How to Publicize a Recital

A well-organized recital or concert will benefit the community in multiple ways. Students become part of the cultural life. Nearby merchants can benefit from the increased activity surrounding an afternoon or early evening event.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Printers
• Printer Paper
• Computers
• Black-and-white Film
• Cameras
• Digital Cameras
• Art And Graphics Software
• Publishing Softwares

1. Write a one-page news release describing the recital, the musicians, the musical program and the time, date and place. Include the phone number of a contact person for additional information.
2. Obtain portrait-sized, black-and-white photographs of your musicians, or schedule a photo session. Get several different poses.
3. Arrange to have posters or flyers drawn, composed on a computer or printed.
4. Distribute your news release and photos to local newspapers, radio stations and television stations at least two weeks before the event. Take them to editors and news directors in person.
5. Ask local music directors and teachers to announce your recital at their meetings, rehearsals and classes, and in their newsletters.
6. Post your release on your organization's Web site, if you have one.
7. Send reminders by postcard, e-mail or telephone a week before the event.
8. Go directly to local stores and ask permission to post your flyers in store windows a week or two before the event.
9. Give flyers to interested parties to post on bulletin boards at work and at clubs.

Tips & Warnings

• Limit your press release to one clearly written page. Make it easy for the editor or news director to use it.
• Let the editor know that you and the musicians are available for an interview for a longer feature.
• Newspapers and magazines often prefer photographs over straight news articles. Print relevant information on the backs of photos. Include this data when delivering digital photos.
• Vary the photographs submitted to the various news agencies so that each paper can have an "exclusive."
• Pay for ads when your budget allows.