Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Poll: Which of the following is the most important in building your performance career?

From an ongoing discussion about career-building with Liz, I've just created a sidebar poll that asks the question:

Which of the following is the most important in building your performing career?
  • Practicing
  • Networking
  • Promotional materials
  • Recording a CD
  • Building a website
Of course, all 5 elements are integral in developing a career these days. The question is about which one you think is the most important. Vote on the poll just below the fold on the sidebar and let the discussion begin below!

Update 11/7:

Here are the results of the poll from the 26 people who responded:
  • Practicing 7 (26%)
  • Networking 18 (69%)
  • Promotional Material 1 (3%)

Related articles:

10 Posts in 10 Hours #9: Freelancing Resources
10 Posts in 10 Hours #3: Hive Call for Career Options Updates
Getting Started as a Rehearsal Pianist
How to Get Work as a Freelance Collaborative Pianist
Required and Preferred Skills for the Collaborative Pianist
Posted by Chris Foley at 3:32 PM
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3 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:41 PM

    Chris - I voted for networking. Of course, practise is important (to hone your craft). Promo mats are important (to spread the word). A CD is important (as many journalists won't grant an interview withone out just released). A website is important (so industry/fans can track you).

    But it's really networking, bottom line, that gets you in the door (and hopefully, on stage). Without networking, you're toast. You have GOT to meet people, and the RIGHT people to develop your career.

    We all network - socially, at the Duke of York - and professionally - by attending concerts, and dropping by the reception. We ALL recommend people from hair stylists to collaborative pianists. Word of mouth, which comes from networking, is crucial in building and maintaining any career of any vocation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous10:46 PM

    Hi Chris,
    I went with networking as well. If you're even considering a performing career, then it's taken as granted that you will have been practicing for nearly your whole life. Promotional materials are important, but useless unless you know who to send them to, and they won't read them unless you know someone they know and the like. Recording a CD and a website I would link in with promotional materials - it's really one big package, and it doesn't work without those network contacts.

    (And a hint for beginners: Collect phone numbers, e-mails and keep notes of who they are and what they do. They'll come in handy for when you need some extra players for a gig. Keep it backed up in multiple locations - including a hard copy, just in case your phone and computer decide to die at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chris Foley9:43 AM

    Thanks Liz and Ben!

    ReplyDelete

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