Resources
Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music: NEC's own Angela Myles Beeching, Director of the Career Services Center, has written “Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music”, published by Oxford University Press. The book covers artist managment, booking your own performances, freelancing, raising money for projects, recordings, as well as strategies for managing your time, health and sanity! Check it out. Oxford has a terrific deal for saving 20% on the soft cover price: order online at http://www.oup.com/us and enter promo code 24349 to get the discounted price.
American Federation of Musicians: The AFM protects musicians and their gear by offering the best instrument insurance to its members. Also included in membership is access to their booking agency, legal protection and advice, national and local recording agreements, employers pension plan. To learn more about your local chapter visit the AFM website http://www.afm.org.
Opera America's Field Service Program: Designed to address the institutional concerns of small and mid-sized opera companies, the Field Services Program pairs opera professionals with host companies for 1-2 day consultations. Advising topics can include audience development, education, marketing and PR, resource development, strategic planning, and more. For more info, contact Jennifer Spitulnik at jspitulik@operaamerica.org.
Attention Composers: Membership in the American Music Center is a vital step in your developing career. Membership is only $35 for students and offers some great services for composers’ survival. Graduating students, take advantage of the student rates before you graduate. A two-year membership is only $30 per year. AMC members receive monthly listings of competitions, calls for scores and other unique opportunities for young composers. Substantial discounts on professional development opportunities are also available including opportunities to list digital score and sound samples on the NewMusicJukebox.org website. Visit www.amc.net.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts: VLA is a legal aid organization dedicated to providing free arts-related legal assistance to artists and arts organizations in all creative fields who cannot afford private counsel. The organization offers legal aid, publications, workshops and seminars, and a legal advice hotline. VLA has locations in many states. The best way to get in contact with them is to google “Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts” with the name of the applicable state.
Clarion Instrument Insurance: Protect your livelihood and perhaps your most prized possession: your instrument. Consider the world’s largest instrumental insurance company. Reasonable rates, a helpful website, and additional benefits including auto insurance all await. Visit www.clarionins.com.
Tuesday Quickies Photo Shoots: If it is time for you to get a new headshot but you’re a little short on cash, come to a Tuesday quicky session with Boston’s pre-eminent entertainment photographer, Susan Wilson. For only $250 (plus tax), you will receive 50 studio minutes and up to 72 black and white poses on contact sheets, as well as a final custom printed 8x10 glossy released for use as a publicity photo. This deal is available on Tuesdays only. To schedule your session, call 617.547.5457 or email swilson547@aol.com. Check out some of Susan’s work at www.susanwilsonphoto.com.
NoteWay Media: Co-founded by an NEC alum, NoteWay provides simple and affordable Do-It-Yourself websites for musicians and performers. Includes the
features you need to promote your music like MP3 samples, CD sales,
schedule dates, photo galleries, mailing lists, news, and more. No web
design skills or special software needed. Mention NEC when you sign up
and receive a 10% discount. Check them out!
CMA Matters: CMA has the CMA Matters pages often with relevant info on career stuff (includes jazz). www.chamber-music.org/cmamatters/mattersindex.html.