilize social media and online platforms to connect with them and promote your music.

4. Build a Supportive Community

Consider founding or joining a community of composers like the one mentioned in the introduction. By pooling resources and expertise, you can collectively promote each other's works and create a network of support and collaboration.

Professional musicians and ensembles are often looking for new and interesting material to perform. By offering them a compelling reason to engage with your music, you can increase the chances of achieving a successful performance of your contemporary classical compositions.