Ep 68 Whitney George on Why You Need Your Own Ensemble

Ep 68-Whitney George on Why You Need Your Own Ensemble

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Whitney George is a composer and conductor who specializes in the use of mixed media to blur the distinctions between concert performance, installation art, and theater. Utilizing a wide variety of material including literary texts, silent film, stock footage, and visual arts, George’s compositions are characterized by an immersive theatricality that thrives on collaboration in all phases of the creative process with an affinity for the macabre, the fantastic, and the bizarre.

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Composer and ensemble leader Whitney George discusses what it takes to start an ensemble and why you should, too.

Topics discussed in this episode:

Macabre & fantastical
Edgar Allan Poe
Building an audience within a niche
Collaboration
Having a strong narrative
Considering the strengths of the venue
Starting an ensemble
Having your music performed
The tedium of starting an ensemble
Becoming a 501(c)3
Having a business checking account
Having a CPA
Writing & communication
Being organized
A business in a business
Good book keeping & budgeting
Correspondence
Having a business partner
Spending time on your business

Website:

www.whitneygeorge.com

Recommended Listening:

Steve Reich, “Music for 18 Musicians”

3 Comments

Rain Worthington May 2, 2016 at 4:08 pm

Thanks so much, Whitney. Some terrific stepwise practical advice for composers interested going in the direction of forming an ensemble.
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The Podcast Mission

To help composers with the business end of writing music through mindset, marketing, and business skills.

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I believe that composers are self-employed small business owners. In order to succeed in getting our music in front of people who are interested in hearing it we need to know essential business skills such as marketing and networking. Building a successful career as a freelance composer is possible and thinking like an entrepreneur will help composers make a living writing music.

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I promise to deliver high-quality free content through the podcast and newsletter that will help you build your career as a composer. I want my free content to be better than other people's paid-for content. I also have online courses and am available for speaking and coaching.

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reeesm

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