Composer Advice: How to cold e-mail performers with your scores (without making them feel the rage)

[@GregHarradineComposer]

On behalf of composers everywhere: thank you Heather!

[@DavidBennettThomas]

You are making such helpful videos for composers. Thanks! And....999 subscribers!

[@hroche83]

I know, isn't that wild! I'm thrilled :)

[@whatsthatnoise5955]

Not responding to emails because so much time has passed it would be embarrassing to do so is basically how I live my life, so no judgement there

[@AlirezaGholamian-ys8fl]

Thank you dear Heather, the video was very helpful for me👌👌

[@ChazUnderriner]

Love this series of advice for composers!

[@hb3393]

Useful video, thanks! A colleague of mine once bragged that she had so many commissions coming in that she didn't need to 'degrade' herself by cold emailing performers like others do. Always stuck with me as a comment, but especially useful to hear the performer's side (which is more important in this instance!)

[@peterfalconer]

Excellent vid - all really useful. And your edits/gags are great fun - looks like you're enjoying making these! ;)

[@hroche83]

haha just a bit… I’m glad you like them :)

[@marcofusimusic]

thank you so much, this is really helpful for both "sides" of the argument :)

[@toddtarantino]

Great video Heather!

[@christophermortlockcomposer]

Thanks so much for another incredibly helpful video!

[@coelhoigor]

Another great video, Heather. Thank you for sharing your insight and experience. I tried cold emailing several years ago when I thought I had a particularly good piece. I was a grad student and knew I had to get my work out there. I was diplomatic and considerate, but I got no response whatsoever so I never tried it again. Today, I feel that unless a composer has funds to offer the performer, asking people to perform your work is an imposition--especially if you're a stranger to them. (Also, the loop in the background is a little distracting. It doesn't detract at all from the quality of your content, just thought I'd mention it.)

[@hroche83]

Hey - thanks for this. Yeah, I think I'll can the loop in the future (or find something that works a little better). Still learning here... I think what you probably needed is someone to introduce you to a few players, it does just seem to work a lot better! Sorry you had no luck at all with it!

[@LilliePHarris]

All of your reasons for not replying seem totally reasonable to me to be honest, go easy on yourself!