Navigating the Journey:
Participating in the Process
Your work has been selected.
Now it’s time to participate!
Here is how to do it well.
Participation goes beyond simply writing and submitting your piece. It includes engaging with performers, presenters, audiences, and your fellow composers before, during, and after the performance. This is especially true for collaborative programs like Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame, where your music is part of a curated event designed to amplify new voices.
Here are suggestions on best practices to help you navigate participation effectively within Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame and beyond.
What Participation Means
Being selected is only one part of the process. When you participate fully, you are:
- -Showing appreciation to those who perform, present, and support your work
- -Making your music visible to new audiences
- -Supporting your peers and the larger music community
- -Building relationships with artists and curators
- -Creating a track record of professionalism that opens future opportunities
Even simple actions—like sending a thank-you message, attending an online premiere, or posting about a performance—can have a measurable impact.
Why Participation Matters
Engaged composers are remembered. Performers notice who shares events and responds with enthusiasm. Presenters remember who made their job easier by staying involved and professional. Audiences are more likely to follow composers who are present and active.
Participation helps your work reach farther. It builds trust, credibility, and momentum. Without it, even strong compositions can be overlooked or forgotten.
Take Action:
Best Practices for Participating in a Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame Performance
Here are clear, effective ways to participate in Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame and support your career:
- Thank the people involved – Send a brief note of appreciation to the performer, presenter, and anyone else who helped bring your piece to life. On social media, make sure to tag, connect, and follow these individuals and organizations. This encourages them to reciprocate and amplify your visibility by tagging you in return.
- Announce your selection – Post on social media about the opportunity. Let your network know you’ve been selected, tag Vox Novus, and mention the performer or event.
- Follow and engage – Follow the presenter (Vox Novus), the performer, and other composers in the set. Like, comment, and stay connected. This builds community and keeps you visible.
- Promote the event – Share posts and promotional materials. Invite your audience to attend or stream the performance.
- Attend the performance – If the event is streamed live, join the chat. If it’s in person, be there when possible. Either way, let your audience know you’ll be attending—advertise it to your network and encourage them to join or support.
- Share the results – After the performance, post a link, media clip, or reflection. Acknowledge others who made the experience happen.
- Stay gracious and professional – Be thoughtful in all communication. Avoid public criticism. Thank others for their time and artistry.
These actions take minutes—but they demonstrate that you’re not only a composer, but an active contributor to the creative community.
PARTICIPATION BUILDS YOUR CAREER
Participating fully leads to better relationships, repeat performances, and long-term opportunities. It also increases your chances of being invited to future collaborations, commissions, and festivals. More importantly, it reinforces the community that makes projects like this possible. Every time you participate, you’re reinforcing your place in the new music field—and helping build the infrastructure that supports us all.
People Are Watching.
Performers of Fifteen-Minutes-of-Fame follow the shows to get a feel for who they want to work with. They also gauge participation when considering which composers to commission for larger works.
Presenters are watching too. We've seen new opportunities created live, in the moment—presenters see the energy and commitment behind the project and want to bring it to their own series.
Audiences are watching. Your fans, friends, and family want to see you excited about your work being performed—they want to hear from you. And other fans, fellow composers, and new music enthusiasts are open and interested in discovering new work. Participation inspires them to be curious about yours.
Related Reading
If you’ve ever submitted and weren’t selected, be sure to read:
“Navigating the Journey: When Your Work Isn’t Selected”
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An article about staying active, visible, and professionally engaged even after rejection.
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