Opening doors to music opens doors for your career too

Summary

The author of the article discusses the career benefits of hosting classical music events at home, emphasizing the unexpected networking opportunities and connections that arise from these gatherings.

Abstract

The article titled "Opening Doors to Music Opens Doors for Your Career Too" delves into the author's experiences with hosting classical music performances in their home. These events have not only enriched the author's personal life but have also inadvertently led to career advancement opportunities. The author has welcomed musicians from prestigious orchestras, shared cultural experiences, and made significant connections, including potential job prospects. The article highlights the power of music to bring people together, fostering relationships that extend beyond the musical realm. The author's initiative to create a space for music has garnered positive feedback from a community of government communicators and has attracted a substantial readership, second only to an article about government scientists who doodle.

Opinions

The author believes that classical music events can lead to valuable career connections.
Hosting musicians and sharing cultural knowledge is seen as a way to build networks.
The author values the unexpected job opportunity that arose from a casual conversation at one of the events.
There is a strong interest among public affairs professionals in the concept of a classical concert tailored specifically for them.
The author is considering hosting a concert for public affairs professionals, indicating a belief in the potential of such an event to foster professional relationships.

Opening Doors to Music Opens Doors for Your Career Too

Classical music played the way it should be — in your own home. — Photo taken by Jay Krasnow

Last month I ranted about how classical concerts can be music to your career, as well as your ears. Since then, I’ve kept the doors of my home open for talented musicians who are known to play in the National Symphony Orchestra and other prestigious venues.

Last weekend I turned to musician John W. Warren to crank out music in the Sephardic tradition, as well as other Spanish and Latino melodies.

At this event I shared my limited knowledge of Bulgarian with a woman from Bulgaria — and I promised to introduce her to a friend of mine who also is from Bulgaria.

I also connected with a man and a woman, both of who I tangentially knew for a decade. The man I tangentially knew told me he had once seen me walking around in the building where he works — probably for a meeting I was attending. He encouraged me to apply for a job where he works. (I hadn’t asked about employment prospects, and haven’t taken him up on his offer).

Meanwhile, the woman I tangentially knew was intrigued by a Miles Davis performance poster. She asked me if there was a story behind the poster. As it happens, there is: I noted that I had told a story about purchasing it on the Story District stage several years back — leading to an unexpected connection between us. (I’ve also done storytelling at The Moth and other storytelling organizations like it.)

The magic of these connections is that I wasn’t looking for anything — certainly not an employment opportunity. After my May concert, I asked members of a LISTSERV geared towards government communicators what they thought of me hosting a classical concert specifically geared towards public affairs professionals. Their response was both strong and positive. In fact, my article about my first classical music concert has more readers than any article written except a piece written about government scientists who doodle on the job.

I’m not quite ready to host a classical concert tailored to public affairs professionals, but I’m edging towards it. But that doesn’t mean that if you’re a public affairs professional you can’t come to my next concert.