A Guide to Building a Composer’s Website
August 2, 2008
A composer’s website is their portal to the rest of the world. A website serves to keep your audience up to date on your work, act as your all-purpose 24/7 representative, and stores valuable media such as recordings, photographs, and biographical information for programming and press outlets. Having a quality website is essential to building your music career in an ever growing e-world. Here are a few important things to consider when building your site:
1. Make your site easy to navigate by choosing a clean-cut design which will allow visitors to learn about your music quickly and effectively.
2. Your activity is significant so make sure that people know about your performances by updating your site regularly.
3. Update your works list often. Performers do check composers’ websites looking for new works for their instrument or ensemble.
4. Provide both a brief and full biography on separate pages detailing people you’ve worked with, press clippings, etc. You’ll be surprised how often a short biography these come in handy.
5. Let online guests demo your work by having at least three music clips available in .mp3 format.
6. Social networking sites are active arenas of musical activity so post links in profiles on such sites. Participate in the action!
7. Use a professional sounding contact address that is easy to remember. Get rid of that old guitarguru 44 @ yahoo.com email address you’ve probably had since you were 12 and use your business name or formal name.
A website that meets the criteria listed above is sure to increase your visibility and lead to growth in your career. Just keep in mind, though, that your home on the web should portray you not only as a professional but also as someone with a personality, so don’t be afraid to show some of yourself. While professionalism is always a good thing, visitors are more likely to relate to you if you connect to them on a personal level.
Best of luck!
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