Product Description
The Ninth Edition of the Music Business Handbook and Career Guide maintains the tradition of this classic text as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the music industry and includes: greater coverage of digital technology and new marketing and distribution channels; new business models including the independent musician, the evolving role of producers, and satellite and internet radio; expanded coverage or the international scene; and additional and updated information on careers, especially in context of a changing business environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

College student's use this company :)
The item I got for my music business course was in prime and mint condition it got here in less than a day...i didn't think I would have this book till the 27th of August....again thank you guys so much. I will definitely be ordering from you all again ... Read more

Product Description
The new Eighth Edition of the Music Business Handbook and Career Guide maintains the tradition of this classic text as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the $100 billion music industry. This new Eighth Edition expands on hot-button music business issues such as digital downloads, piracy, and record company transformations.  Thoroughly revised, the Eighth Edition shares a particular emphasis on online music and its impact on the rest of the industry. The Eighth Edition also includes complete coverage of all aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, publishing, licensing, artist management, promotion, retailing, media, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Product and transaction from seller perfect.
I found just what I wanted when I searched for this book. The seller was the best and I rec'd the book in just a couple of days. Here is an $80.00 book that I bought here at Amazon used for $15.00. The condition is indeed "like new".
OK... the book itself...
Updated almost every year, this book lays it out in easy to read fashion what it takes to be successful in the music business if you are an artist. This book is required reading in select colleges that teach the business of music. It's just that simple. If you want to know about the music business, this is THE source for the most up to date information. Thank goodness this information has been laid out in an easy to understand book. It leaves out nothing and is indeed all inclusive.

The tale of two books
The book is fine.Delivered quickly.In the condition that was described.Actually, both books are fine.Somehow Amazon tricked me, and I ended up with two books.When I clicked to order the first one, I got a red message that said this product was no longer available, so I went to the next one and clicked it.Two hours later I realize I have two messages informing me that I am getting two books.I recalled something about a return policy, so I emailed the more expensive book to cancel the order.No response.And I waited a half a day to give that seller time to respond.So I emailed the second seller, and she was kind enough to respond.She is not a dealer of any kind, and was not it a position to take the book back.So, I have two books on music business and I am preparing to learn to use Amazon or possibly another service to clean out my bookshelf.I will order much more carefully from now on, and I am disapointed in the claim that it is possible to return books or cancel orders, but it didn't work out for me.

Needed
Great price online. Its pricey at my campus's store. A dull and lengthy read, but useful if your Music Business calls for it.

awesome guidebook in the music industry
very relevant and helpful for general information about the music industry

well laid out with a wide variety of topics

Amazing!
Very valuable resource for any Music Industry/Business Major. Its the Industry standard. Highly recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
The music industry has undergone radical changes in recent years, but abundant career opportunities still exist for beginners with talent, imagination, and a love of music. The record industry and its dealers have suffered recent setbacks, but most other aspects of the music business continue to flourishÂ--and this book tells beginners how and where to find rewarding jobs. Highly talented singers, song writers, and instrumentalists are always in demand, but many lesser known and rewarding career opportunities exist, with new avenues opening virtually every day. Among job opportunities described in this book are artistsÂ' agents and managers, talent agents, sound technicians, film and TV technicians, film and TV production managers, advertising illustrators and copywriters, publicists, and many others. The author tells beginners how to match their own qualifications with potential job openings, seek and find job interviews, and get into the music business. For each job designation, she lists the special skills needed, describes a typical workday, and presents actual case studies of men and women who have found music career openings, and have gone on to make the most of them. Sidebar features include at-a-glance career tips and Â"voices of experienceÂ" notes citing the best and worst things about each job. New in this edition is information on how todayÂ's new technologies have influenced careers and created opportunities in the music business. The bookÂ's several appendices include lists of names, addresses, and web sites of music unions, organizations, directories, magazines, and schools offering degrees in music business management. There is also a glossary of music business and technical terms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good revealing title
Do you feel that you belong into the music business and don't know which career you should choose or just want to know what is available out there? Well this guide will teach you more than you need to know about careers in the music business with advice for each career and help you decide what you want to be or what else you need for your business to run smoothly. A great book not only for people in the music business but also for the average person who wants to have an overlook upon this amazing world and how it works.

