Talk O’ Tuesdays!
Moving? Now What!
If you have been in the business of singing for any amount of time, one thing we all know in this business is the saying: “Ya go where the work is.” Rather powerful and loaded statement, albeit, poor grammar. However, as it stands, this means that we are rather familiar with the need to relocate as we have been called from one location to the next over the years following this calling to share what we have learned over the years with those of you that have committed to entrusting us with your vocal journeys. There have definitely been dos and don’ts we have learned from our travels in regard to moving to another region of the country, or the world. No matter what we may share with you below about your relocation endeavors if your path brings you to a new start in a new region of the world you have never been, just keep in mind that “everything is different for everyone”. But, if some of our tips we have found to work well over the years can help even just one of you out there reading this, than we have accomplished what we have set out to do. So, please receive our suggestions as just that, suggestions of items you might give a try if the situation feels like it might call for one of our tasty morsels of experience we have gained in our vocal journey.
Question: How do you re-establish yourself as a singer and/or your studio if you move to a new area of the country?
Answer: First of all, and I’m sure this goes without saying; research ahead of time with your favorite search engine. Do a search on your favorite map program to find out where the churches, schools, universities, orchestras, musical theater companies, opera companies, and what ever kind of businesses you want to make contact with are (within a reasonable driving distance you have decided upon) and create custom mailings introducing yourself and your studio to start creating a buzz. You can usually check out their websites and find email addresses for people, or send your mailing via the post office.
EVERYONE is on social media now, so it is another no brainer to network online by finding and joining Facebook groups, follow others on twitter, and believe it or not, LinkedIn is becoming a great resource for musicians to network that will also help you connect to people in your new area.
If you have some cash to spare, you might want to place ads in the local newspapers, or finding someone on staff to write an article about you. This can be a great way to peak the interest of the locals that might be interested in hiring you for performance gigs, or it can be very helpful to possibly drum up students if you are trying to establish a studio in the area. Never underestimate the power of the printed media source. Even though, as I stated above how everyone is on social media, there are still a surprising number of people that like to hold that good ol’ newspaper in their hands on a lazy Sunday morning over breakfast familiarizing themselves with the goings on in their backyard. Our studio exploded exponentially when a local newspaper reporter decided to do a piece on us in the small local town paper where we are currently residing. Proof of the power of the paper! The key: know your local demographic.
One of the most fun ways to make those important connections when you are new to a community is to get out there and take in some of the local culture by attending performances and other events that will help you to get to know the people face to face. This “in-person” connection can prove to give you the most “street-cred” if you have a knack for attracting people…they will feel more inclined to want to stay in touch if things go well. However, remember the old saying: “You only have one chance to make a good first impression’. So turn on that charm and go gettem’ with your business card in hand.
Of course, the best way and oldest form to advertise is by satisfied customers and their word of mouth, whether people that have hired you for those performance gig, or happy students and families telling friends and family about you and your world-class pedagogical skills .
If you have any suggestions to add, please do so below!
