Music Business Consulting - Alexandra Gardner

Private online sessions for composers, performers, and small organizations.

Does navigating the professional music world feel intimidating or confusing, but you don’t know where to get help?

Would you benefit from regular one-on-one, personalized support for your goals?

Do you have a project you dream of and don’t know where to start?

Are you feeling stuck and want to explore possible solutions?

I offer a flexible, client-centered range of consulting services, from general feedback to intensive and dedicated coaching, designed to strengthen the business side of your creative practice—so you can do more of the stuff that matters and stop stressing about what doesn’t.

I pride myself on thorough and compassionate attention to your work and your goals. Whether you are negotiating commissioning contracts, embarking on a collaborative project, selling electronic tracks & beats, or figuring out a new life plan, I’m here to help you find your footing.

I first started working with Alex because I had a LOT of ideas (too many!) for things I wanted to do and places I wanted my music career to go, but was struggling with figuring out how to prioritize, organize, and implement it all. Alex helped me to figure out which things were truly the most important to me, and then how to work toward making them happen.

She has a very calm and kind presence, creating space for you to be vulnerable and open, which enables you to dig deep and uncover what really matters to you. She really listens, and then gently but firmly pushes you to realize your dreams.

Under Alex’s guidance I revamped my website and bio to more truly reflect who I am as an artist; I successfully launched an ensemble that I had long been dreaming of; I significantly increased my free-lance performing activity; and I launched two consortium commissions that were successful beyond my wildest dreams. Most importantly, and the key to all of the above, I came away with a much deeper sense of clarity and confidence in my own artistic vision and my capacity to implement it. Understanding who I am as an artist and the impact I hope to make in the world will have the most important and longest-lasting effect on me. I am deeply grateful to Alex for her guidance and wisdom, and would recommend her highly to any musician looking to take their artistry and career to the next level.
— Former Client, Composer / Performer

This “Combo Plate” consulting experience includes any or all of the following options:

Career guidance tailored to your specific goals, including topics such as:

Royalties (ASCAP/BMI)
Generating performances & commissions
Self-publishing
Networking / Relationship building
Creating systems to manage administrative tasks
Pricing of sheet music and other offerings
Grant-seeking and preparation
Contracts and negotiations
Finances for the self-employed

Communication skills

How to talk about your work in a compelling way
Writing professional emails, including cold pitching
Effective writing for grant applications and proposals
How to manage a collaborative project and/or partner
How to get through that rehearsal of your music like a rock star

Digital Media Training

Audio Production
Making great work samples
Website evaluation/feedback
Organizing professional materials (scores, media, etc.)

Any of these options may be combined with creativity sessions.

Before working with Alex I’d worked with other coaches and participated in various programs. While they were helpful to a degree, they did not address some of the key issues specific to composers. The fact that Alex is a seasoned and successful composer led me to think that she would understand my situation better and would be able to relate to me on a deeper level and I was right.

Throughout our work together Alex was professional, cordial, attentive to my needs and on point with her advice. Being able to discuss the vicissitudes of a composer’s plight with someone who understands the issues intimately was priceless.

I have just launched my professional website, which Alex designed while guiding me when it came to gathering and creating the necessary materials for it and I am already feeling the positive effect of my increased web presence and reach. Alex has helped me join a performing rights organization. I credit her with helping me to establish a mindset of a professional composer.
— Former Client, Composer / Conductor

Why work with me?

I am a successful independent composer with over 25 years of experience. I compose commissioned works for major symphony orchestras, symphonic bands, professional chamber ensembles, solo performers, and electronic music. I’ve collaborated with choreographers, animators, and visual artists. My music is recorded on multiple albums and is performed across the U.S. and internationally. I have residencies with colleges, universities, and music festivals. I regularly serve as a panelist for composition competitions and granting organizations. I have an incredible community of musicians who I love working with.

I also have decades of experience in audio production, digital media, and teaching/training for organizations including National Public Radio and New Music USA. I have managed projects and people, and my superpowers include troubleshooting, simplifying processes, and connecting people to assistance and resources that are impactful for their professional lives.

Creating a sustainable, balanced, and joyful musical life took many years. It doesn’t need to take that long for you. Now I love helping composers navigate the changing musical world and do the work that lights them up!

My doctoral program was sorely lacking in any practical training on what “being a composer” actually looks like, so I jumped at the opportunity to learn from Alex. Working with her has been an absolute pleasure and one I can’t recommend highly enough! Because she is both extremely knowledgeable and extremely approachable, I felt comfortable asking for her advice on a wide variety of topics.

After working with Alex, I have a better understanding of how to continue developing my composition career and more confident that I can do so successfully.
— Former Client, Composer / Producer

Here are a few client success stories to give you an idea of
what we can accomplish together:

A consortium project that attracted 60 members
A revamped website that quadrupled sheet music sales and helped generate three new commissions within weeks
A multi-year collaborative project between a composer and a major museum
Renewed enthusiasm and satisfaction for creative work, more confidence, more income, and more opportunities.

It has been a joy to work with Alex! As a person shifting from the performer side of a performer/composer career to that of a composer, I was in need of coaching on how to put myself forward in a different capacity. Alex showed me how to organize my pre-existing scores and position them for maximum accessibility and usability, and helped me get started with a performing rights organization. She also helped me reimagine my website so it looks more composerly. I am so grateful for Alex’s richness as a composer and artist, as well as a highly organized coach.
— Former Client, Composer / Improviser / Performer

Working together would be a great fit for you if you are…

Looking for focused support bringing a specific project to fruition, fine-tuning working methods, or jump-starting your work and career.
Looking for help aligning or balancing your creative and business practices.
Searching for tools and techniques to help navigate the fast-changing musical world.
Wanting to pivot and change your work or career.
Feeling stuck and ready to find solutions.

Alexandra has a really good sense about people. Through her coaching I learned to express my authentic self in my online and written communications, allowing people to see the type of composer I actually am.

Alexandra also offered me lots of challenges to grow and take myself out of my comfort zone. They were perfect little nudges to edge me out of my complacency.

I highly recommend taking Alexandra on as a coach—particularly if you are looking for help in the entrepreneurial/business side of composition.
— Former Client, Composer / Performer

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE:

1:1 Consultation (60 minutes)

Have questions or a situation you want to discuss? Need to brainstorm ideas? I’m here to help.
Schedule and pay by clicking the button below.

Fee: $150

Book a Session

Mini Consulting Package

Typically includes:

Three 1:1 60-minute Zoom sessions over 4-6 weeks
Learning resources & tools, accountability, and cheerleading!
Career guidance tailored to your specific needs

Fee: $400

You will receive a free 30-minute introductory call to identify your goals and ensure that working together will be a productive experience for you.

I’m ready to Book a call!

3- or 6-Month 1:1 Consulting Package

Typically includes (per month):

Two 1:1 90-minute Zoom sessions
Email and text support
Learning resources & tools, accountability, and cheerleading!
Personalized listening/reading/watching recommendations
Career guidance tailored to your specific needs

The investment for this program starts at $1,500. Payment plan available.