7 Tips for Diversifying your Recital Program
As a musician, your recital program is a reflection of your artistry and values. Diversifying your repertoire can showcase your range, connect with broader audiences, and bring fresh perspectives to the stage. Here are seven actionable tips to create a recital program that truly stands out while supporting a more inclusive and vibrant music ecosystem.
1. Explore Underrepresented Composers
Seek works by composers from diverse backgrounds, including those from different genders, ethnicities, and cultures. By showcasing these voices, you’re not only enriching your recital but also contributing to a more inclusive music world.
Tip: Check out New Works Project’s consortium opportunities to access music by emerging and underrepresented composers tailored for your instrument.
2. Pair Classics with Contemporary Works
Balance well-known pieces with contemporary music to bridge the old and the new. This combination offers audiences the comfort of the familiar while introducing them to innovative sounds and ideas.
New Works Project Advantage: Our Core Series includes new works for 17 instruments, providing diverse programming options for recitals.
3. Commission a New Work
There’s nothing more unique than premiering a piece written specifically for you. Commissioning a new work allows you to collaborate with a composer and leave a lasting legacy in the repertoire.
How to Get Started: Join a consortium with New Works Project! It’s an accessible way to share the commissioning process with other performers while supporting composers.
4. Research Global Repertoire
Expand your recital’s horizons by exploring music from different countries and traditions. This can bring a refreshing, cross-cultural dimension to your performance repertoire.
Resource: The New Works Project Professional Development Series offers workshops and panels to help musicians discover and perform global
5. Showcase Music That Tells a Story
Programs centered around themes or narratives can captivate your audience. For example, consider works that reflect cultural stories, historical events, or contemporary issues.
Example: Many New Works Project pieces are designed to tell stories, making them perfect for thematic programming.
6. Collaborate with Other Performers
Partnering with musicians from different backgrounds or disciplines can add a dynamic layer to your recital. Explore duos, trios, or interdisciplinary performances that combine music with other art forms.
Opportunity: Through New Works Project’s Collaborative Consortiums, you can connect with top chamber ensembles to bring unique collaborative ideas to life.
7. Don’t Forget Audience Engagement
Incorporate programming notes, pre-concert talks, or multimedia elements to help your audience connect with the pieces and their significance.
Pro Tip: Use resources from New Works Project, like our behind-the-scenes updates, to share stories about the composers and pieces you’re performing.
Your Partner in Musical Growth: New Works Project
At New Works Project, we’re passionate about helping musicians like you broaden their artistic horizons. From access to diverse and innovative music to professional development opportunities, we’re here to support your journey.
Join Us Today
Whether you're ready to participate in a consortium, explore our professional development resources, or earn discounts through our Performance Points Program, New Works Project is your hub for building a more diverse and inclusive recital program.
Visit us at newworksproject.org to get started!
Diversifying your recital program isn’t just about variety—it’s about creating a meaningful, inclusive, and engaging experience for you and your audience. By embracing these tips and leveraging the resources offered by New Works Project, you can make a lasting impact on your musical community.