Dear Alma, Have I got the wrong manager?
OrchestrasFrom our agony aunt’s mailbag:
Dear Alma,
I have a good career as a solo pianist (and collaborative pianist) in Europe. I am in my 30’s and have a manager here who books concerts for me. I have been trying to get concerts in North America but I have had no luck. Do you have any advice?
Trying to Come Across the Pond
Dear TtCAtP,
Good question. It is difficult for people to find a way across – either way. Even when you have an active career and great credentials.
One way is to win a competition in that country, thereby gaining a tour or even possibly an agent. But you have aged out of that path.
I would suggest talking to your current manager for advice, as well as any of your colleagues who are currently performing also in North America. A personal introduction to a manager would be the best possible direction.
Reach out to friends and colleagues who are currently playing in North America to try to find someone who might want to bring you as their partner for a tour. If this works out, do your research and meet with several agents on your tour, inviting them to the concerts.
If you cannot navigate this path, try looking on the websites of people who have similar careers to yours, and investigating their managers. Make a list of the five most promising managers and contact them. Then go from there. You know the rest. Of course you should have all of your materials in tip top shape before you make this contact, as well as people who will recommend you.
The first tour will most likely not pay much. Maybe just cover costs. But after you play your first tour, you can build on that momentum and hopefully find a way to come every year!
Questions for Alma? Please put them in the comments section or send to DearAlmaQuery@gmail.com
Ok Alma, stick to your wheelhouse because your advice is on a par in terms of usefulness with a chocolate teapot. What that wheelhouse is, we’re still trying to work out…
Pianist, listen up. First off, do have a conversation with your manager and tell them about your aims and your frustrations. Remember you are their client. They are not doing you a favour representing you, you make them money. If they don’t have the contacts in your target territory then ask them about setting up local management. They should know colleagues in the US and can make your case for you. This can be done on a commission split basis so your general manager isn’t put out.
Next look at your PR in that territory. Are you getting traction amongst audiences there through recording sales/streaming, would a promoter know who you are from your name? If not, then you might want to invest in some local PR, again your manager should be able to put you in touch with the right people.
If your manager is not able to do any of this, then it might be time to look elsewhere. The bigger agencies are successful because they have far-reaching networks and can manage international careers. If you think you’re someone who would interest them, there’s nothing to lose from testing the water. You might be asked to pay a higher commission rate, but that is a worthwhile investment for the exposure and opportunities you will reap.
Calma – that sounds a lot like what Alma was suggesting, talking to the agent first. Then she went quickly on to a more self-service approach probably because she noticed that the writer is probably not a big name, just a very small fish, otherwise things would have already opened up in North America. Your advice is for a person who is already doing very well. I think this isn’t the case here.
Yes that seems right to me. If they had a good career (and therefore a good manager) it would have been an obvious next move. They don’t so they need to figure it out for themselves.
Excellent advice.
Good advice, also coming from elsewhere to Europe or Asia. Personal contact/recommendation with an agent is best.
It is very difficult to break into another continent for concerts! I wish this person all the luck. Persistence will win out.
If they can’t do it for you, do it yourself! That’s correct.
I think there are a few main question you have to ask yourself: 1. Why someone would want to hire me? Sorry I don’t mean to be a jerk but there are so many amazing pianists out there that it’s important to identify why someone would want to fly you over from Europe for an engagement. Think of what sets you apart, certain repertoire, unique approach, arrangements you premiered etc.
2. Why I want to come to America? I know there are probably tons of personal reasons expanding career etc, but the real question would be what I would contribute to the music scene on a new continent?
3. What I have built in Europe so far and how this can help?
I think sometimes we underestimate what we already have and how much more we can build. This can help expanding.
4. Who do I know? Now this is a though one as sometimes even people who we know are so busy that it will be hard for them to help us but try to think of relationships you already have and if you don’t, maybe take a trip and make some. I have to stress that many people make the mistake of establishing relationships so they can get something out of it. Don’t! Just meet people who have passion about music and see how you can collaborate.
The good news is that unlike a conductor who needs an invitation from an orchestra, you actually can put together a recital, invite American agents or even just simply take a trip and play for them. The truth is that even big agents would have a hard time to build your career and we as artists shall never wait on them. A manager is there to manage what you create and you have to do most if not all of the work because at the end of the day it’s your art. You set the direction, they are there just to facilitate. Good luck my friend!