It's not every day that a grant funder announces a new program for musicians, so I'm excited to help spread the news. Chamber Music America actually has TWO new grant programs for musicians — maybe you? One is for jazz and the other for classical musicians....
Money Talk
Solutions for the Day Job Dilemma
Rachel wrote in a few weeks ago requesting a post on this topic (thanks, Rachel!). Here are solutions for the day job dilemma. It's an issue many people struggle with. To help, below are excerpts from my book Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music — the...
Fundraising Secrets for Musicians: the art of the thank you
I wrote in another post about the end of the year fundraising appeal I got from Bedlam—the terrific NYC based theater company. And this is the follow up. Because when it comes to fundraising (just as in networking and booking concerts), follow-up is EVERYTHING. Here...
How to improve your fundraising pitches
It's a question I hear pretty often: How can I raise more money? The answer in part is to learn how to improve your fundraising messages. Start by paying attention to the fundraising pitches that you receive. Notice what works, what's effective. Notice when the pitch...
How to Make the Ask
Want Money? Ask for Advice! Asking for advice is a great way to cultivate your community of potential supporters. Think of the 10-15 people closest to you—mentors from back home, family friends, and extended family—people who have shown interest in you and your music...
Fundraising secrets for musicians: how to identify prospective donors
Asking for money is a little like popping the question. You don't simply meet someone on the street and ask her or him to marry you. It works better if you first get to know each other, find you share interests, and over time you cultivate a genuine relationship—you...
Raising money for a dream project?
Let me guess, you have a project. A dream project that you would love to go forward with and it involves raising money. Maybe it’s a festival you want to launch. An after school program you'd love to create. An album you want to record. An instrument you want to buy....
Crowdfunding campaigns for musicians. Here’s what works and 3 examples.
Let's talk crowdfunding campaigns for musicians. Here's what works and 3 examples so you can rock your next fundraising project! At their best, crowdfunding campaigns allow fans to directly connect to the musicians they champion. Crowdfunding promotes a sense of...
Your Relationship with Money — 5 Abundance Mindset Habits
How's your relationship with money? For many of us, dysfunctional is the word that comes to mind. Been there, done that. So this week I've got 5 Abundance Mindset Habits to help heal that relationship. The way we think about money and the emotions it triggers impacts...