Invaluable...
I recommend this book to students all the time who want to turn their love for music into a career.It's well thought out and comprehensive, with great first-person anecdotes.A terrific way to focus on a path of turning a passion into a job.

Interesting content
I enjoyed this book.I was more focused on finding about careers more geared towards A&R and managing, but it also has careers involving songwriting, radio, and so on.Easy to read and a nice format.

I especially liked that each career had quotes from an industry professional telling their favorite and least favorite thing about their job. Very insightful. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a detailed guide to a range of career possibilities in the world of music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good book
Opportunities in the music business are few and far between and so a begginer might get lost in the multitude of scams anddead ends that litter the road to fortune. A guide is something that al novices need when stating such a demanding adventure and this book provides all the necessary information some needs to have a shot at success. You'll get all the inside information on emerging and collapsing companies, plus tips on how to get accepted into a mega corporation and an insiders guide to the first interview. So if you want something that will get you through even the toughest ofobstacles, this is the right title for you.

Great Resource!
Career Opportunities in the Music Industry is a great resource tool for those seriously interested in working in the music industry. Shelly Field breaks all of the occupations down very clearly. A really good source of information!

a must-have book!
This is perhaps the singular most important book for those who want a career in the music industry and love music but don't exactly know what they want to do yet.I've had my copy for years now and I can honestly sayit helped me find a place in the music industry and continues to generateinterest for me in new areas. I am constantly referring it to others. ..again, a must-have book! ... Read more

Product Description
The music industry is one of the most exciting, glamorous and fun places you could ever work in. It's also a fiercely competitive world, both for jobseekers and those already on the inside. But opportunities arise constantly, and are within the grasp of almost anyone with a true passion for music and a hard-working attitude. This book aims to help you take your first step into what will hopefully be a long and satisfying career in an endlessly fascinating world. Each chapter covers a field of work within the music industry - from record companies to recording studios to roadies - and is crammed with honest, realistic, practical and helpful advice. Insider secrets and individual case studies throw even more light on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Ranging from the design and construction of stadium and studio sound systems, to the design and manufacture of iPods, electronic instruments, gaming sound, MIDI programming, and much more, you will understand what you need to know to work in this industry and find a satisfying and rewarding job as a music engineer. This book presents possibilities you might not have expected. You will see what types of engineers stream live concerts on the Web and create your favorite music software. You'll also find out how to identify companies that will hire you as an engineer. From the software engineers who design ring tones, to the electrical engineers who work on new microphones and speakers, to the computer engineers who create new thrill ride or animatronic sounds, the sound industry has a place for many types of engineers. You will learn what it takes to design music applications and get advice from engineers about how to succeed in the industry. ... Read more

Product Description
Careers profiled: Arts Administrator; Booking Agent; Choir Director; Composer; Costume Designer; Dance Instructor; Dancer; Disc Jockey; Grips, Gaffes, and Lighting Technicians; Music Teacher; Music Therapist; Music Video Producer; Recording Executive; and Sound Engineer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice...but okay
This is a really good book. It shows different kinds of jobs and what the people do step through step. Although some of the websites don't work. You know that the author should make updated books.

Great book!
This is a really great book for kids and frankly it's better than most adult career guides in that it features a wider range of careers and interviews with people in each type of job.It's a great starting point for researching careers. ... Read more

