Learn Trombone your way with a TakeLessons expert

Written by: TakeLessons Teacher, Tao G.

Most of the musicians making a living in New York City used the same crucial method to begin and build their career: networking. Don’t let that mislead you; they all worked hard at their craft and are very likely extremely talented. However, talent doesn't always promise success. Author Stephen King once said, “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” If you’re taking music lessons in New York City, you probably already knew that, but read on to see how hard work relates to networking in the greatest city on earth:

1.) Hi, my name is.. Tao and I play trombone! And I’m here to explain that you have to get out and meet other musicians. You can find local music literally everywhere from Battery Park to Marble Hill, with all kinds of genres from Jazz to Irish Folk. Even in my neighborhood in Queens, there is local music happening every other night minutes from my apartment. Use the Internet to scope out scheduled events happening around the city. Introduce yourself. Shake hands. Trust me, musicians love getting feedback from other musicians, especially honest feedback. And leave it at that. All you’re doing when you meet people is making other musicians aware of you. If you have a gig coming up, invite them! It’s always a two-way street.

2.) Follow up with people. And be gently persistent. If a musician decides to share their contact info with you, send them a message right away. Re-introduce yourself so they remember how they met you, what you play, and what you talked about. Explain that you’re taking music lessons in NYC and how their performing has inspired you. If you have mutual connections, go ahead and swap stories - but keep your conversation primarily about the person you’re talking to.

3. What to do when you don’t hear back. Don’t sweat it. New Yorkers lead hectic and incredibly busy lives. Some cats are riding a dozen trains all day and making appointments all over the city. They probably didn't catch your text/email/phone call while on the train, and then got a handful of messages all at once and your message got buried in the clutter. Seriously, if they gave you their contact info willingly, they aren't trying to dodge you. Just wait a few days and send them another polite message reminding them of your correspondence.

4.) Don’t be a Mean Girl. If you've ever seen that movie, you know what I’m talking about. Don’t be the person that puts on a smiling mask for the public, and then insults everyone behind their back. It’s not only rude, but it also has a way of getting back to the person you’re insulting. Be it from jealousy or someone just rubs you the wrong way, you should rather want to be the person everyone gets a good vibe from. Again, nothing fake - just be pleasant and appreciative of the opportunity to meet other musicians. Many times I've seen music supervisors hire a less-talented individual because they were nicer and had a better attitude than a more talented individual.

So, network and be patient. As for myself, my networking began seven years before it led to consistent work in NYC. Granted, I worked continually on the road for several years before actually settling in the city, but the point is to stick with it! Stay committed to your music lessons, and remember that all good things come to those who work hard and cultivate their presence in the music scene. Network, my friends, so that one day wide-eyed youngsters seeking work will be wanting to shake your hand.

Like this article? I’m also a trombone teacher and performer. Check out my profile if you'd like to take lessons with me!