Success in music = artistic collaboration.

You must be a good… no, outstanding artistic collaborator.

Investing in your artistic relationships isn’t a quick fix for anything. Building and maintaining relationships in general isn’t quick, and won’t result in immediate cash or status.

But- it will make you feel successful. There is nothing more rewarding than creating with collaborators you love and respect.

It’s a very special relationship. You often begin as colleagues, making music together, then you may develop into friends. Even if the friendship is centered around your musical activities, it eventually tends to expand beyond a strictly utilitarian relationship.

Artistic collaboration requires a lot of trust. Trust that you will behave with integrity on and off the stage, and also make the journey pleasant along the way. You mutually support and influence each other.

You never know how or when you will meet someone that will alter the direction of your artistic journey. Be open to the world. Acquaintances become colleagues, but after repeated collaboration, it becomes something more. Shared experiences on stage and mutual respect for each other’s art create a rapport that can’t be manufactured.

Here’s how I met some of my current artistic collaborators:

-at my part time job during grad school (cashier at a local bakery)
-online
-through another collaborator
-after a Pan-Tones performance
-during a fire drill while teaching at a school

An artist brings not just their musical skill, but a whole vibe and presence that can’t be replaced simply. A particular dynamic emerges. Trust develops, you take risks together, bounce ideas off each other, and the collaboration becomes deeper.

How to work with artists

1. Give them room for individuality.

Artists (yourself included) are all snowflakes- we believe we have something unique to offer the world. We both feel this profoundly, and simultaneously doubt it with all of our being. It’s essential to respect this quality in both yourself and your collaborators.

Artists will come with quirks and neuroses, and they are usually aware of it (to some extent). If you allow them to be themselves, they will feel it as a safe space to be creative.

2. Frequently and genuinely express your appreciation.

Tell them in words before or after rehearsals and performances, send them a message, write a note, or make a point to mention it in a future conversation.

To feel seen, understood, and appreciated is imperative to an artist’s soul. They must feel valued for who they are, not just what they can do. An artist needs this positive affirmation even more than they need money. Yes, money is a means to convey appreciation, but do not underestimate the power of kind words.

3. Support their individual endeavors.

Attend their performances- not just the ones you play together. This is a great way to demonstrate your sincerity and respect for their art. Be interested in their lives and artistic journey.

If you wish, spend time with them sometimes in a non-working situation. Attend a concert together, grab a bite, or otherwise create a situation where you can just hang out and get to know them better. What are they currently working on, thinking about, or concerned with?

4. Give them opportunities to shine.

Most artistic types thrive with a challenge. If you give them more responsibility, they will actually increase their commitment to a project. They don’t just want to do the easy thing- they are drawn to do the interesting thing.

Giving an artist a challenging opportunity shows you trust them. If you put them in a position to do something they excel at, don’t be surprised if they step up to plate and then exceed your expectations.

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