Be Your Own Manager

Hunters and Farmers is not a podcast on anthropology. Hunters and Farmers describe two different sales approaches. Most musicians try there best to …

More often than not, we focus on our mistakes when practicing and rehearsing. But nobody is interested in us performing without mistakes! Everyone wants to be touched by our music. We, therefore, need to change the way …

Social media is a waste of your time. It does not help you build meaningful connections unless you have over 10.000 followers. Focus on personal …

Apple just launched the long-awaited Apple Music Classical app. Since Apple acquired Primephonic in August 2021, we have waited for that. But is a new music app dedicated to classical music the right move? Bernhard …

In the first episode of 2023, Bernhard Kerres talks about the path from student to master. He compares a musician's career with a second adolescence. …

With the war in Ukraine, some musicians say they do not understand politics. They use that as an excuse for not standing up for their values. In many …

Have you ever wondered why there are just so few female guitarists? You will find even fewer female composers whose works are performed. Heike Matthiesen changes both. She is a leading female guitarist who played all …

Negotiating fees is one of the toughest topics for any musician. Putting a number to us as person does not feel right. And then there is always someone who offers a concert for a lower fee. Bernhard Kerres introduces a …

With more and more live concerts happening, Bernhard Kerres is astonished about how "office like" many musicians behave at concerts. He has a simple remedy: smile!

If you are interested in the Be Your Own Manager …

One can wine about the decline in classical music audiences or look at the facts. Especially during the COVID19 pandemic, more and more people have turned to classical music. Streaming has long overtaken album sales. It …

"I am a musician. I am free. I play what I want, when I want, with who I want." - Flutist Veronika Vitazkova in an interview with Bernhard Kerres. Veronika has over 50 different flutes and plays them all. She accepts …

We have been treating classical music performances stricter than any religious services. Isn't it time to to actually consider the audiences more? Why do people come to a concert? Can one only appreciate music by …

There is just so much we can achieve alone. Science has shown that peer groups are immensely powerful. We have not only implemented in the BYOM …

Luckily the world is opening up again. Live concerts are popping up again. A great joy for musicians and audiences. But with all the joy one can not neglect the anxiety of performing in front of a live audience after …

Many presenters and musicians treat concerts and opera performances almost in a religious way. Only enlightened people are allowed to worship the high art of classical music. The end of the COVID19 pandemic allows us to …

Bettina Aust is an outstanding young clarinetist from Germany. She won several prizes and has performed around the world. Bettina has just released her latest album Fin de Siècle with music from the beginning of the …

Meet three out of sixty artists behind the nexTus Festival. The singers Monika Kertesz, Sofia Livotov, and Benjamin Hewat-Craw are not only great musicians, members of the BYOM Community, but they are also part of the …

In a recent Clubhouse discussion, Bernhard Kerres was asked, when the world would return to normal after the pandemic. The answer - probably never. …

Surprisingly to audience members, many musicians are introverts. They communicate through their instruments. Bernhard has some concrete tips in how to deal as a musician with being an introvert off stage.

Curious about …

Driving for excellence is key to your artistic profile. But if you apply that drive for excellence to all your activities, you will be slowed down and frustrated. Bernhard Kerres offers a little exercise on where to …

Recordings have been technically limited by time. There were only so many minutes you could press on an LP or a CD. But with streaming taking over, …

With opera houses and concert houses closed in so many parts of the world due to the pandemic, on can question the almost cultist tradition of …

Many musicians have amazing creative projects but keep them secret from the world. There are pianists writing pop songs. There are cellists finding …

The COVID19 pandemic has been a massive challenge to classical music and performing arts. Musicians have, in our experience, reacted in three ways:

The various lockdowns and closures of cultural institutions is challenging. Many musicians have taken to the internet to share their music. But is it …

We are often asked, how promoters find talent. Recommendations and the personal network is definitely still the best and most successful way to get …

Welcome to the 2021! We all hope that it will be better than the last one. Bernhard Kerres has a few tips for you how to best start the New Year.