Product Description
Are you interested in beginning a career in the music industry? Great! You probably already know that talent and determination aren't enough by themselves-- you need a comprehensive plan of action to follow so you can proactively make your career dreams a reality. And as you probably also know, in the 21st century, the old rules about breaking into the industry no longer apply -- the music business is changing rapidly, and you need the most current career information possible.Building a Successful 21st Century Music Career provides the plan of attack that professional and aspiring musicians, songwriters, producers, DJs, and managers need to make their dream of making music into a career come true. It looks at how to proactively develop a sustainable and rewarding music career within the realities dictated by the new 21st century marketplace, beginning with a look at the changes the music industry has faced in the last few years, which have broken the conventional 20th century music industry thinking -- iTunes, the collapse of the CD market, cheap home recording, and so on -- and the new opportunities that these changes have introduced. It then moves on to how to build and keep a fan base, and how to translate that into making money or getting a deal. Publicity, product development, finances, the benefits and drawbacks of signing a record deal, and much more are covered in detail. This book is the most thorough and up-to-date guide to starting and maintaining a music career-- a must for every musician's bookshelf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for artists who seriously want a clearer roadmap to a career in music!!!
I wasn't too sure on what to expect before I started reading this book.I have to admit that the title of the book was brilliant because it's actually all it took to persuade me to buy it.Luckily it worked out because I got a lot out of this book.My band is already starting to generate revenue because we've applied the knowledge from this book to our personal situation.I also have a clear idea of how to grow our business now.I'm sure a lot of you who are reading this review, are in a situation where you want to know how to make music your career or at least figure out if music is even a career you want to pursue.The great thing about this book is that it gives you a very clear perspective on both.The thing that I started noticing when I first started reading was how easy it was to understand.It was also very refreshing that Simon established right away a "No BS" way of presenting information.He also did something subtle that makes you respect his presentation.As an example, he gives you information that may have variances to them but he discloses that the information was accurate to his knowledge at the time of writing.The reason I mention this is that I've read information in the past through different authors st ... Read more

Product Description
The first edition of Beyond Talent quickly became a favorite among classical and jazz musicians, and has been used in courses at scores of conservatories and universities. This expanded second edition provides updated user-friendly advice, inspiring examples, and practical tools to advance a career in music. Packed with new tips and resources, Beyond Talent now covers everything from social networking tools, to commissioning, branding, and online fundraising, as well as tips on staying motivated, assessing one's strengths and weaknesses, and managing time, money, and stress.

Loaded with new sidebar profiles from entrepreneurial musicians, artist managers, and concert presenters, the new edition balances warmth and candor with straightforward advice on developing and sustaining a meaningful life in music. Beyond Talent is the ideal companion for students and professionals, emerging musicians and mid-career artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A MUST own for musicians
This is a FANTASTIC book.I require all my students to read it.It should be on the curriculum at every conservatory.

Full Steam Ahead
My wife and I have been performers for years, but now we're starting to work for ourselves.BEYOND TALENT has provided us with a lot of helpful information in areas we never even thought of.Thank you!

An excellent guidebook for a successful musical career
Angela Myles Beeching's book is a thoroughly excellent career guide for anyone who wants to be a professional musician. In music and in the movies, we're often more aware of the glamorous lives of the biggest stars than of the hard work it took them to get there. And we may know next to nothing about the career of the musician who plays in a small town symphony or the actor who performs at a local dinner theater.

For anyone who wants to know more about the many variations of musical careers, I highly recommend Angela Myles Beeching's book Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music.

I have never encountered a more thorough or realistic book on creating a musical career.Ms. Beeching covers everything, from how to get an agent to how to create your own performing opportunities to what to wear for an audition.Her advice includes tips on marketing, finances, fundraising, and time management.

My favorite aspect of the book, however, is its emphasis on a varied, even shifting, idea of success.Many of us establish career dreams early on, like playing in a major orchestra, singing at the Met, or making a professional recording; but everyone encounters rejection at some point.

Ms. Beeching cautions wisely that each musician must define - and constantly refine - his or her own vision of success.

Catherine K. Brown
http://www.findingmysingingvoice.com

Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music
Bought this book for my daughter who is just starting her college career as a Music Major.

Beyond Talent : Creating a Successful Career in Music
A music business book for the classical musician? Is that some sort of oxymoron? Imagine my amazement upon finding this absolute gem while browsing in the BYU bookstore's small music section. I've never seen a book with this focus before, and had no reason to hope for one. This book descended on me out of the blue, almost like a revelation.

In the "prelude" Ms. Beeching gives her "confessions" as a career counselor. First she expounds on the "truth about career paths" : there really is no such thing as a laid out path for any musician (classical or pop) that will lead them to enduring success. She then offers "five trade secrets" of her profession:

Look for the light in the eyes (what make you light up when talking?)
People often create their own obstacles
The first steps are most important
You already have the answers
People move ahead when they're good and ready, and not a moment sooner

This is essentially a book about being a self-starter and taking things into your own hands rather than waiting for "them" to discover you. The book gives numerous tools for doing so. It covers qualities you must develop to "make it" as a musician, networking skills, developing your image (letterhead, bios, photos, promo kits, etc.), expanding your impact with demos and CDs, using the internet to promote your career, booking performance like a pro, building your audience (the media, publicity and you), connecting with audiences through residencies and community programming, performing at your best, freelancing - managing yourself, raising money for music projects (yes, you too can fund-raise), and getting it all together.

