What is the most effective way to develop a network of peers and contacts as a musician?

The best way to develop a network of peers and contacts is to work with them. You can do this by

playing together in a band for live performances, or working with other musicians in recording sessions where they can hear your ideas and technique in a sporadic and creative situation. If they hear a good idea or a figure that you played that please them, they may be inspired to play a musical answer to it. Or maybe they would embellish it with an idea of their own, or repeat your idea in a different place. Or maybe they would play a figure of their own a few beats later, just to thank you, or challenge you in a complimentary and friendly way. This is how really great musical performances are made,- talked about, and truly remembered for a long time. Great music is made with, and in, situations like this. And this is why performing and playing together is such wonderful and "creative" experience, even on playing an old, or a new and common song that you both know. Likewise, it can be on a song that is brand new to both of you, before this song began. Playing together breeds admiration and creative respect, which in turn develops into what is called a "peer" and/or a respected "musical contact". You should also go other places where there is live music. Listen, and analyze, to see and hear what they are doing with the songs they are playing. I was raised near Seattle, but eventually went to Hollywood, CA to find more inspiration, and market what I created. Now, with computers, you may not have to make such a trip, but the way you work with other talent in your interested field will make a big difference. If you are looking for business contacts in music, then that is another little lecture.

Hi. It depends on why you are "networking." If it is all about you, people will sense that right away. Take an interest in your audience. Know what they like. Put your stuff "out there" and those who like it will come around. Sometimes, when you "go after it" too much, it can backfire. There is the usual advice about getting your stuff on as many social media sites as possible. And that is a tried road. But live performing - that is where you will "network" for real because people will become interested in you and your music as they see and hear you in person. Believe it or not, the truth is that even the most famous artists end up making a lot of their income from the "extras" - things like t-shirts, baseball caps, etc. So if you have it in your budget to sell these along with your MP3s or CDs, go for it. People love that kind of stuff. They will love your music, too. But don't forget the "fun" stuff, too - and it will earn you income as a plus! Good luck!