9 Tips for Success as an Endorsing Artist

June 26, 2015

by John Wittmann, Manager of Artist Relations and Education, Band & Orchestral Division, Yamaha Corporation of America

Musicians performing at all levels consider acquiring endorsements at some point in their career. Some play with the idea; others move on it. Ultimately, it is the reasoning or motive behind one’s actions that determines success as an endorsing artist.

From the manufacturer’s point of view, endorsements are designed to help promote the credibility of a company’s instruments or accessories. They also exist to give the appropriate support to established artists and to help the company sell more instruments.

Ask Why

When someone tells me they want to endorse our instruments, I listen without interrupting until they are completely finished with their pitch. Then, after a long pause, I look them in the eye and say one word, which is one of the most empowering words in our language. I simply say “Why?”

The artist’s response will ensure or quell any interest on my behalf. If they continue talking about how good they are, or how close they are to signing that big record deal, or how we would be crazy not to sign them, then I invite them to send a package and end the conversation as quickly and politely as possible.

If, on the other hand, the artist tells me that they love our instruments, have found complete freedom in musical expression playing them, and indicate that they will continue playing them whether we sign that artist or not, I continue to listen.

Be Professional

It still amazes me to this day that musicians will apply to several manufactures at the same time. Consider the lack of credibility involved here. What does this say about their musical decisions? What they are really saying is that it doesn’t matter, musically, what instrument they play and that they are just looking to find the company which will give them more.

I know I speak for all musical instrument manufacturers when I say “get a clue.” If you want to be taken seriously in the big leagues, act like a professional, make a musical decision, and stay with it. If you want to be considered for a corporate, musical, and personal relationship through an endorsement, consider the following:

9 Tips for Success as an Endorsing Artist

1. Cast a clear vision for yourself: know who you are; determine your own sound; devote yourself to music … the songs, the group, the sound, your students, and your career. When you are making a living playing music and have something to offer others, then move on to number two.
2. Ask yourself why. Why are you asking for an endorsement? What are you willing to offer? What do you bring to the table that would matter? What attributes do you have as a person and an artist that would make you invaluable to a company?
3. Do you have an established career in music? This is a yes or no question. Be realistic, as this is the real world. Some guidelines: How many thousands or tens-of-thousands of recordings were sold last year with your name listed as the main artist? Are you currently on a major tour? How long have you been in your current band or symphony? Of what college or university are you a faculty member? If you are still in college, stay focused on your music and forget about endorsements.
4. In order to merit clinic support, you must be a great clinician. A great player is not necessarily a great teacher or clinician. This is an important point. Before you ask for clinic support, have 100 clinics under your belt and make sure that belt is a black belt in the art of teaching. It is important to the manufacturers that someone who calls themselves a clinician is indeed artful and effective at this work.
5. Make yourself an expert on the company that manufactures the instrument you play. You should know its history, philosophy, current artist roster, and position in the market. If you want to be an endorsing representative of a company, you simply must know and respect who you would be representing before you approach them. Study the company’s website and determine how it represents its artists. Do you fit in with its roster?
6. Establish rapport. Introduce yourself at trade shows to the company’s staff without presenting a package or even mentioning the word endorsement. We assume, if you are talking to us, that you can play. Remember, many of the people working for instrument manufactures are fine musicians. Many of them would surprise you if you ever heard them play. In the endorsement context, you need to present yourself as a business person. We want to know what it would be like to work with you.
7. Prepare a well-crafted promotional package. Your package should include a short letter, a biography, a recording, a photo, and the URL to your website. Take time and have fun crafting this package; it is your first impression. Do some background work and be sure you’re sending it to the correct person–get the correct spelling of his or her name, as well as that person’s correct title.
8. Don’t expect free instruments or to be paid money in return for playing a company’s instrument. Artist discounts will be discussed after your package has generated interest. Companies expect endorsing artists to play their instruments exclusively; to mention their companies at educational events; to thank the company for their support; and, when possible, to include the company’s name on recording materials. Individual companies may have other expectations beyond these, which will be discussed if they are interested.
9. Keep focused on the music while paying attention to your sound and to your business skills. Music manufactures are, above all, interested in being represented by good, professional musicians who truly love the tools of their trade.

An endorsement relationship with a company is a privilege. It is a truly reciprocal relationship which is based on trust and great communication. Endorsements do not exist to propel anyone’s career. Rather your successful career will propel endorsements.