I am currently re-reading the book as there is so much information it will take a while to digest it all and even more time to implement it. The good news is, there are things you can do to promote your classical career and be a success.

If there is one drawback to this book, it is that I wish it contained more specifics on one of my main specialities, composition. There is some info for composers and composers will find the book of immense value, but the book is definitely slanted toward performers. The thing that almost negates this drawback is that Ms. Beeching states several times the need for performers to work with composers, newer repertoire or find some other niche in order to distinguish themselves from the mass of people already performing the standard repertoire. Sound advice.

-----

M. Ryan Taylor is a composer vocalist working out of American Fork, Utah. h t t p : / / M R y a n T a y l o r . c o m ... Read more

Product Description
From 1922 until his death in 1954, Wilhelm Furtwangler was the foremost cultural music figure of the German-speaking world, conductor of both the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras.But a cloud still hangs over his reputation, despite his undeniable brilliance as a musician, because of a fatal and tragic decision.Wilhelm Furtwangler remained in Germany when thousands of intellectuals and artists fled after the Nazis seized power in 1933.His decision to stay behind earned him lasting condemnation as a Nazi collaborator--"The Devil's Music Master."Decades after his death, Furtwangler remains for many not only the greatest but also the most controversial musical personality of our time.

In The Devil's Music Master, Sam H. Shirakawa forges the first full-length and comprehensive biography of Furtwangler. He surveys Furtwangler's formative years as a difficult but brilliant prodigy, his rise to pre-eminence as Germany's leading conductor, and his development as a musician, composer, and thinker. Shirakawa also reviews the rich recorded legacy Furtwangler documented throughout his forty-year career--such as the legendary Tristan with Kirsten Flagstad and the famous performances of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in 1942 and 1951.

Equally important, Shirakawa goes backstage and behind the lines to explore how the Nazis seized control of the arts and how Furtwangler single-handedly tried to prevent evil characters as Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels and Luftwaffe Chief Hermann Goring from annihilating Germany's musical life.He shows how Furtwangler, far from being a toady to the Nazis, stood up openly against Hitler and Himmler--at enormous personal risk--to salvage the musical traditions of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.Shirakawa also presents moving and overwhelming evidence of Furtwangler's astonishing efforts to save the lives of Jews and other persecuted individuals trapped in Nazi Germany--only to be proscribed at the end of the war and nearly framed as a war criminal.

But there was more to Furtwangler than his politics, or even his music, and we come to know this extraordinary man as a reluctant composer, a prolific essayist and diary keeper, a loyal friend, a formidable enemy when crossed, and an incorrigible philanderer. Numerous musical luminaries share their memories of Furtwangler to round out this vivid portrait.

Based on dozens of interviews and research in numerous documents, letters, and diaries, many of them previously unpublished, The Devil's Music Master is an in-depth look at the life and times of a unique personality whose fatal flaw lay in his uncompromising belief that music and art must be kept apart from politics, a conviction that transformed him into a tragic figure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great reading for music lovers
This is a substancial research effort from the author, that sets the record straight on Furtwänglers case. The references are extensive, and many personal interviews are reproduced, such as with Elizabeth Schwartzkopf, and many others.

Although extensive and well documented, the book is an interesting reading for the non-scholar and those passionate about music and curious to learn about the turbulent life of arguably the greatest conductor of the 20th century.

The Kindle edition works well, without broken lines or other problems.

Good, but lots of flaws in the writing
Wilhelm Furtwangler is mostly served well in this biography by Sam Shirakawa, but the author has real problems with his prose. It's good thathe wants to make his book as accessable to the general public as possible,but too often it leads him to sentences which are unintentionallydeprecating and, well, trite. An example: "The unimpugned lootings ofJewish-owned property and businesses had already begun, and the move toexamine everybody's family tree for signs of Jewish blood became the deadlyTrivial Pursuit of the time." I don't think it's being oversensitiveto be offended by having Hitler's despicable racial policies compared to apopular board game from the 1980s, but quite apart from that, sentenceslike this one put things in simplistic ways more appropriate for a highschool term paper than for a scholarly work.

