EPK for classical musicians: what to include
An electronic press kit, or EPK, is the set of materials a presenter, journalist or programme editor needs to work with an artist: biography, photos, recordings, repertoire and contacts. In pop music, EPKs are often a single promotional page. In classical music, the EPK is also a working tool: programme editors copy the biography, press offices download the photos, and casting staff check the role list. Booking platforms treat it as a core feature; Overture, for example, offers public and private media pages with bios, images and technical details. This guide lists what a classical EPK should contain.
The contents of a classical EPK
| Item | Details | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Short biography | Around 100 words | Text, downloadable |
| Long biography | Around 300 to 500 words | Text, downloadable |
| Photos | Several recent, high-resolution, credited, portrait and landscape | Image download |
| Audio and video | Recent recordings, labelled with work, role, conductor, venue and year | Links |
| Repertoire or role list | Current and in preparation | Text or PDF |
| Selected press | Short quotes with publication and date | Text |
| Upcoming performances | Dates, venues, roles or works | Text or link to calendar |
| Discography | Recordings with label and year | Text |
| Contact | Management by territory | Text |
Biographies that programme editors can use
Write the short biography so it can be used as is. Lead with the most current and relevant activity, not early training. Date every version, and replace it each season. Avoid lists of every engagement; select.
Photos
Provide several recent photos in different orientations and moods, with the photographer's credit and usage terms. Many programme designers need both portrait and landscape.
Recordings
Label recordings clearly: work, role or movement, conductor, orchestra or company, venue and year. Presenters want to hear the voice or instrument in repertoire close to what they plan.
Repertoire
For singers, separate roles performed from roles prepared. For instrumentalists, list concertos and recital programmes. Keep it current; an old repertoire list is a common reason for mismatched inquiries.
Press quotes
Use short quotes from reviews with the publication and date, and link to the source where possible. Do not edit quotes in ways that change their meaning.
Public and private versions
A public EPK on the artist's website suits most needs. A private version, shared by link, can hold unreleased recordings or materials for a specific production.
Keep the EPK in one place
The EPK, the artist website and the materials you attach to pitches should all come from the same source. When biographies and photos are stored on the artist's record in your CRM, every pitch and website update uses the current version. ArtistHub keeps artist materials with the roster and can publish public artist websites (what bookers look for).
Using the EPK
- Link it in every pitch (pitching guide).
- Link it in roster mailings (email campaigns).
- Send it automatically to presenters after a contract is signed, so programme and press teams have what they need.
Who uses the EPK, and what each needs
| User | What they look for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Casting director or planner | Recordings in relevant repertoire, role or repertoire list | Put the most relevant recording first |
| Programme editor | Biography of a specified length, photo | Offer clear short and long versions |
| Press office | Photos, press quotes, current news | Include credits and usage terms |
| Journalist | Background and story | A short paragraph on current projects |
| Conductor or director | Recordings and recent roles | Link to full performances if available |
Thinking about each user helps you decide what to put first and what to leave out.
Common mistakes
- Biographies that are several seasons out of date or contradict the website.
- Recordings without labels, so the listener cannot tell what they are hearing.
- Photos that are too small for print, or without credits.
- Press quotes without a source or date.
- Several versions of the EPK circulating, each slightly different.
- Large attachments instead of a link.
A season-start EPK routine
- Rewrite the short and long biographies with the coming season's highlights.
- Replace any photo that no longer looks like the artist.
- Add the best new recording and remove weaker or older ones.
- Update the repertoire or role list with roles performed last season and roles in preparation.
- Refresh press quotes with recent reviews, keeping sources and dates.
- Check every link works.
- Tell presenters with upcoming engagements that new materials are available.
Sending the EPK after a contract is signed
Once a presenter confirms an engagement, their programme and press teams will ask for materials, usually close to the deadline. Sending the EPK link proactively with the signed contract saves everyone time and makes sure the current biography is used. This is a good candidate for a reminder or task tied to the contract (automations).
Rights and permissions
Make sure the artist and agency have the right to share each photo and recording, and state any restrictions, such as photographer credit or no commercial use. Recordings from productions may be subject to the presenter's or unions' rules; check before posting full performances publicly.
FAQ
What is an EPK for a classical musician?
A set of current materials, usually online: biographies, photos, recordings, repertoire, press, calendar and contacts.
How often should an EPK be updated?
At least every season, and whenever there is a significant debut, recording or change in repertoire.
Run your roster in ArtistHub
ArtistHub is a CRM built for classical and opera artist management: castings, contracts, the season calendar, logistics, invoices and the opera database in one place.