Brian Balmages has had his music performed throughout the world, including premieres at the College Band Directors National Conference, the Midwest Clinic, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. His music was also performed as part of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, which was attended by the President and Vice President. As a conductor, he enjoys regular engagements with all-state and regional groups as well as international appearances including Australia, Canada and Italy.

 

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Composer and conductor Brian Balmages discusses the importance of thinking in business and the key to being a successful composer.

Topics discussed in this episode:

  • Everyone needs to take a music business class
  • Deadlines
  • Preparing and presenting yourself and your music
  • The fine line of artistic integrity & earning money
  • Balancing your portfolio with different kinds of projects & difficulty levels
  • Being artistic with easy music
  • Having a good headshot
  • The importance of score appearance
  • Leaving behind certain activities
  • Building a team
  • Preparing for retirement
  • The key to being a successful composer
  • CANI (Constant And Never-ending Improvement)
  • Learning how to compose through conducting
  • Kim Diehnelt
  • Taking advantage of opportunities
  • Fear & anxiety
  • Contracts
  • Saying no to commission/making sure commissions are the right fit

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