Exam Task

Final Exam Task: Building Your Brand

As an increasingly accomplished musician, you might be starting to think about playing with other people. Branching out of your home and into the musical community can be daunting, but by making a systematic plan, you will find that there are opportunities for growth all around you.

Part 1: Musical Community Mapping

Wherever you are, there is a musical community around you. Burton Cummings, frontman of one of the most successful Canadian bands of all time, The Guess Who, described growing up in Winnipeg as a huge advantage because there was nothing to do in the freezing winter except play music in your basement.

Finding ways to reach out to people around you is essential for progressing as a musician. Traditional ways of building your community include:

• Open Mic Nights
• Local Music Stores
• Classified Ads
• Your Personal Network

Your Task: Spend some time building a list of resources in your area that could lead to finding new musical collaborators, and get a sense of the types of music commonly played in your region.

Part 2: Matching Your Skills (Niche Analysis)

Now that you have a sense of what is around you, you can find a niche that is reasonable for your level of experience. If you have just started playing in the last year, you are probably not going to join a Dream Theater cover band right away. That being said, there are far more beginning musicians than expert ones—so do not despair!

Based on your local research, compile a list of the "things you bring to the table," alongside the tasks or skills you would prefer to have a collaborator handle. Consider:

• Resources: Do you have a dedicated practice space, a van, PA equipment, or other gear that others might not have?
• Band-Adjacent Skills: Can you make social media content, build websites, or design logos?
• Technical Skills: Do you know how to do guitar setups, change strings, record tracks, or run a live mixing board?
• Interpersonal & Management Skills: Are you organized and outgoing? Many highly proficient musicians are very introverted (which is how they are able to practice 8+ hours a day) and would love to have someone act as a manager to negotiate and secure bookings.
• Retail/Industry Perks: Do you work at a music store that grants gear discounts, or do you have a job that naturally connects you with other musicians?

Part 3: Make a Connection Plan

With a clear picture of your strengths and local landscape, design a plan to connect with other musicians that fits your goals:

• If you are not yet in a community: Focus on finding a lineup to perform at a local/regional venue about once a month (e.g., if you are in a rock band, find the other members; if you are an electronic artist, identify collaborative acts).
• If you are already in a community: Outline your next steps to get on the next biggest stage.

Select a combination of strategies that works for you, such as:

• Designing posters and hanging them in local music stores.
• Creating a professional social media profile showcasing your playing.
• Attending and performing at local open mic nights.
• Busking in permitted public spaces.
• Joining an organized community group (choir, orchestra, drum corps, etc.).

Part 4: Putting It All Together

Assemble your final exam portfolio containing the following three components:

1. The Connection Plan

In a Google Doc, document the opportunities you have identified in your area. Select a realistic number of options to pursue and explain why this specific combination is the most effective use of your time to achieve your musical goals.

2. The Contextual Explanation

Explain your musical goals, what audiences in your genre expect from a live performance, and how those two concepts align. Live musical performances come with physical, legal, and financial risks. Address:

• Physical & Health Risks: Hearing damage, repetitive strain injuries, or staging dangers.
• Legal & Financial Liability:
  • Social Media: How do licensing rules and copyright strikes affect your posted music?
  • Sampling: If you produce sample-based music, what are the legal frameworks for clearing samples?
  • Ensembles (e.g., Choir or Drum Corps): What are the licensing rules and costs surrounding purchasing vs. photocopying sheet music?
  • Live Performance: If you are in a metal band, what are the legal and liability implications if an audience member is injured during crowd-surfing or moshing?

3. Promotional Materials Showcase

Create materials to show off your playing. Include video submissions of 2–3 pieces you have worked on throughout the course that best represent your technical progress and where you want to go.

[!IMPORTANT] Format Matters: Package your showcase appropriately for your goals. An audition reel for a classical symphony requires a completely different presentation, tone, and standard of formatting than a booking submission for a local alternative rock festival. Ensure your packaging matches your target audience.