Structuring Your Ensemble’s Future (Strategy & Communication Workshop)

After two sessions focused on interpersonal communication and conflict resolution, this third workshop led by Marion Lesaffre (coach at Préludes) tackled the often-overlooked but essential topic of internal organisation and strategic planning in early music ensembles.

2025.06.30

Why Strategy Isn’t Just for Corporations

“Strategy might sound like a big word, but it’s just about knowing where you are going and how.” Marion Lesaffre invited the ensembles to reflect on their long-term direction: not just artistically, but practically – concert planning, team roles, funding, visibility.

Having a strategy means:

  • Clarifying shared goals (beyond just “getting more concerts”),

  • Coordinating efforts across busy schedules and diverse locations,

  • Making informed decisions about which projects to pursue—and which to let go.

“You’re not just communicating artistically—you need to talk about where you’re going, together.” – Marion Lesaffre

 

Tools to Help You Get There

Marion introduced the concept of the “strategic lighthouse”—a metaphorical image where:

  • Your mission is the long-term aspiration (10 years ahead),

  • Your vision is the artistic purpose and core activity,

  • Your strategy translates that into SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

💡 Example:

Instead of saying ‘We want more concerts’, say ‘We want to book five concerts in France within the next 12 months’.

Organisation Begins with Roles

In small ensembles, everyone wears multiple hats. That’s why defining who does what is crucial, whether it’s finances, communication, production, or grant research.

“You’re all doing a lot: teaching, other ensembles, different jobs. Strategy helps you prioritise and focus your energy.” Marion Lesaffre

Marion stressed that organisation also includes external support: knowing when you can afford to hire an administrator, a communication manager, or a booking agent. But this requires another often-dreaded topic…

Financial Sustainability

It’s hard to apply for grants in your first year, but it’s never too early to start planning. She detailed how to structure your budget per project, identify appropriate grants, and apply strategically (knowing deadlines, reading eligibility carefully, tailoring your applications).

She broke down funding sources into:

  • Your own revenue (concerts, residencies, recordings),

  • Public grants (local, regional, national),

  • Private funding (sponsorships, crowdfunding),

  • Partnerships (e.g., with cultural institutions, educational programs, or health and social sectors).

“Start with what’s achievable. It’s not about playing at the Philharmonie your first year—it’s about building towards it, one step at a time.”

Building a Presence and a Network

Having a strong online presence is no longer optional… Presenters want videos, they need them to promote your concert! Marion emphasized the need for:

  • A professional website with up-to-date videos and repertoire.

  • Social media activity (especially Instagram and LinkedIn).

  • A mailing list or newsletter to stay in your audience’s mind.

Reminder: networking isn’t just about asking for gigs, it’s about sharing your artistic journey, learning from others, and being visible.

Strategy Is Shared!

Throughout the session, it became clear that strategy is a creative, collective, evolving process. It aligns your musical purpose with your organisational decisions. This workshop offered early music ensembles a refreshing, honest look at what it takes to grow not just as artists, but as collectives.