Whether you’re in a new band and are looking to be a good team player, or you’re collaborating on a project with someone in the music industry, you’ll need to figure out how to work together effectively. At BandMix, we believe that working with like-minded musicians is essential, so here’s our advice on how best to collaborate with others.
Appoint a leader
It’s super important to identify everyone’s responsibilities before starting a project. Who is a natural leader, and what responsibilities does that entail? It’s always good to have an appointed chief to keep the project on track and hold others accountable when things don’t plan.
Be straightforward
It’s vital to clarify what monetary gains are or aren’t included with your project. Have an open and honest conversation with prospective team members before you involve them so everyone knows where they stand. Finding reliable people to collaborate with is hugely important.
Be prepared
Get organized and make a plan of the tasks in hand. Figure out logistically how you are going to collaborate. Are you rehearsing together in the same room, or will you work remotely? Fine-tuning your preparations will help you move forward quicker and collaborate more effectively as a team.
Set goals
Have a few goals in sight that are realistic. Keep in mind that most things will take longer than initially planned, so schedule some contingency time to give you a bit of breathing space. Having a set of achievable goals to focus on will give just enough pressure to get the work done but shouldn’t stress your team.
Identify strengths
Recognizing everyone’s strengths (and weaknesses) can be beneficial for effective collaboration. You’ll be able to delegate tasks to the musicians who are strongest at it, meaning you’ll all work quicker and more productively.
Communication
Not communicating well is one of the most common breakdowns of collaborations. Think how you could improve your communication – nowadays, we use messaging systems regularly, but these text interactions can be misconstrued so easily. By making sure you are precise when communicating with others and periodically checking in with them, your collaboration stands more of a chance of success.
Challenge each other
One huge positive of collaborating is being able to challenge each other to be the best they can be. A gentle push outside your comfort zone could be just what you need to improve your skills and push the project in the right direction.
Stay focused
Staying focused can be difficult, especially if you have more than one project on the go, so have a plan in place to keep everyone, including yourself, on track. Keep your music and your art at the forefront of your work at all times.
Be a team player
To work effectively as part of a team, leave your egos at the door. Channel your energy and creativity solely into the project and become a strong team player. This prevents jealousy, raised egos, and you’ll be able to respect one another honestly.
Don’t be afraid to change tactics
If your project isn’t quite working out, be confident enough to change it up. Alter your tactics, and don’t be afraid to discard ideas so that you can move forward more productively. Also, be sure to ask for help and contributions from others when you’re feeling stuck.
Have fun
Collaborating with other musicians should be fun, right? If you’re no longer enjoying the process, think about how you can make it fun for everyone involved and include some play in between the work. You’re much more likely to get everyone invested in the project, too, if they’re enjoying themselves.
How to find musicians to collaborate with
If you’re looking for a new team player for your project or would love to join a band in your local area, simply:
- Set up your BandMix account at http://www.bandmix.com
- Log in and get your profile looking strong
- Search our directory of musicians in your area
- Get in touch with musicians who may fit well with your music
- And you’ll soon have a new team member for your dream band or musical project!
Not every collaboration will be successful, and it can take musicians a long time to figure out how to become a team player. However, using our tips on effective collaboration, you should have the basics of working productively and constructively with other musos on your art. Good luck!