Nonetheless, Shirakawa hasdone a scrupulous job of examining Furtwangler's life and career. Theevidence he puts forward that Furtwangler was not a Nazi is well-documentedand compelling, even if there are remaining doubts (which there probablyalways will be). He also does a very credible job at detailing theconductor's work habits, his thoughts on his craft, his dalliances (whichwere considerable), his relations with other composers, conducters andmusicians, and his frequent battles of wills with the leaders of the ThirdReich. You may still feel no pity for Furtwangler's dilemmas at the end ofthe book, but it's not because the author hasn't been thorough in examininghis subject's life. I hope Shirakawa might consider a revision this book atsome later date; there's too much that's good about this book to let it beundermined by what's bad.

entertaining, informative and well balanced
This is an in-depth analysis of a musical genius, with all the warts showing. It is highly entertaining, informative and objective, with no ax to grind. Rather, an attempt to set a warped record straight as to F'salleged Nazi collaboration - quite the opposite being true.

Disappointing
For openers, who is the author. I've never heard of Sam H. Shirakawa and I would like to know what are his credentials for commenting on the music made by Furtwangler and his life.Any temptation to give the author thebenefit of any doubt, given the high reputation of publisher OxfordUniversity Press, is eradicated by the howler of an error on page 177. Inan aside, Shirakawa tells us that Theodore Roosevelt was FranklinRoosevelt's grandfather. I would have thought every schoolchild knows thatTeddy was the fifth (!!!) cousin of FDR. (How could the prestigiouspublisher let this error slip by??) After reading that, it is verydifficult to accept at face value what Shirakawa asks us to acceptregarding his scholarship and expertise. More generally, and a furthercriticism of the publisher, the book is too long and mmmuch too repetitive.All in all, a disappointing read about a genius music maker. ... Read more

Product Description
Live your dream of a life in music! If you dream about a career in the music industry, this book is for you. These practical strategies will help you to prepare for and land your dream job in the music business. Thousands of readers have used this book to educate and empower themselves and jumpstart successful music industry careers. You can, too! Contents include: the big picture on career opportunities in the music industry; details on booming job prospects in new media, including gaming and the Internet; strategies for networking; a resource directory of key publications, web sites, and trade organizations; workshops to help you assess and develop your own personalized career path; interviews with top pros who discuss how they got their starts, plus what skills today's leading job candidates must possess; step-by-step guidance for developing a first-rate resume and acing your interviews; and more! ... Read more

Product Description

The new Seventh Edition of the Music Business Handbook & Career Guide maintains the tradition of this classic text as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the $100 billion music industry. More than 100,000 students and professionals have turned to earlier editions of the Baskerville Handbook to understand the art, the profession, and business of music.

Thoroughly revised, the seventh edition includes complete coverage of all aspects of the music industry, including songwriting, publishing, copyright, licensing, artist management, promotion, retailing, media, and much more. There is a complete section on careers in music, including specific advice on getting started in the music business.

Generously illustrated with tables and photographs, the Guide also contains a complete appendix with sample copyright forms, writing and publishing agreements, directories of professional organizations, and a comprehensive glossary and index.

Customer Reviews (2)

music is a business
As hard as it is to put artist and business person in the same body, anyone who wants to succeed as a musician must at least try. This book is a comprehensive and practical resource to use. I would use it, however, in conjunction with other resources that can provide complementary information and updates on how the music business is changing today.

Excellent!
I had this as a textbook in my Intro to Music Industry Studies at college.It gives you all the basic aspects of the music industry, including jobs, marketing and a bunch of other stuff.It doesn't go into great depth so if you're wanting a more detailed view of how the music industry works I suggest that you try to find another book to buy separately or go along with this.It includes all of the basic terms necessary for the business of recording, marketing, merchandising, etc. ... Read more

Product Description

Do you dream of becoming a roadie, working for bands on tour? Then Roadie, Inc is the book for you. Written by a veteran industry insider, this book contains practical strategies to help you prepare for your dream job.

Roadie, Inc is the definitive guide to gaining and keeping a career in the live music industry.

