The Booking Blueprint
You're an outstanding musician with a clear artistic vision. But how do you actually get more concerts?
Should you email a concert programmer? Call them? And how do you make your proposal stand out?
To answer these questions, I interviewed concert programmers and artistic directors from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals, including TivoliVredenburg, Noorderkerkconcerten, Bachfestival Dordrecht and Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam.
In this masterclass series, they share what really influences their decisions—and how you can use those insights to create more opportunities and book more concerts.
The Booking Blueprint
You're an outstanding musician with a clear artistic vision. But how do you actually get more concerts?
Should you email a concert programmer? Call them? And how do you make your proposal stand out?
To answer these questions, I interviewed concert programmers and artistic directors from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals, including TivoliVredenburg, Noorderkerkconcerten and Bachfestival Dordrecht.
In this masterclass series, they share what really influences their decisions—and how you can use those insights to create more opportunities and book more concerts.
Already trusted by 40+ classical musicians
"I sent my first tailored email to a concert programmer and got a reply straight away! This course has given me a whole new sense of confidence."
"Incredibly insightful. The perspective you've chosen makes this course so valuable."
"What a fantastic course! I've already learned so much, especially about the importance of building a loyal audience."
What you'll learn
- How concert programmers make their decisions
- Whether cold emailing still works—and how to do it effectively
- Why visibility and positioning matter
- When timing matters—and when it doesn't
- Why building your own audience matters
What you'll learn
- How concert programmers make their decisions
- Whether cold emailing still works—and how to do it effectively
- Why visibility and positioning matter
- When timing matters—and when it doesn't
- Why building your own audience matters
Including:
✔ Four exclusive on-demand masterclasses featuring concert programmers from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals
✔ Practical tips, actionable advice and proven strategies you can apply right away
✔ A unique behind-the-scenes look at how concert programmers think and make their decisions
✔ BONUS: A live online Q&A and coaching session with me and fellow musicians—plus lifetime access to the replay
Including:
✔ Four exclusive on-demand masterclasses featuring concert programmers from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals
✔ Practical tips, actionable advice and proven strategies you can apply right away
✔ A unique behind-the-scenes look at how concert programmers think and make their decisions
✔ BONUS: A live online Q&A and coaching session with me and fellow musicians—plus lifetime access to the replay
“The woman behind the Dutch Piccolo Project.”
“Kolthof coaches artists towards a sustainable career.”
“Kolthof draws attention to the financial position of professional musicians.”
“From flautist to a leading voice in the cultural sector.”
“Kolthof coaches artists towards a sustainable career.”
“Kolthof draws attention to the financial position of professional musicians.”
Hi, I'm Ilonka
As a former classical flautist, I know from personal experience how challenging it can be to create your own performance opportunities. Conservatories teach you how to become a great musician, but they rarely teach you how to build a sustainable concert career.
That's why I interviewed concert programmers and artistic directors from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals—to share honest, practical insights with musicians who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The Booking Blueprint is the result of those conversations, combined with my own experience as a professional musician and my expertise in marketing and communications.
Hi, I'm Ilonka
As a former classical flautist, I know from personal experience how challenging it can be to create your own performance opportunities. Conservatories teach you how to become a great musician, but they rarely teach you how to build a sustainable concert career.
That's why I interviewed concert programmers and artistic directors from leading Dutch concert halls and festivals—to share honest, practical insights with musicians who are ready to take the next step in their careers.
The Booking Blueprint is the result of those conversations, combined with my own experience as a professional musician and my expertise in marketing and communications.
FAQ
When can I join the course?
Enrollment is open now! You'll receive access to the course platform from July 27 and can complete the masterclasses at your own pace.
Who is this course for?
This course is for classical musicians who want to perform more, create their own opportunities, and take ownership of their concert career.
How and where do I access the course?
You'll receive access to a secure online learning platform (Huddle), where you can follow the masterclasses whenever and wherever it suits you.
How much time does the course take?
The masterclass series takes approximately three hours, including the live Q&A and coaching session. All masterclasses are available on demand.
I'm still studying-or have recently graduated. Is this course for me?
Absolutely. The course offers practical insights and strategies that are rarely taught at conservatory, helping you build a strong foundation for your concert career.
Is this course suitable for experienced musicians?
Yes! Hearing directly from concert programmers offers valuable insights, whether you're just starting out or already have years of professional experience.
FAQ
When can I join the course?
Enrollment is open now! You'll receive access to the course platform from July 27 and can complete the masterclasses at your own pace.
Who is this course for?
This course is for classical musicians who want to perform more, create their own opportunities, and take ownership of their concert career.
How and where do I access the course?
You'll receive access to a secure online learning platform (Huddle), where you can follow the masterclasses whenever and wherever it suits you.
How much time does the course take?
The masterclass series takes approximately three hours, including the live Q&A and coaching session. All masterclasses are available on demand.
I'm still studying-or have recently graduated. Is this course for me?
Absolutely. The course offers practical insights and strategies that are rarely taught at conservatory, helping you build a strong foundation for your concert career.
Is this course suitable for experienced musicians?
Yes! Hearing directly from concert programmers offers valuable insights, whether you're just starting out or already have years of professional experience.