Getting Sponsors (?)

[m1469]

I am going to be doing some recording for vocal auditions in the somewhat near future, and I have had a retired couple that I know offer to and proceed with sponsoring me in a vocal class in the past.  They have strongly encouraged my musical path (especially voice related) and have made big strides to get me to pursue my studies and take opportunities to help my career.

Anyway, I have these future recordings coming up (not planned yet) and I have been considering the idea of asking these same people who had sponsored my class before, to sponsor me in this recording.  But, I have never done this kind of thing before (asked people for money) and I am wondering a couple of things along these lines.

First of all, do you think it would be rude of me to ask them ?   I think they want to put their money in places that they feel is meaningful and productive.

Does anybody have any other thoughts along these lines ?  How I might ask.. etc..


Thanks in advance,

m1469

[pianistimo]

i once seriously considered writing a letter to mr. trump explaining that i was already accepted into WCU and had a couple of years under my belt - and could he just consider paying the rest of my school tuition.  i would, in return, play gigs at his hotels.  *hope he sees this someday - i've had to withdraw temporarily due to broken leg.  but, i want to go back and finish as my leg is much better now.

mayla, you seem like you could get away with anything.  you're nice and polite.  and probably would give them something in return (ie cd and promise for some lessons or something - if they want).  if you put your wishes in a letter - then they can read and throw or read and consider.  whatever their financial needs and whims.  older people probably don't like to be asked point blank - since it might put pressure on them.

also, if you just keep them informed of your progress - they might take the initiative to say something about it.

i'm with you...loans are terrible these days.  the only way around it is to work hard and try to get ahead on your own.  doing a multitude of different things (not laying all eggs in one basket) seems a way to keep ahead on finances.  and, taking chances - as you are doing.

maybe a trip to las vegas is in order.  (we could go to new jersey, too, and try our luck at craps).  once we earn our money - we trade in foreign currency.  look up dazzer - and find out the best network marketing scheme.  in our spare time - we go to parks, restaurants, museaums, docks, and use our treasure finder to locate as much gold as we can.  www.treasurenow.com/html/PPL.html

[pianistimo]

mayla, i thought of something else we both might be good at.  we could be the modern day version of the travelling salesladies. selling anything we deem at the appropriate price. 

we might find something pianists would like.  magnets to hold music in place, etc. etc. of course, we don't want to soley target musicians since they are poor.  maybe we'll come up with a miracle cure for alzheimer's.  my husband told me that people that work out don't get alzheimer's as fast (or at all).  we have to make a little workout trampoline to sell to people (on the fears of getting alzheimer's).

eureka!  i have it.  a power/nutrition bar that pianists take right before performance.  we will list all the things it will do for you and ingredients (ginko).  it will be a hit.  relaxes your nerves, makes you feel like you are anethsetized yet frees your fingers to play extrodinarily fast, helps you remember the music, and bonus item only one calorie.  digests well and speedily.  and, you can eat as many as you want before peformance (depending on how well you want to do). 

[thalbergmad]

How about a pianostool that doubles up as a commode.

Excellent for long recitals.

[pianistimo]

thalbergmad, only you would come up with an idea like that.  of course, it would be interesting to watch faces on performers...and might give them some kind of explaination for the red face, grimaces and all.

[Torp]

I certainly think it is well within the parameters of your relationship with these people to bring up the subject.

Have you had much contact with them since they sponsored you before?  What's the nature of your relationship now?  These are all factors that may affect how you want to approach them now.

I would disagree with Pianistimo in this case.  I think frankness and direct questioning will probably be your best bet.  You simply let them know what it is you're planning and ask if they have any continued interest (or ability) in sponsoring you.  Total low-pressure deal; you're just finding out the level of interest on their part.

Jef

[m1469]

Yes, I have seen them every week and have a somewhat familiar relationship with them.  They have thought of me when they have been getting rid of things they do not use anymore, like jackets, clothing, fine china, and other things.  So, I mean they are generally very generous and thoughtful on my behalf (as well as in general).

At one point in time, it looked like I was going to have a manager for my vocal undertakings, which did not actually happen.  But, when it looked like it was going to happen, I updated the man (of this couple; the main instigator in my studies) of what was happening and I believe he was about to offer help with any financial things that might come up.  But then he caught himself and said the manager needed to take care of some things.  I could be wrong, but it seemed that way.

Anyway, it would not be strange for me to give them an update of what is happening for me, and perhaps they will offer, but I do appreciate your line of thinking regarding being upfront with them.   He has wanted for me to write down what my goals are and what it will take to get there.  He has shown me an example of his idea of what that format might look like.  So, perhaps this would be a perfect time to do this, write it all out, and show it to him, then find out if he (they) have any interest in continuing to support me.


m1469

[Torp]

Your last three sentences are absolutely your best approach.

Given the contact you've had and his structured interest in your progress I'll reiterate my thinking that a direct approach will be your best methodology.

Good luck,

Jef

[m1469]

Thanks for the help, people.  I am having some good inspiration with this project and I think things will be progressing along.  We'll see what happens.


m1469