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Hey Reader!

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Have you ever wondered why some musicians seem to get more opportunities, land the interview, get called for the gig, more students, or bookings to present masterclasses or clinics?

The difference often isn't in their musical abilities—it's in how they present themselves professionally through their materials! If I had a dollar for each time a student has put down their instrument in a lesson and said… “Actually… I have a question… How do I build a website? Or maybe it’s… “Do I need a website?”

Seriously, in a crowded marketplace of talented musicians, it's rarely about talent alone. It's about how effectively you communicate your unique value through your professional materials. And how you tell your story.

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⭐️ Here are my top 5 tips to get you started ⭐️

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1. Open your bio with a story instead of a resume. Rather than launching into a listing of your accomplishments, create a descriptive narrative of what sets you apart.

Before: "Jane Smith is a classically trained pianist with degrees from Eastman and Juilliard who has performed throughout the United States."

After: "Jane Smith transforms familiar classical works into revelatory experiences through her synesthetic approach to interpretation, where each musical phrase evokes specific colors and textures that guide her distinctive performances."

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2. Strategize headers in resume/CV sections.

Under “Performance Experience” add “Contemporary Chamber Music Specialization” or “Early Music Performance Practice”

Descriptive headers immediately communicate your areas of expertise and help you stand out even if someone spends just 6-7 seconds scanning your resume (which research shows is typical).

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3. Quantify your impact wherever you can!

Before: "Teaches a large studio of students of all ages and levels."

After: "Maintains a studio of 35 students ages 8-65, with a 92% retention rate and an average student tenure of 4.3 years."

Specific metrics create credibility and demonstrate real-world results that generic statements cannot convey.

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4. Create a "Golden Thread" to communicate a cohesive professional identity.

What is your "onlyness factor"? Identify what makes you the only musician who does what you do, the way you do it—and weave it consistently through all your materials.

Example: A violinist who specializes in connecting classical music to contemporary social issues would ensure this theme appears in her:

• Bio opening paragraph
• Performance program descriptions
• Teaching philosophy
• Website tagline
• Social media profiles

Consistency creates memorability.

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5. Include a clear call to action in your materials!

This step is too often overlooked on otherwise beautiful websites and materials. Convert visitors by including a specific next step for the reader.

Example: "Ready to bring Jane's innovative Bach interpretation to your series? Click here to check availability for the 2024-25 season, or email jane@email.com for a custom program proposal."

You want to create a clear, compelling impression and a direct pathway to engagement!

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These five strategies alone can significantly improve how you present yourself professionally, and create a clear, compelling impression and a direct pathway to engagement!

But implementing them effectively—along with the many other elements of a compelling portfolio—takes time, expertise, and a structured approach.

That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of:

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​The Portfolio Accelerator, coming up on Monday April 21 through April 28.

This live, guided, week-long program gives you a clear roadmap and templates for creating a comprehensive musicians portfolio. In just 7 days you will:

• Get clarity on where to start and how to approach organizing your materials
• Understand what’s most important for telling your story
• Know how to create opportunities in today’s competitive music landscape
• Learn how to stand out and get noticed
• Create a dynamic and engaging presence

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Let us help transform your materials into a career-boosting portfolio without the need for expensive consultants or endless trial and error.
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​You can see all the details and reserve your spot here.
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​Sign-up before Friday, April 15 and you’ll get the Early Bird Registration rate of $67 and save $30 off the full price of $97.
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Space is limited, so don’t wait too long!
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Cheering for you,​
​Ixi

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L E A R N M O R E

​E-School | Young Artist Workshops | Spark Your Career Workbook | Thrive Membership for Musicians | The Portfolio Challenge | The Goal Setting Workshop | The Audition Lab | The Musicians Practice Planner​