Growing your group and audiences

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. 

Collaboration case study: Opal Flutes and Peckham Rye Sings

Sharon Moloney of member group Opal Flutes explains how teaming up with another group gave them an opportunity to experience repertoire that would otherwise be off-limits.

Top tips for managing an engaging Facebook Page

A Facebook Page is a great way to attract new audiences and potential members to your music group.  At the time of writing, there are around 702,000 Facebook users in the UK that express an interest in choirs; 506,000 that like orchestras and a staggering 27,818,000 that like music. These are all potential audiences that you can reach if you know how to target them.

Recruiting young members: where to find them!

Our research into engaging under 35 year olds in music groups pointed to a need for better outreach and publicity. Young people might not be specifically looking for a group to join, or might not be aware of groups in their area. So instead of waiting for them to find you, go to where they are! But where might they be? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Go to local businesses and offices

Most offices will have a fair number of under 35s amongst their staff. Try the following: