Sharing site ‘Groupmuse’ breathes new life into old art form

World Today

Sharing site 'Groupmuse' breathes new life into old art form

It’s never been easy to make it as a musician, especially in the world of classical music. There are limited jobs and in recent years, a number of American symphony orchestras have faced financial crisis.

But a twist on the sharing economy is helping artists play to new and more private audiences.

CCTV America’s  Mark Niu reports.

More than 2,000 performances like this have taken place in homes and small spaces across America, organized by the site Groupmuse.

Hosts of the event aren’t paid. Attendees are encouraged to donate to performers, at least $10 for a soloist, more for groups. A musician can make from one hundred to sometimes several hundred dollars a night.

Groupmuse makes money by charging a $3 fee when an audience member reserves a space at an event. The startup is also working with larger musical institutions to offer discounts on their events too – in hopes of fostering a love for classical music whether a performance is big or small.

Too stuffy and too pricey, classical music stereotypes that do not apply here.

The Groupmuse community believes an updated delivery method will inject an old art form with new life.


BONUS CLIP: Sam Bodkin, founder of GroupMuse, speaks on bringing classical fans and musicians together