Customer Reviews (1)

Not bad, but published with errors
This book is a good resource if you're serious about the subject, however the main point of the book is self explanatory: if you want to be a "roadie" start by working locally with acts or venues in your area. He also talks about the legal issues such as insurance, and starting a sole proprietorship.

The funny part is that there are a lot of format errors in the book, things that spell check can't catch. Things like "if you want a job in of the music industry..."
At one point in the book a couple of paragraphs are repeated from one page to the next, but since the book is pretty cheap I didn't mind.

The bottom line is: if you're serious about getting a job in the business you should probably check this book out, and even if it doesn't help you that much you won't be out much money. ... Read more

Product Description
Following in the footsteps of Careers in Music Librarianship (MLA, 1990), this resource examines the profession as it responds to these changes, without losing sight of the human element within it. ... Read more

Product Description
Get kids learning, thinking, talking and doing! Deck of 40+ career possibilities in the music field. Perfect for parents, teachers, counselors and kids! ... Read more

Product Description
The Must-Have Guide for Breaking
into the Music Business

Completely revised and updated for the twenty-first century, The Music Business provides essential career advice and information on how to get started and advance in all areas of the music industry—from an author who’s had careers in music as an artist and professor for more than two decades. This comprehensive volume gives you guidance and information on:

• Starting your music career
• The ins and outs of recording contracts
• Record producing and music engineering
• The distribution and sale of records
• The Internet and MP3s, and their effects on the music industry
• The latest computer programs
• Copyright law
• Composing music and songwriting
• Music education
• The international music industry
• And much more . . .

The Music Business is an indispensable reference for anyone who wants to begin a career in any of the industry’s facets, as well as an invaluable aid to professional and would-be professional musicians alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Learn from over 40 years experience in the music biz.
Dick Weissman started as a member of the Journeymen during the early 60's folk revival ( the other members were John Philips of the Mama's and the Papas and Scott McKenizie of 'Are you going to San Francisco' fame). After a few successful years with the Journeymen he then went on to work for major record companies as a producer, talent scout etc.He also taught as a professor in college music departments. In addition he has written numerous instructional music books for folk and blues music for a variety of instruments. In short, the man knows what he's talking about from actual experience over several decades.
This book is useful for a variety of reasons - the casual prose is easy and entertaining to read, the book provides a historical survey of the recording business from its inception, and describes how the music biz works from the past days of vinyl to the internet present.
Find out from this book what producers, engineers, agents, managers, A & R, demos, masters, lead sheets etc. actually are and do.
The references to the days of vinyl may seem outdated to the under 21 crowd, but he also describes changes in the biz since those days so I don't see what the problem is.He doesn't make any claims to easy money in music, he tells it like it was and is.Technology may be changing the way music is merchandised but don't count out the big music corporations yet, they still have something to say about what music gets heard on the airwaves.
This book isn't just for musicians either, its for anyone from laypeople to would be professionals in the music business.It should appeal equally to those who are curious about how music did and does get made, those with a curiosity about the history of the profesional recording biz, and musicians who want to become professionals. Read it and learn.

Good presentation but dated
The book (3rd Edition) has an orderly presentation that builds confidence but there are scattered elements that are factually wrong and thus tear it down.

Well worth my time
The first book I ever bought on Amazon, I decided to order this after seeing it in my high school library in 97 or 98.It struck me as something that could be very useful in the future, as amateur a musician as I was.It then sat on my shelf, even though it got abused traveling everywhere I lived since then, until just last week.The pages were yellowed - and it was already an outdated edition - by the time I opened it up.I thought I was bad at staying committed to any book, but I'm already more engrossed in it than I've been to anything in years.

This book explains the music industry from top to bottom, so as a new band member I understand where every person in the business is coming from.The system seems huge, intimidating, and unrelenting, but at least I can get an idea of how the pieces work.I can't imagine how anyone could have a career in music (performing, especially) and not read a book like this one.Anybody who sets out without the prior background work is doomed to failure.(Even luck doesn't last.)It's obvious that every chapter itself is a simplified summary, and probably a book could be written on each, but the moderately bite-sized pieces are what I can handle.As it is, I'm only on page 88 right now, but I can't wait to pick it up and read the next chapter.

