How to Find/Approach Performers?

I have a piece for string quintet that I'd really like to have performed live, but I don't really know where to start recruiting string players. Should I post on a subreddit? Should I put up flyers at my alma mater (even though I wasn't a music major)? Should I approach local community orchestra players?

I have a nice venue in mind that is available to me for free pretty much any weekend, but I just need some way to gather performers!

46 minutes ago, Noah Brode said:

I have a piece for string quintet that I'd really like to have performed live, but I don't really know where to start recruiting string players. Should I post on a subreddit? Should I put up flyers at my alma mater (even though I wasn't a music major)? Should I approach local community orchestra players?

 

I have a nice venue in mind that is available to me for free pretty much any weekend, but I just need some way to gather performers!

 

Honestly, I do not have much experience with 'looking for' performers. I compose for musicians that I know who like to play my music.

However, I can always give you my advise. I think you firstly have to ask yourself what 'sort' of players you want / need. Do you want / need professional or advanced musicians? What is the expected level of the performers?

Considering that you do not know string players yourselve, I think you should ask a local string / symphony orchestra to visit them at their rehearsal. When you can, you can inform the conducter that you would love to have your composition shared. With a bit of luck he / she is very enthousiastic and he / you can inform the orchestra that you are looking for string quintet players.

If there are members that would like to help you, make sure that you are very pleased to work with them. Hehe! As a musician, I love to be appreciated, so treat your performers as if they were the most important people in the world!

Contacts is everything! Via via!

Good luck and let us know if it worked!

Maarten

Step one: ask them