If you are interested in the Be Your Own Manager Webinars on career …

Musicians should neither worry about being part of the ocean of greatness, nor should they worry about competition. Horse compete. Musicians don't. …

Self-doubt and perceived competition stop many musicians in their growth. They forget that they actually have already mastered greatness with all the hours and hard work they put in. Before even entering university, …

You can practice at least three hours a day or not more than three hours a day. The little difference in phrasing between "at least" and "not more" seems insignificant but changes the quality of our practicing …

Is the future of music making in opera houses and concert halls? Yes, but probably not only. Bernhard Kerres argues that especially with the crisis of COVID19 it is time to think of delivering music to people in other …

It is time to change the narrative. Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK, suggested in an itv interview, that artists should …

Networking and small talk can kill people - especially introverts. Musicians have trained their whole live to express themselves through their …

For so many musicians, young as well established, the question, if they are good enough, is always in their mind. Bernhard Kerres argues, that this is the wrong question. After having worked so hard, you are good …

Meet Leona Rajakowitsch and Clemente Prudencio, two young musicians, who did not want to wait until the COVID19 crisis is over to share their music. They started a series of house concerts in a small town in the South …

Following the last episode, Bernhard Kerres discusses potential scenarios of the COVID19 crisis and its impact on classical music. In this episode, …

The COVID19 crisis will be part of our lives and careers for some time. We cannot predict the future and what will happen. But we can prepare for all possible outcomes. In this second episode on the Corona Scenarios, …

The COVID19 crisis will not go away. The only thing that is certain is uncertainty. Bernhard Kerres speaks about how to deal with this kind of uncertainty. And he invites listeners to the Corona Scenarios webinar on …

Meet Rosalyn Aninyei, the courageous founder of the Vesta Orchestra in Lagos, Nigeria. While studying and living in Vienna, violinist Rosalyn Aninyei …

With the COVID 19 crisis many musicians turned to social media and the internet to spread their music. They brought joy to many people. Some people in the music world are now concerned if audiences will ever make the …

Many musicians asked Bernhard Kerres about his career path, leaving the stage, running tech companies, and returning to head one of the greatest concert halls in the world. So, he decided to share his musical career …

In this episode, Bernhard Kerres, talks to Luxembourg based flutist Hélène Boulègue about COVID 19, her discovery of André Jolivet and more. Hélène …

Krishna Thiagarajan, CEO and President of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, talks with Bernhard Kerres on the impact the COVID 19 crisis has on classical music. He gives insides on how the Seattle Symphony stands united …

The COVID-19 crisis brought the world close to a complete standstill. Musicians are facing significant economic challenges. The world as we knew it will change. Bernhard Kerres talks about trends which will impact the …

When thinking about ones career, one gets easily stuck between huge dreams and the harsh reality. Bernhard Kerres takes you on a time journey to develop a more concrete career strategy.

A happy New Year from Bernhard Kerres and some thoughts on resolutions and goals.

Today's concert format comes from the late 19th century. It has something which is almost religious. And it is probably completely outdated. Bernhard Kerres talks about how musicians can think about new and different …

Following a question about apps for time and project management, Bernhard Kerres delves into more project management considerations. The right …

In preparation for his lecture at the University of Music and Dance Cologne in Wuppertal, Bernhard Kerres looks at Christo and Jeanne-Claudes' …

So many musicians, singers, composers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers think that having lots of "friends" on social media makes a strong community …

While practicing is a strong established habit for musicians, looking after one's career isn't. Bernhard Kerres shares his ideas on starting with a …

Working on selling and marketing yourself alone can be tedious. Bernhard Kerres talks about a new system he recently came across - Working Out Loud. Based on the book by John Stepper, it is the idea of four to five …

The high streets of our villages, quarters, and towns, are the main artery of life in our community. Due to e-commerce, the economic cycle, and other developments, many high streets are dying out because the shops are …

A few months ago, Bernhard Kerres, was talking at the Nordic Orchestra Conference in Stockholm. He introduced a new marketing concept for the arts …

Being outstanding on one's instrument, being a great singer, a motivating conductor, a creative composer, is only a start. To be successful you need …

What makes a good story and why should you think about stories? Your bio, your website, even your concert program is a story. Bernhard Kerres shares …

Summer is coming! Time for holidays. But also for reflection. Bernhard Kerres has your summer to-do list for you.

