4 answers
Angela
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips for networking in the music industry ?
I am. high school senior going into music production. I know networking is important in the music field, as it leads to internships and potential future jobs. However, I don't know how to just walk up to someone and start a conversation and/or keep that conversation going.
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4 answers
Kavitha Jayaraman
Musician
2
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Kavitha’s Answer
Hello Angela!
Networking in one of the most important skill to have, especially in the music industry! Trust me this is a really small world and knowing the right people can really get you the right opportunities! High school is a great time to start thinking about this. I would highly recommend you enroll in the Grammy U program which is specifically designed by the Recording Academy to help students like you network and make a career in music. I have personally gained a lot from this experience and have been able to maintain and build cross cultural connections and create music thanks to this. Here is more on the program: https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/grammy-u
I wish you the very best!
Networking in one of the most important skill to have, especially in the music industry! Trust me this is a really small world and knowing the right people can really get you the right opportunities! High school is a great time to start thinking about this. I would highly recommend you enroll in the Grammy U program which is specifically designed by the Recording Academy to help students like you network and make a career in music. I have personally gained a lot from this experience and have been able to maintain and build cross cultural connections and create music thanks to this. Here is more on the program: https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/grammy-u
I wish you the very best!
Tyler Kutner
Sound Design, Supervision, Audio Recording, Editing, & Mixing
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
As a high school senior looking toward a career in music production, you're absolutely right to focus on networking early. Here are some practical tips that can help you build genuine connections in the industry.
1. Start Small and Authentic. Don't pressure yourself to approach the biggest names right away. Begin with peers who share your interests - classmates working on music or small venue sound engineers. These connections often grow into the most valuable relationships as you all progress in your careers together.
2. Have a brief, natural introduction ready: "Hi, I'm [name] and I'm working on music production. I really liked what you did with [specific thing about their work]." Being specific shows you've actually paid attention to their work rather than just wanting something from them.
3. People love talking about their work. Instead of "Can I have an internship?" try "What's your process for [specific technique]?" or "How did you approach [particular project]?" This demonstrates genuine interest and opens conversation.
4. After meeting someone, send a brief message referencing your conversation. "It was great talking about analog synths yesterday. Here's that article I mentioned..." This reinforces the connection without being pushy.
Building a network takes time. Don't get discouraged if some connections don't immediately lead somewhere. The music industry values consistency and genuine passion over time. Remember that everyone in the industry was once where you are now. Most people are happy to help someone who shows real interest, preparation, and respect for their time. Your enthusiasm as a high school student already exploring these professional avenues will work in your favor!
1. Start Small and Authentic. Don't pressure yourself to approach the biggest names right away. Begin with peers who share your interests - classmates working on music or small venue sound engineers. These connections often grow into the most valuable relationships as you all progress in your careers together.
2. Have a brief, natural introduction ready: "Hi, I'm [name] and I'm working on music production. I really liked what you did with [specific thing about their work]." Being specific shows you've actually paid attention to their work rather than just wanting something from them.
3. People love talking about their work. Instead of "Can I have an internship?" try "What's your process for [specific technique]?" or "How did you approach [particular project]?" This demonstrates genuine interest and opens conversation.
4. After meeting someone, send a brief message referencing your conversation. "It was great talking about analog synths yesterday. Here's that article I mentioned..." This reinforces the connection without being pushy.
Building a network takes time. Don't get discouraged if some connections don't immediately lead somewhere. The music industry values consistency and genuine passion over time. Remember that everyone in the industry was once where you are now. Most people are happy to help someone who shows real interest, preparation, and respect for their time. Your enthusiasm as a high school student already exploring these professional avenues will work in your favor!
Ranger Norton
Sound Designer for Video Games
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Ranger’s Answer
Hi Angela!
I've been in your shoes. Still kinda am! I hate the word "networking." I'm not a very forward person, I'm quite awkward, and don't like the idea of selling myself to people. I get the grind and the hustle of music, but that's not my speed. I graduated from an audio production program last year, and despite those social anxieties AND the fact that I was a non-musician at a music school, I still managed to make some meaningful and helpful connections with my peers & instructors throughout my tenure there. I, too, was initially intimidated by the social aspect of music school when I first started, especially after emerging from my cave after being in COVID lockdown for years. But the nice part about music school is that other people there will find you. To echo Karan's point: you're not the only one there who wants to build connections. I focused on building my skills, paying attention in class, doing good work on my assignments, and my classmates & instructors noticed. You'll also work on school projects with your classmates all the time, and usually that lets you get to know people a bit. From there, it was easier to strike up friendships than I thought it would be, and I built a reputation as a responsible, dependable person who was always eager to learn more. People sought ME out, whether it be for advice, feedback, help on their personal projects, or to just grab lunch together down the street. Which was great! Because I am not a social butterfly :) and I love a good lunch.
