Building My Music Industry Network – Networking for Artists and Introverts.

I am currently attending a Marketing Seminar Series that pushed me to do more than just think about networking, it got me to actually do it. As someone focused on building a music career and expanding the Women’s Music Alliance, I knew that connecting with the right people was going to be essential.

Networking isn’t just about collecting names, it’s about building trust, finding community, and creating long-term relationships. That’s what I focused on this term, and it’s already paying off in meaningful ways.

What I Learned From the Seminar

One of the biggest takeaways from the seminar series was how varied career paths can be and how important it is to ask questions, follow up, and stay curious. I was especially inspired by guest speakers who shared candid stories about how they got their foot in the door or pivoted into roles they hadn’t originally imagined. It reminded me that there’s no one “right” path, especially in creative industries like music and media.

The most valuable thing I learned? Don’t be afraid to reach out! But be clear about your goals. When I messaged people on LinkedIn, I made sure to introduce myself with purpose. That made a huge difference in the kinds of responses I received.

How I Built My Network

Because I’m pursuing the entrepreneur route instead of a co-op, I was intentional about building a network that could support both my music career and my work as the founder of the Women’s Music Alliance.

Here are a few of the standout connections I made:

• Patrick McCormack (Canada Arts Council): Patrick and I connected over our shared passion for artist development. He’s launched music companies of his own and has offered to mentor me—something I’m incredibly grateful for.
• Jason Blume (Independent Songwriter): We connected on LinkedIn and are planning a future songwriting session.
• Keita Juna (Music Supervisor, Nelvana), Chris Murray (Nyce Sound Productions), and Ivan Evidante(Universal Music): Each offered to reconnect once my official project is launched—proof that timing and follow-up matter.
• Melanie De Guzman (Lean In Canada): Her advice on digital networking helped me sharpen my communication style on platforms like LinkedIn.
• Edward Dimitri Lim (Lim Creative Studios): We discussed a possible skills exchange to support each other’s projects.

In total, I connected with over 10 professionals across different areas of the industry, from songwriting and production to A&R and funding. Almost all of these connections happened via LinkedIn, with carefully crafted messages that explained who I was, what I’m building, and why I was reaching out.

Events, Groups & Resources

In addition to one-on-one outreach, I also made time to join relevant online groups and follow industry organizations. Some of the tools and communities that supported me include:

• Lean In Canada: A great resource for networking, especially for women in leadership.
• LinkedIn Groups for musicians, music entrepreneurs, and Canadian creatives.
• SOCAN and Canada Council for the Arts: Both helped me understand funding options and professional development tools.

Following Up & Staying Connected

I’ve created a system to stay in touch with my network and calendar reminders to check in with key contacts around major milestones.

I’ve also committed to sharing my progress regularly on LinkedIn and through my email newsletter. These small updates help keep people engaged and aware of how things are evolving and they often lead to new conversations or opportunities.

Best Networking Tips I Picked Up

Networking isn’t about schmoozing or pitching. It’s about connection. Here’s what’s worked for me:

• Be specific. Don’t just say “let’s connect”, explain why.
• Offer value. Even if it’s just sharing a thank-you or a resource, make it reciprocal.
• Follow up. People are busy. A gentle nudge (at the right time) makes all the difference.
• Be authentic. Don’t try to impress. Just be real about who you are and what you care about.

Final Thoughts

I went into this semester hoping to grow my network. What I ended up with was much more than names in my contact list, I now have mentors, collaborators, and future champions of my work.

As I move forward with building the Women’s Music Alliance, I’m excited to keep growing these relationships and paying it forward to others in the creative community.

If you’re trying to build your own network, remember: you don’t need to know everyone, you just need to start the conversation.