A further reason to network is the simple fact that you need a fan base, people who will come to your concerts, buy your recordings, contribute to your projects, introduce you to other influential contacts, and either hire you or refer you to those who can. But on a more philosophical level, the best reason for networking is to help build a

A satisfying work life for a successful musician often includes concurrent start-up ventures. This is just one benefit to being a musician: the diversity of ways you can contribute to society.

fulfilling a need means offering something that others want and will value enough to pay you for. Your music needs an audience; think about what you have to offer and who might want this in your community. Think creatively about where in your community you can perform, use your musical skills, and be paid for it. As for Ed Mirvish’s second tip,

your bio should not be in chronological order.

If you have an elevator speech at the ready, it makes it much easier to meet people. It should be short: about 30 seconds and no more than four sentences. It should be conversational and personal, not a sales pitch. And it should give your conversation partner something to talk with you about—it should have conversation “openings.” To break it

ICE is an outgrowth of this early 21st century trend of the musician as entrepreneur, the artist as the producer. Although it might be too early to make this prediction, it is my hope that this spirit of entrepreneurship in the arts will be one of the defining characteristics and contributions of my generation of artists.2

do you see yourself living? What kinds of work are you doing? Is there a family or significant other involved? A garden? Pets? 5. What is your short-term goal? To progress toward your long-term goal, what do you realistically want to accomplish one year from now? 6. What do you want to accomplish this month that will advance you toward your

Musicians create their own start-up projects for a variety of reasons. They may catch the entrepreneurial bug because of frustration with limited traditional opportunities or because they seek the satisfaction of being in charge of their own project. They may want additional income or the opportunity to perform certain repertoire with particular

There are simply far too many good musicians. Without something to distinguish you from all the others, you are anonymous.