My one absolute BIGGEST, most importantest, bestest piece of advice, especially in the field of audio and music: don't go into conversations looking to "nab a connection" or get a job. Go into it trying to make a friend! Relationships come first, opportunities may follow, but they don't always. And sometimes, you're the one who's giving the opportunity. I've made friends with people who are now all over the audio industry, producing artists, going on tours, mixing sound for films, or working in videogame audio like me. Sometimes I'm able to nudge them in the direction of some neat project and vice versa. Or I just get to watch them succeed all on their own, which is awesome! "Networking" is cool and all, but friendships are better, especially in our field. Folks hire people they know, and if you're someone's friend rather than just another Instagram follow, then you're going to be higher on their list. Friends also do the best work together, in my opinion; you get an extra level of passion in your projects beyond just a work transaction because everyone's happy about being in the same space creating together.
My other piece of advice, not as big, but still important: branch out of just meeting people in your degree program! You may take classes with students in other fields, and making friends who are going places you aren't might open up some unknown doors in the future. Who knows, maybe you want to go on tour someday, and you'll need someone who can coordinate live events. Or maybe you need someone to help with marketing your album, or get your music placed into films. Even if those friends can't help you, their networks are your networks. If I can't do the job, I always try to recommend someone who can. And don't be afraid of making friends with your teachers either; they're regular people like you, just ahead of you in their careers.
Have fun. Music school is awesome and such a fun place to be. I thought I was going to struggle with the social aspects; I was wrong. Don't sweat it, you will find your people.
I've been in your shoes. Still kinda am! I hate the word "networking." I'm not a very forward person, I'm quite awkward, and don't like the idea of selling myself to people. I get the grind and the hustle of music, but that's not my speed. I graduated from an audio production program last year, and despite those social anxieties AND the fact that I was a non-musician at a music school, I still managed to make some meaningful and helpful connections with my peers & instructors throughout my tenure there. I, too, was initially intimidated by the social aspect of music school when I first started, especially after emerging from my cave after being in COVID lockdown for years. But the nice part about music school is that other people there will find you. To echo Karan's point: you're not the only one there who wants to build connections. I focused on building my skills, paying attention in class, doing good work on my assignments, and my classmates & instructors noticed. You'll also work on school projects with your classmates all the time, and usually that lets you get to know people a bit. From there, it was easier to strike up friendships than I thought it would be, and I built a reputation as a responsible, dependable person who was always eager to learn more. People sought ME out, whether it be for advice, feedback, help on their personal projects, or to just grab lunch together down the street. Which was great! Because I am not a social butterfly :) and I love a good lunch.
My one absolute BIGGEST, most importantest, bestest piece of advice, especially in the field of audio and music: don't go into conversations looking to "nab a connection" or get a job. Go into it trying to make a friend! Relationships come first, opportunities may follow, but they don't always. And sometimes, you're the one who's giving the opportunity. I've made friends with people who are now all over the audio industry, producing artists, going on tours, mixing sound for films, or working in videogame audio like me. Sometimes I'm able to nudge them in the direction of some neat project and vice versa. Or I just get to watch them succeed all on their own, which is awesome! "Networking" is cool and all, but friendships are better, especially in our field. Folks hire people they know, and if you're someone's friend rather than just another Instagram follow, then you're going to be higher on their list. Friends also do the best work together, in my opinion; you get an extra level of passion in your projects beyond just a work transaction because everyone's happy about being in the same space creating together.
My other piece of advice, not as big, but still important: branch out of just meeting people in your degree program! You may take classes with students in other fields, and making friends who are going places you aren't might open up some unknown doors in the future. Who knows, maybe you want to go on tour someday, and you'll need someone who can coordinate live events. Or maybe you need someone to help with marketing your album, or get your music placed into films. Even if those friends can't help you, their networks are your networks. If I can't do the job, I always try to recommend someone who can. And don't be afraid of making friends with your teachers either; they're regular people like you, just ahead of you in their careers.
Have fun. Music school is awesome and such a fun place to be. I thought I was going to struggle with the social aspects; I was wrong. Don't sweat it, you will find your people.
Karan Gupta
Software Developer
11
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Karan’s Answer
Hi Angela,
I understand where you're coming from.
While it might not come inherently for you to be an open communicator, the good news is that you don't necessarily have to.
For every 5 introverts there is an extrovert who'll talk to each of them and get them together too.
You can give more attention to building your true personality, staying authentic and developing your core expertise and talent in this field.
The right people will definitely bump into you.
Meanwhile you can start trying to open up with people whenever someone does talk to you.
I hope someone here has an answer from a different POV. This is just what I've seen working!
I understand where you're coming from.
While it might not come inherently for you to be an open communicator, the good news is that you don't necessarily have to.
For every 5 introverts there is an extrovert who'll talk to each of them and get them together too.
You can give more attention to building your true personality, staying authentic and developing your core expertise and talent in this field.
The right people will definitely bump into you.
Meanwhile you can start trying to open up with people whenever someone does talk to you.
I hope someone here has an answer from a different POV. This is just what I've seen working!