More about the podcast and the book …

When marketing in the digital age we all flock to social media. It is so easy. But if you look at the numbers it is a big waste of time. In our latest episode, Bernhard Kerres, compares the effectiveness of social media …

Videos are today an almost must for musicians. Videos give promoters, artistic director, agents, etc. the opportunity to get to know an artist better before actually having them audition or engaging them. Most …

In our latest career podcast for classical musicians, Bernhard Kerres talks about how to write a good application for a concert or performance. He …

Again and again musicians tell us that they play for free. An article in the Dutch newspaper NOS says that even the world famous Concertgebouw in Amsterdam does not pay artists for lunchtime concert. Simon Reinink …

This weeks Be Your Own Manager podcast is in German!

Dies ist die Aufzeichnung einer Podiumsdiskussion zum Thema Karriere heute. Die Diskussion wurde …

Selling leads to engagements. That's why we need to learn about it. In today's episode, Bernhard Kerres talks about the differences of direct and indirect sales and what that means for musicians. His recommendations is …

In our latest Be Your Own Manager podcast, Bernhard Kerres talks about contracts. Even an oral agreement can be a contract. Documenting it might be …

A recent article on Artsy.net cited a study that not your creativity but friends make you famous - at least that seemed to have been the case at the beginning of the 20th century when abstract art emerged. Bernhard …

Social Media becomes crowded and overrated. Although we all spend - too - much time on it, its value for communicating with fans is diminishing. Bernhard Kerres points out that Playlists on Spotify and other platforms …

Staying motivated for the non-musical work can be challenging. Asking someone for something might even be daunting. Still, it is part of a musician's life. Bernhard Kerres talks about why asking is always better than …

Today Bernhard Kerres is answering a question we got via Instagram. How do you start your career as a conductor? It isn't an easy question but …

Performing outside of concert halls might be shocking for some. But Bernhard Kerres takes you through the example of a leadership course for business …

Setbacks are inevitable. So it is good to find our own way to deal with it. Bernhard Kerres talks about his five steps to work through setbacks.

If you like that podcast, do support it: www.patreon.com/bernhardkerres.

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Celebrating women is one thing. Changing the inequalities in classical music is a second one. Bernhard Kerres talks about what all musicians and presenters can do to increase the equality in classical music.

If you like …

Have you ever been ghosted? Ghosting is a term in dating when people you were in contact with suddenly stop all communication without an explanation. But ghosting also happens in business. And you might have ghosted a …

We often focus on performing at a new concert hall, singing in yet another opera house, or approaching a festival which is new to us. And we entirely forget that there are people who have already hired us for concerts …

The Brazilian-Scottish flutist Daniela Mars is not only a rising star on her instrument but also an influencer on Instagram. She shares her passion for music, contemporary music and the bass flute with her over 33,000 …

How often do patrons come up to you and say that they don't understand music? One of the - difficult - tasks of musicians is to communicate about …

In the latest career podcast for classical musicians, Bernhard Kerres speaks about how to enhance the concert experience for audiences with a few simple tricks. He also addresses how to prepare for competitions, …

When thinking about the future it is better to envision it and then looking back than staring at it and not knowing how to reach one's goals. The Self Coaching process is taken from the book, Be Your Own Manager, and …

Having an elevator pitch is crucial for young musicians to learn how to differentiate themselves and communicate successfully about who they are and …

Be more social in social media, start sharing and share a bit more about yourself. Vienna will see massive leadership changes in its leading cultural …

Have you made your plans for 2019 yet? Bernhard Kerres has a few tips for you. Furthermore Bernhard talks about the equal pay case at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For links go to www,hellostage,com

Enjoy the #classicalbuzz news roundup of classical music news from around the world. Esa-Pekka Salonen is heading back to California. Osmo Vänskä leaves Minnesota. Daniele Gatti got a quick contract in Rome. The …

Bernhard Kerres speaks to John Anderson what it takes to do the first album as a young musician. John, a former pianist himself, is the founder of Odradek Records, a non-profit label and the only one which selects new …

Building a close relationship with your audience will make their music experience but also your music making much richer. This requires talking and relating to them.

Marketing for classical music needs content, community and conversation - the 3Cs.

