Music Industry Networking

It can be incredibly difficult to get your “big break” in the music industry. Even as technology has made it more accessible to produce and distribute your music, it’s a crowded marketplace with a lot of competition whether you’re performing, engineering, or producing the music.

That’s why the age-old, time-tested practice of networking in the music industry is still so valuable. Even with a plethora of social media platforms, meeting new people, making connections, and creating opportunities face to face still leaves a more lasting impression.

Social media can still play a big part in your networking efforts, however. By posting your best works (and maybe a few clunkers to show how you’ve grown), interested parties have a better understanding of what you offer. But those platforms also keep you on top of possible upcoming events.

Music Industry Networking Events

There are the usual record-release parties and events of that nature, but as a young audio engineer or music producer, you’ll want to dive a little deeper. And the further away you get from industry hubs like L.A. and New York, it can get a little more difficult.

But almost every city has some kind of live music venue and local bands to play them. As a budding audio engineer or music producer, the genre of music shouldn’t matter. We’re all tempted to go with what we know, but the most successful pros are able to work with anyone.

Do some research on the bands, listen to their music, and think of ways to improve on their sound. If you’re so inclined, work up a short mix to showcase your work. And when the time comes, introduce yourself and give the artists a quick elevator pitch.

If they seem receptive, offer to exchange email addresses and other contact information, send them your examples, and wait for their reply. But don’t wait too long–make sure to send out a follow-up email or text a few days later. Everybody’s busy, and reminders (in a concise manner) are helpful. A text every day for a week is not.

Create Your Own Opportunities for Work

If you’re looking to find work at a studio, search out those professional organizations and networking events and show up with a great attitude, a willingness to listen and be humble (yet confident), and show how serious you are about getting your foot in the door.
Volunteer at festivals, events, industry mixers, concert series, and other events. If tickets are open to the public, buy one and stay focused on networking with as many pros as possible. If you are volunteering, remember that’s job number one. You’ll interact with a lot of people as a matter of course, and when it’s the appropriate time, give them that perfected elevator pitch.

Work, Learn, Network

Recording Connection was designed to give you a fully immersive environment to learn about audio engineering, music production, digital audio workstations, and more. But the opportunity to build relationships with industry professionals could be one of the most valuable assets of our programs.

More than 25,000 externs have found work after completing their programs and learning from inside of the industry plays a huge part in that success. Being inside a professional recording studio provides plenty of networking opportunities, both as you look for work and when it comes to finding clients of your own.

These relationships just aren’t possible in a classroom setting. The fact that Recording Connection programs take much less time and cost much less than average audio engineering and music production programs at private and four-year universities means you’re able to start your music career much sooner than if you spend all those years attending a “name” university.

Look at it this way: You can spend your time talking to people in your class or to people already in the industry. Are you ready to Amplify Your Life? Apply today.