The Musicians’ Networking System that got Kim Leeds More Work

Kim Leeds, mezzo-soprano

Networking got you down? Ever feel so awkward about sending “cold” emails that you avoid them all together? Then this one’s for you. Here’s The Musicians’ Networking System that got Kim Leeds More Work. It’s the 5-step process I taught her to book more performances (including concerts with some of her “dream” ensembles).

Kim is a terrific vocalist and active freelancer based in Boston. As a soloist, she’s sung with the Bach Society of St. Louis, Tafelmusik Baroque Chamber Orchestra and Choir, and the American Bach Soloists Academy. As a choral artist, she toured with Helmuth Rilling as a member of the Weimar Bach Academy and has performed with the Oregon Bach Festival.

Kim contacted me because she wanted to actively pursue more performance opportunities but was uncomfortable sending “cold” emails. She was unsure what to write and worried about making a good first impression.

So I taught Kim . . .

My 5-Step Musicians’ Networking System

Here it is—so you can try it out yourself!

Step 1: Put your authentic best self forward

Take an honest look at your online materials. Because anyone you network with is going to look you up online. And we all make snap judgments based on what we see, hear, watch, and read online about people.

Through our work together, Kim upgraded her Bio, got new photos, and overhauled her website. And because her new materials communicated who she really is and why she makes music, Kim felt much more confident in her networking emails.

Step 2: Reconnect

To cultivate an active, supportive network of colleagues and friends, start by reconnecting with people you’ve worked with before. Because you never know what projects, shared inspirations, or other opportunities may come from the conversations you have.

I recommended that Kim send friendly “reconnecting emails” to conductors and colleagues she’d worked with in the past—people she hadn’t been in touch with for a while. I helped Kim craft the right messages with the right tone. And because she received positive responses, this further bolstered Kim’s networking confidence.

Step 3: Warm up those “cold” emails

To make networking with strangers easier, I taught Kim how to write warmer “cold” emails. She started by making a list of people and ensembles she wanted to audition for: directors of professional choral groups and early music ensembles. 

Then I showed Kim how to do quick research on them and how to use that info to tailor each email to the specific recipient. If you’re sending audition request emails for soloist opportunities or for vocal or instrumental chamber ensembles, you don’t want to send generic emails: no “one-size-fits-all.”

Next, I helped Kim edit and structure the content of her emails. This included detailing what she appreciates about the ensemble and its programming, her actual request, and only her most relevant credits. I taught her what details mattered, what to leave out, and what order works best. Then I showed her an easy tracking method to keep tabs on her contacts, responses, and follow-ups—all in a simple spreadsheet.

This is the networking know-how needed for managing a successful freelance music career. Kim and I went back and forth with drafts and editing suggestions. We did this until she had internalized the approach and was confident moving ahead on her own.

Step 4: Schedule specific time for doing these networking emails

I recommended to Kim that she designate specific time in her weekly schedule for “taking care of business.” This means putting time blocks in your calendar and then honoring them the way you would any other professional commitment—by doing the work when you say you will. The more this becomes a habit, the easier it is to do.

Note: many musicians need 1 to 2 hours per day for managing the “business side” of their careers. If you’re like most people, what you don’t schedule doesn’t get done. So schedule time for your career, and do the work.

Step 5: Deal with the Resistance Head-on

Because so many musicians hate networking and sending out pitches, I make a point of teaching clients not just how to write networking emails, but how to deal with the inevitable Resistance—the fear of being judged—of being rejected.

The truth is, what’s standing in the way between the performances you want and where you are now—is sending out better emails.

You can either be courageous and go after the career you want and deserve, or you can hide behind the fear.

It’s your choice.

But if what’s stopping you is not knowing how, maybe it’s time you got the help you need.

“Angela helped me to redefine who I am as an artist and channel that into an improved website, bio, and new headshots that really reflect who I am. Her guidance on the art of networking has been immensely beneficial and helped me get past my own personal barriers to become a better entrepreneur.”
— Kim Leeds, mezzo-soprano

If you haven’t gotten your copy of my Musicians’ Pathfinder Guide—my secret stash of all-time favorite questions to ask yourself to unlock your career momentum—it’s yours FREE.

Made special just for you—get it HERE.

Let’s get your better future going now,