This episode comes from Stockholm where I give a keynote with this title. The keynote starts with the customer journey of an audience member going to …

A career as musicians can be a challenge for your private life. The constant travel, sometimes splitting your life between two or more places require a lot of understanding from partners and family. Having a bread and …

Five years after creating HELLO STAGE we have decided to completely revamp our online classical music community. www.hellostage.com focuses even stronger on sharing the passion for classical music and creating a …

An optimistic episode on the future of classical music with special guest Christian Ehlers. He believes that the future of classical music will be outside traditional concert halls and that it will be exciting and …

The dinosaurs are lamenting their extinction. But classical music has more people listening to it than ever before. It is up to us to believe in the future of classical music and to drive it.

In an increasingly digital world, writing a note by hand can be a game changer.

Having coffee with violinist Marie-Luise Dingler of the The Twiolins we talk about cold calling and selling. Marie also announced an award for …

Some more thoughts on how to structure your day to be more efficient and effective.

An Interview with Lithuanian Violinist Justina Auskelyte (www.auskelyte.com) who is going around on a bike in her new hometown of Malmö playing the …

It is Leonard Bernstein’s 100th Birthday today. He is an inspiration for so many of us as a musician, a conductor, a composer, but above all as a true humanist. How does he inspire you?

Classical music can do we some innovation. Bernhard Kerres introduces Groupmuse which organizes house concerts in the US. He recommends looking at it and perhaps bringing it to other cities around the world.

When on stage you not only represent you and your fellow musicians but are an ambassador of music. Dressing and behaving accordingly seems obvious. Bernhard was shocked that some musicians seem to think differently.

Should a musician do a competition? Competitions are not only about winning but about seeing where you are in your career compared to your peers.

Being at the Inaugural Deans & Arts Leaders‘ Summit in Harbin, China, Bernhard talks about the importance of house concerts and outreach projects.

Split business and personal emails in two different accounts. This will increase your creative space but also make you more professional.

The time when a big label signs artists with a big check and a lot of artistic freedom are gone. But today’s world offers good ways for financing and distributing your recording.

The demand on your time is enormous. Practice, rehearsals, learning new repertoire, business issues and more can easily stress you out. My little secret is to divide my day in active and re-active slots.

Even in a digital world these small pieces of paper with your contact details on there are really helpful. Get them and make sure that they represent …

We have more and more communication tools available. Picking the right one at the right moment when in contact with festivals and concert halls is …

A career in classical music will comprise several activities. You will play a bit solo, you might play in an ensemble, you might teach. Start to …

Making music in ensembles

Working with agents requires close cooperation. Define together what you want to achieve and what everyone has to do. Be aware of “rouge agents” who just take money but are not really artist managers. If in doubt check …

Finding creativity for classical musicians can be hard. The pressure on their schedule is immense with practice, rehearsals, business issues and much …

Selling can be hard. As artists we would love just to be called up for a performance. Unfortunately life is different. Therefore I suggest a deal: do …

Unfortunately your calendar will not fill up by itself. So you need to go out and sell. But build up a relationship first!

Hopefully you will never need this podcast. Nevertheless accidents and illnesses happen. Therefore it’s important that you think about them …

There are musicians who are not on social media at all. Others seem to spend all their time on it. Do you need to be on social media as a classical musician? Some thoughts on channels and strategy.

When starting out as a musician you might take on a job to pay your rent. This is a harsh reality. But be proud of following your dream and sharing …

If thinking about a music career don’t focus on your Plan B but fully commit to it. Music requires your full attention and is a lot of work. You …

We are honored to receive the Association of British Orchestras’ Award Artist Manager of the Year! An incredible joy and great honor which we …

Even if you have just started out as a musician you are famous to your family and closest friends. You are doing something different than they are. You are performing in front of others. Dealing with this sudden “fame” …

Cold Calling takes a lot of courage but can be one of the best sales techniques available to you. Forget email. Forget letters. Start cold calling!

In today’s world we strongly rely on non-personal communication - email, texts etc. But calling someone up or visiting someone can do wonders to your sales process. Don’t be afraid to call. Yes, make your research …

Composers mostly need and want others to reform their works. A few thoughts on how to get your works out there.

Your fans are the backbone of your career. Not only broadcast about your upcoming concerts but start a two way communication with them. Use your media channels to provide them with relevant content.

Recordings are a calling card for young musicians. But doing a recording is even more complex than going to the studio. Some thoughts on what to consider.