What is the best ways to find more connections in the industry you are entering as an online student?

Hi Bria,

Hopefully you are involved in the many Social Media sites that are available and free, however, if you are not I highly suggest creating an account to some of the more popular ones such as Facebook, Reverbnation, Soundcloud, MySpace, and Last.FM just to name a few and keep them updated.

Being involved in Social Media sites gives you a way to spread the word to folks who are looking for what you do not to mention you'll meet other like minded individuals that are doing what you are doing.

I hope this helps you.

~Johnny STRAWS
Singer/ Songwriuter/ Composer
https://www.reverbnation.com/darkroots

My advice is to do your very best work. There are always opportunities from your instructors and fellow classmates that can surface if your work is excellent.

I work in the industry and also take classes online. I had a situation a couple months ago where I got a high paying side gig that I needed a collaborator for. My first source was to go through fellow classmates to see if any of their work was where I needed it to be for the project. In this instance there was one former classmate from the year before that I was able to pull in on the project. The rest of the people I used were my normal connections.

Those other classmates will never know that they didn't get that opportunity because the quality of the work wasn't there. Believe me when I say that the work you do in online classes is being looked at by many people that may need you in the future.

This particular gig was given to me by a former instructor who liked my work in their class. So instructors will keep you in mind also if your work can be used for a particular opportunity.

Hi,
great to hear that you're persuing a career in music. What area within music will you be focused - writing / performing / producing, etc?

A great way to make connections is at live events. You can approach indie artists you like at small concerts or open mics and offer to help them in some way, even if it's just purchasing their album, Merch, or offering to roadie at a gig.

Another way is through associations like ASCAP or BMI. Both performance rights organizations. Essentially if you reach out to ASCAP and tell them you are looking to make connections, they can invite you to appropriate events you may benefit from.

Hope this helps. For more information about what I do, please visit www.PlatinumProphecy.com

Brett Pemberton

As one who over the years has, at times, holed up on my own too much and not gotten out there, I'd caution a bit about making your efforts on-line centered. That said, just follow the music! One huge plus of the online world is you have a chance to hear music from all over, from all levels, up-and-coming, well-known by some, but not by you, etc....

So, nothing means more than just full-bodied enthusiasm for labors of love. Then, it's not just about networking and/or that comes naturally.