By Spencer Short, Texas A&M
As someone who lives in Atlanta, loves live music, and works in finance, I’ve learned something unexpected: concerts aren’t just for fun—they can actually help you grow your network, personally and professionally. Whether you’re catching a local band at a small venue or heading to a massive music festival, music events are great opportunities to connect with people, build relationships, and even open doors in your career.
More Than Just Music: Shared Experiences Create Strong Bonds
There’s something special about being in a crowd, singing along to your favorite song with hundreds or even thousands of people. That shared energy and excitement create instant connections. It’s a rare environment where people naturally let their guard down, and conversations flow more easily than they might in a boardroom or networking event.
I’ve met people at concerts who became friends, colleagues, and even mentors. Sometimes it starts with a simple question like, “Have you seen this band before?” or “What’s your favorite album?” That’s all it takes to break the ice. Unlike formal networking events, where everyone has an agenda, music brings people together around a common interest—making relationships feel more authentic from the start.
Music Events and Social Confidence
Going to concerts regularly helped me become more confident in social settings. At first, I’d only go with a close group of friends. But over time, I started talking to strangers, meeting friends of friends, and even going to events solo when I really wanted to see a specific artist.
That confidence has definitely carried over into my professional life. I work as a Digital VEA at Morgan Stanley in Alpharetta, Georgia, and part of my role involves speaking with clients and collaborating with team members. The ease I’ve developed through music events—striking up conversations, navigating crowds, and making quick connections—helps me every day at work.
Atlanta: A Perfect City for Music and Networking
One of the best parts about living in Atlanta is the music scene. There are concerts every week, from indie acts at Terminal West to major artists at State Farm Arena. Music festivals like Music Midtown and Shaky Knees attract thousands of people from all over the country. These events aren’t just entertainment—they’re full of people who work in all kinds of industries, from tech to finance to the arts.
I’ve met entrepreneurs, fellow finance professionals, and creatives while waiting in line for food or chatting in between sets. We didn’t connect over our resumes—we connected over our favorite songs. That made the conversations more relaxed and genuine, and those relationships have often lasted longer than ones formed in more formal environments.
Concerts Build Emotional Intelligence
Another underrated benefit of music events is how they help develop emotional intelligence. When you’re surrounded by people from all walks of life, sharing an emotional experience, you become more tuned in to others’ feelings and reactions. You start to notice how people respond to different situations—excitement, frustration, joy—and you learn how to engage with empathy.
In the business world, emotional intelligence is a huge asset. Whether you’re managing a team, working with clients, or just trying to collaborate effectively, being able to read the room and respond appropriately makes a big difference. Music helps you strengthen that skill in a natural, enjoyable way.
Music as a Mental Reset
Let’s not forget the most obvious benefit—concerts are fun. They give you a break from the daily grind, especially if you work in a high-pressure environment like finance. But beyond just being fun, they’re also great for your mental health. Music helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase creativity.
And when you’re in a better headspace, you’re more likely to perform well at work and build stronger relationships. I’ve often come back from a concert feeling recharged, inspired, and ready to tackle the next big project. Taking time for music isn’t a distraction from your career—it’s an investment in your well-being and productivity.
Tips for Turning Music Events into Networking Opportunities
If you’re interested in using music events as a way to expand your network, here are a few simple tips:
- Be approachable – A friendly smile or casual comment can go a long way in starting a conversation.
- Go with friends—but be open to meeting new people – It’s great to have a crew, but don’t be afraid to branch out.
- Follow up – If you have a good conversation with someone, connect on social media or LinkedIn after the event.
- Attend consistently – The more you show up at local venues or festivals, the more familiar faces you’ll see—and relationships will start to build naturally.
Final Thoughts
Live music is one of my favorite ways to unwind, but it’s also become a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. The people I’ve met, the confidence I’ve built, and the emotional awareness I’ve developed all stem from being part of the music scene.
If you’re a young professional like me, don’t underestimate the value of going to that next concert or festival. You might just walk away with more than great memories—you could walk away with meaningful connections that help shape your future.