Formed over a decade ago in Melbourne  the Flinders Quartet have two subscription seasons in Melbourne and one in Sydney, as well as performing at festivals and other projects.

I’m interested in the business of a quartet as they have similarities and differences to other SMEs. I think we can learn from each other, if we learn more about how each other operate.

Podcast series explores the business of the Flinders Quartet.

In this podcast Zoe Knighton talks about the business of the Flinders Quartet – how they formed a group of advisors to assist them strategically, income generation, how they are growing their tribe.

Key insights

• The main pressure is time to rehearse, and develop as musicians and artists.
• It is easy to think that what your doing doesn’t matter and an advisory group is invaluable for changing that.
• Advisory groups provide different perspectives, even in off the cuff remarks.
• Growing the pie for everyone – is competition or industry wide growth more important?
• Sharing, educating and providing additional insights engage the audience more increasing their appreciation.
• Manage decisions through diplomacy when you have four owners. Key rule is that if one really doesn’t want to play a piece they don’t.

Listen to the podcast

Podcast length: 17:23 minutes

Listen to other podcasts in the series

• Introduction to the series of the business of a quartet
• Branding exercise – how would you describe the Flinders Quartet?
• Erica Kennedy (first violin) – exploring, uncovering and driving change in music
• Matthew Tomkins (violin) – juggling full time orchestral role and quartet
• Zoe Knighton (cello) – adding motherhood into the mix
• Helen Ireland (viola) – complementing interests & collaborations improving insights

Find out more about the Flinders Quartet: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Buy tickets to their concerts: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House | Montsalvat, Eltham Victoria | Iwaki Auditorium, Melbourne Recital Centre

There were so many communication themes that came through in this podcast. Do you communicate back to those that have given you ideas? It is an essential aspect to the feedback cycle. Find out more about giving your tribe a voice.