Growing your group and audiences

Case study: Building your audience

What can music groups do to widen grow their audiences? Peter Harrison tells us more about how he and Vivien Harrison, along with other people from the local community, have built Grayshott Concerts into a successful promoting group.

Background

In 2004 they organised a fundraising concert for their local church. On the back of that event they launched Grayshott Concerts, an organisation that puts on approximately six events in their local church each year featuring high quality classical musical performances.

Case study: Get your community connected online

Simon O’Hea from member group The Renaissance Choir explains how he set up Music in Portsmouth (MiP), a local classical music news and listings website designed to help connect music groups and to increase interest in regional events and music group.

You may not necessarily have the time or knowledge that Simon had to set up a resource like this but someone in your group might do. If you haven’t already, ask your members about their skills and interests and whether they could help, or might know a web developer. 

Social media content: the rule of thirds

Our volunteers have been taking a look at member groups' social media to see how they measure up when it comes to engaging young people. Here are some tips they passed on to us that you might find useful.

Posting on social media can be overwhelming. What to post, when, how often, how much of other people's content should you engage with? A simple tactic to keep you on track is to follow the rule of thirds: promote, share, interact. After all, three is the magic number! 

Ten tips for connecting with your community

Your local community is your biggest and best source of new contacts, whether that’s members, audience, sponsors or funders, patrons, volunteers or just general supporters. Many of our most successful groups are those who have a strong engagement with the people living and working in the surrounding area. But how do you build these relationships?

Youth engagement resource: Overview

Many music groups tell us they find it challenging to attract younger members. With the help of a generous legacy from lifelong choral singer Pauline Thompson, we have been able to compile a bank of resources aimed at helping you to reach out to under-35 year olds.

We'll continue to add to these resources, but in the meantime if you think we're missing something that would be helpful for groups like yours, or if you have any questions,  just get in touch

Sing or play Danyal Dhondy's choral companion piece to Fauré’s Requiem

Danyal Dhondy's Still the Sirens was commissioned by Making Music specifically for leisure-time groups as a companion piece to Fauré’s Requiem

Still the Sirens is approximately 28-30 minutes long, and is written for SATB choir plus organ or orchestral forces as detailed below. Music groups can purchase the parts and score by contacting composer Danyal Dhondy directly. PRS performing fees will apply as usual.

11 ways selling tickets online can help your group - and how to pick the right platform

If you spend a lot of time managing event bookings via phone and email instead of organising other areas of your events, then using an online ticketing service might be just want you need.

Ticketing websites have never been more user-friendly and they can help your group save time, money, and sell more tickets. The initial setup can be slightly time-consuming but once you are up and running, the positives far outweigh the negatives…

Performing in Care Homes

Care homes are not often seen as places for performing music, and you’d be forgiven if you hadn’t considered doing so before.

However, according to a 2015 Treasurers survey, a number of Making Music member groups already have a relationship with their local care home.

Why perform in a care home?

It can be hugely beneficial for everyone involved: the care home, its residents and your group:

Top tips for engaging with people with dementia

Lots of our member groups perform in care homes across the country, taking their music to people who might not otherwise have a chance to attend a live performance. In many care homes there are people with dementia, and some homes specialise in care for people with this illness.

Alternatives to putting on a formal concert

'Formal' concerts are often the central driver of groups' seasons and activities, but in some cases they can be a financial burden as well. In this guidance we explore some alternatives that might allow you to retain the benefits while reducing the financial risks and pressure.