Every musician dreams of finding a space where they can create freely, explore new ideas, and refine their craft. For many emerging artists, an artist residency is a golden opportunity to do just that. But what exactly is an artist residency, and how can it propel your music career forward?
What is an artist residency?
In the world of music, residencies come in different shapes and sizes. They can be your gateway to not just creative growth, but to much-needed exposure and professional development. Whether you’re hearing about it now for the first time or have seen your favorite bands post about them on social media, artist residencies are much more than a buzzword—they’re a chance for you to dive deep into your music, build connections, and even perform on a consistent basis.
What are the different types of artist residencies?
Before we get into the details, it’s important to know that not all residencies are the same. There are two main types of residencies that are relevant to musicians: concert residencies and artist residencies.
Concert residencies
You’ve probably seen these types of residencies when big-name artists like Adele, Britney Spears, Beyonce, or Elton John play a series of concerts in the same venue over a stretch of time. These residencies are high-profile and often associated with places like Las Vegas, where major artists lock in to perform in the same venue night after night or week after week. While concert residencies are a hallmark of successful, mainstream artists, they can also exist in smaller venues or festivals, offering emerging musicians a chance to regularly play in front of live audiences.
Artist residencies
These types of residencies are more immersive and tend to focus on the creation process rather than just performance. Artist residencies are opportunities where you, as a musician, are given time, space, and sometimes even funding to create new work. You might be hosted at a cultural center, in a studio, or even in a remote retreat, where the primary goal is to focus on your art and expand your skills. These residencies are not necessarily about selling tickets or building fanbases directly, but about honing your craft, experimenting with your sound, and collaborating with other artists.
The benefits of artist residencies
Residencies, especially artist residencies, are often where the magic happens for musicians looking to take the next step in their careers. Imagine being given a room filled with instruments, recording equipment, and no distractions for weeks. Or, picture an inspiring environment like the mountains or the ocean, sparking creativity in ways your bedroom studio never could. That’s what an artist residency offers: space and time to explore your music deeply, without worrying about budgets and timelines and other pressing matters. Below are just some of the key benefits that an artist residency can offer an aspiring musician:
- A chance to focus and ignite creativity without the distractions of daily life
- Collaboration opportunities, as residencies are a great way to mingle and interact with other musicians, and work together
- Access to mentorship opportunities
- Opportunities to build a fanbase, as many residencies culminate in artist showcases or performances, where industry professionals can discover your work
How to land a residency
So, how do you go from dreaming about a residency to actually landing one? The process might seem intimidating, but there are some tried-and-true steps that can help get you there.
Research
Not all residencies are created equal, and finding the right fit for your goals is key. Some residencies may focus on solo creation, while others emphasize collaboration. Some may have a strong performance component, while others are purely about writing and recording. Make sure you understand what each residency offers and see if it aligns with what you’re looking to achieve. You might be interested in different residencies if you’re a musician, a songwriter, or an aspiring producer or engineer.
Craft a strong application
Artist residencies are competitive, and your application is your chance to stand out. Be prepared to submit samples of your work, a personal statement about why the residency is important to you, and what you hope to accomplish during your time there. If the residency is aimed at collaboration, mention how you plan to work with other artists and talk about previous collabs. The key here is to be authentic and prove that you want this residency for all the right reasons.
Create a solid portfolio
Residency programs want to see that you’re serious about your craft and committed to a long-term career in the industry. A strong portfolio of past work, whether that’s recordings, videos, or live performances, can make all the difference. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should showcase your current artistic vision and direction.
Show persistence
We know that the music industry can be cut-throat, and unfortunately, not every application will lead to success. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up. Rejection is part of the process, and many artists have to apply multiple times to land their dream residency. Take feedback, keep refining your work, and continue applying to programs that excite you.
What to Expect from an artist residency
Let’s say you’ve landed the residency of your dreams, in which case, congratulations! Landing a residency is a huge accomplishment, but what happens next? Here’s a peek into what to expect once you’ve secured your spot.
Residencies vary widely in structure. Some may have you working within a strict schedule — think early morning sessions, workshops, and collaborative projects. Others might offer a more flexible approach, allowing you to work at your own pace. You’ll likely be living and working in close quarters with other artists, which can foster deep connections and collaborations, but it can also be a lesson in compromise and understanding different creative processes. Musicians tend to have a big ego, so this is a great opportunity to learn to compromise, give and take constructive criticism, and not take everything too personally.
The most important thing to remember is that a residency is about you and your growth as an artist. Whether it’s a time of self-reflection, collaboration, or creation, every residency will leave its mark on you in ways you might not expect.
Is a Residency Right for You?
Residencies are about more than just performing or being in the spotlight; they’re about growth, exploration, and connecting with your music in a deeper way. Whether you’re aiming to immerse yourself in a new creative environment or want the chance to perform regularly and hone your live chops, there’s likely a residency out there that can help you level up.
Many musicians have found their big break, or at the very least, a new artistic direction, through residencies. Canadian band Arcade Fire hosted an experimental residency at a remote church in Quebec, and this experience led to their iconic debut album Funeral. Esperanza Spalding used her residency at Harvard to explore new ways of blending jazz with visual art and technology, culminating in her acclaimed project 12 Little Spells.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to have the time, space, and resources to focus entirely on your music, it’s time to start exploring residencies. They’re one of the best-kept secrets in the music industry, but they don’t have to be a mystery to you anymore. Go ahead, take the plunge, and apply — you might just find the opportunity of a lifetime waiting for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do artists get paid for residencies?
Yes, artists can get paid for residencies, but it depends on the type of residency and the specific program. Some residencies offer stipends or salaries, covering living expenses, materials, and sometimes even travel costs. This financial support allows artists to focus entirely on their work without worrying about everyday expenses. However, not all residencies are paid; some may provide only space and resources, while others may offer non-monetary benefits like mentorship, networking opportunities, and public exposure.
Are artist residencies worth it?
An artist residency can absolutely be worth it, especially if you're looking for dedicated time and space to focus on your craft, explore new ideas, and connect with other creatives. While not all residencies offer financial compensation, the opportunity to work in a new environment, gain mentorship, and build a network can be invaluable for both personal and professional growth. Ultimately, it depends on your career goals and what you're hoping to get out of the experience, but many artists find residencies to be transformative stepping stones in their journey.
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