Moving forward in an artistic/music career is a mysterious journey. We have to determine our direction, while simultaneously creating the path. 

One thing does seem to be consistently true- the music world is small, and there is such a thing as professional karma.

In the artistic community, acting with integrity and grace is imperative- and often more important than your specific skills.

I didn’t begin to understand this until I was in my 30s. My 20s were all about proving to others (but mostly myself) that I was “good enough” to be a professional musician. I don’t think I was unique here- music school puts a lot on emphasis on technical skills, less on good citizenship.

For many years, I was very focused on developing my flute playing… a rather self-centered life. But alas, I do not exist in a vacuum. I was blind to the community I was trying to join, so I struggled to find work and opportunities.

The process of finding artistic work is nebulous, at best. It’s not simply giving tit for tat, and it’s not just who you know (though that is certainly a part of it). It feels more like a universal energy that we share. We must learn to trust that the ripples of our art will eventually touch the right people, at the right time and place.

Here are ways we can work at being good citizens of our musical communities:

1. Show up

One of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to be a part of the community is to attend events. You’ll meet other people in the community, and learn about the scene (music venues, performers and groups, recurring events, etc). Definitely support your friends and colleagues, but also be curious about artists outside of your immediate circle.

2. Be a fan

Send a note or give a genuine compliment to artists you appreciate. Being an artist is a practice in vulnerability, and few things are more rewarding than knowing that our work affected someone. Most of the time, creating feels like baring your soul to an empty room, so getting to have a conversation or exchange with someone is a true pleasure.

3. Connect with what is meaningful to you

Our unique values and interests are a big part of what distinguishes us as artists. Nowadays, it is easy to find communities around a niche interest. Participate in these groups. It could be a cultural organization, an aesthetic style, or a specific artist. Don’t expect anything in particular, but bask in the positive vibes and enthusiasm of those that share your interests.

4. Give

As (aspiring) professional artists, we can get caught up in getting paid, and miss meaningful opportunities. Sharing art with a spirit of generosity is truly a reward in itself. It’s trusting that what we do has inherent value, regardless of immediate monetary compensation. Of course, we must learn to be financially responsible and meet our basic needs, but higher pay does not always equal a better gig. 

The funny thing is that when I figured out how to shift my focus away from money, more abundant opportunities began to appear. Such is the irony of life. I started to serve organizations and causes that were meaningful to me, and realized that sharing a mission distinguished me much more than any of my specific musical skills.

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What do you think?