And when I'm all done, I can head over to the library and read everything revised in the new edition.Then I'll have my jump-start! ... Read more

Product Description
You can survive happily as a musician in your local music market. This book shows you how to expand and develop your skills as a musician and a composer right in your own backyard. Making a Living in Your Local Music Market explores topics relevant to musicians of every level: Why should a band have an agreement? How can you determine whether a personal manager is right for you? Are contests worth entering? What trade papers are the most useful? Why copyright your songs? Also covers: * Developing and packaging your artistic skills in the marketplace * Dealing with contractors, unions, club owners, agents, etc. * Producing your own recordings * Planning your future in music * Music and the Internet * Artist-operated record companies * The advantages and disadvantages of independent and major record labels * Grant opportunities for musicians and how to access them * College music business programs * Seminars and trade shows * Detailed coverage of regional music markets, including Austin, Atlanta, Denver, Miami, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good Introduction to the Business
This book is a good introduction to the local music business. It is really oriented to the musician that is just starting out. What you can expect to find is a fairly complete description of getting started in music. The headline on the back cover says 'You can survive happily as a musician in your local music market.'

I think it might better say you 'might' survive happily. Making a living at any of the performing arts is not easy. You can expect a lot of time spent on non-music activities like marketing yourself, like deciding what kinds of music can sell in your area, and so on. As my daughter said before she entered this business (Broadway), 'it's not something you necessarily want to do, it's something you have to do.'

If you have to do it, this little book will give you a good grounding in what its all about.

get the low-down
If you've ever played out and are looking to 'expand your horizons,' (whether in the U.S. or Canada,) YOU NEED TO LOOK AT THIS BOOK!Weissman covers so much in here - the advantages and disadvantages of current music centers (Portland, Austin, etc.) and explains everything from contracts to union membership to record label auditions.One of the best features is that he'll give you the pros and cons of any area - he wants you to find the best fit for YOU (whether its the local music scene or major market scene.)Producing, advertising, financing, record deals, agents, polishing your own music skills - the list goes on and on.AND there are some great appendices - contact information for arts councils, songwriter's associations, performing rights organizations, etc.These lists and other sections of the book also include the Canadian music scene. ... Read more

Product Description
Haring will guide the reader through the inner workings of the 21st century music business and empower musicians to take advantage of a changing business landscape, teaching them how to avoid the traps that have ensnaredseveral generations of unwary musicians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Must Have Information for the Self-Promoting Artist
Bruce Haring's book "How Not To Destroy Your Career In Music" is a must-have for your music business library.

In 166 pages he details how to avoid virtually every pitfall that could come your way during the planning, promotion and most other phases of your music career.

Each section of this book includes bullet-lists of the material just covered and summarizes points that are absolutely key to both maintaining and moving forward with your career plans.

His advice and guidelines are not only well worth your time, but absolutely essential.

Add this book to your music business library and experience first class advice and guidance.

An absolute "must-have" for anyone aspiring to make a profit off of their musical talents
How Not To Destroy Your Career in Music is a practical guide for anyone starting a career in music, written by musician, filmmaker and award-winning author Bruce Haring. Recognizing that the music industry has transformed radically in the past five years due to the digital revolution, How Not To Destroy Your Career in Music covers such topics as music publishing, marketing and promotion, retail and direct sales, the age barrier, touring, the do-it-yourself movement, why one shouldn't hand over one's assets to the first A&R person to show up with a check, and much more. Written in plain terms accessible to the lay reader, How Not To Destroy Your Career in Music is an absolute "must-have" for anyone aspiring to make a profit off of their musical talents.

Indie Advice on musical careers
Bruce covers areas like networking and getting involved in certain organizations. He deals with licensing your music for film and television. He also gets into one of the hottest areas of licensing these days, putting your music into video games.

Pitching your music, getting the right amount of publicity and the types of record sales needed to succeed are all elements of the book that provide great insight.

If you are contemplating a career in music at all, this book is something you should read first. It has a whole bunch of information about the music industry and how to survive in it. Whether you become an act represented by a major label, sign on with an indie label or try to truly do it yourself, this book will provide insight that you won't find anywhere else.

Bruce Von Stiers - www.BVSReviews.com ... Read more