Music has the power to stir souls, but what you see on stage is just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath, its smooth operation requires meticulous planning and execution. That's where tour managers step in. They're the unsung heroes who streamline the whole process, ensuring that everything runs without a hitch. But how do they get their jobs, and what does it take to be one? Let's find out.
How Do Music Tour Managers Get Jobs Table of Contents
The Role of a Music Tour Manager
The Role of a Music Tour Manager
In a nutshell, a music tour manager is responsible for efficiently organising and implementing a band's or an artist's tour. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating with event promoters and booking agents
- Managing travel and accommodations
- Overseeing the budget
- Handling daily schedules for the band or individual artist
- Ensuring that all technical and sound requirements for the shows are duly met
How to Get a Job as a Music Tour Manager
The road to becoming a tour manager can be diverse and non-linear. However, here are some prevalent routes that can help aspiring candidates:
Experience in the Music Industry
Many successful tour managers start out working in other roles within the same industry. Whether you work with a production company, a record label, or a venue, gaining industry experience is vital. It offers an insight into the music business, a network of contacts, and a well-rounded view of tour life.
Transferable Skills
If you possess any experience in project management, logistics, event planning, or customer service, you may already have relevant skills. These can be transferred into the tour manager role, making you potentially valuable to potential employers.
Education and Qualifications
While a college degree isn't mandatory, courses in business, management, music, or event planning can enhance your credibility. Additionally, several universities and vocational colleges offer specialized programs in music management and other relevant fields.
Networking
The music industry thrives on connections. Networking can open unforeseen doors of opportunity. Attend music events and conferences. You never know who you might meet.
How Do Music Tour Managers Get Jobs Example:
Meet Mark, who recently landed a job as a tour manager for a rising indie band. Mark didn't start with a degree in music or event planning. Instead, he began his career as a barista in a popular local music venue in his city. His love for music and knack for meeting people led him to intimately understand the local music scene. He gradually started helping bands with the logistics of their small tours. His affable nature, excellent management skills, and deep understanding of the music industry caught the eye of a music producer at a popular festival. Impressed, the producer offered him a job as a part-time tour manager for a rising indie band. Today, Mark is travelling across continents, living his dream, and proving that the right mix of passion, skills, and networking can elevate your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does a music tour manager do?
A music tour manager is responsible for the day-to-day business affairs of a music group while on tour. This includes coordinating travel arrangements, managing finances, scheduling soundchecks and performances, and ensuring the wellbeing of the artists and crew. They are the central point of contact between venue promoters, booking agents, and the band.
What are the qualifications needed to become a tour manager?
While there's no specific degree required to become a tour manager, many have backgrounds in music business, management, or a related field. Essential qualities include excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, problem-solving aptitude, and a deep understanding of the music industry.
How do I gain experience in tour management?
Gaining experience can involve starting in entry-level positions for music venues, touring companies, or working directly with bands. Volunteering for music festivals or local shows can also provide practical experience. Networking with industry professionals and undertaking internships are also valuable paths to gaining experience.
How important is networking for tour managers?
Networking is crucial as many tour manager jobs come through referrals and industry contacts. Building relationships with music professionals, attending industry events, and staying active on professional social media platforms can help establish the connections needed for securing future opportunities.
Can tour managers be freelance?
Yes, many tour managers work on a freelance basis, moving from one tour to another. However, some may be employed by larger music management companies or by a particular artist for longer-term arrangements.
Do I need any certification to be a tour manager?
Certification is not necessarily required, but some tour managers choose to get certified through various music business programs or through event management courses to enhance their credibility and skills.
What are the career prospects for music tour managers?
Career prospects for music tour managers can be quite promising with the potential for growth based on experience and networking. There are opportunities to work with increasing profile bands, transition into other music management roles, or lead tour management teams.
How do music tour managers find job openings?
Job openings can be found through online job boards specialized in the entertainment industry, social media platforms, industry contacts, music-related forums, and websites, or by reaching out directly to musicians and management companies.
What's the typical salary for a music tour manager?
Salaries can vary widely depending on the size and success of the band, the length of the tour, and the tour manager's experience. It can range from modest sums for smaller bands to significant earnings for top-tier artists.
What expectations do artists have of their tour managers?
Artists expect their tour managers to be highly organized, proactive, capable of managing stressful situations, adaptable to change, and to have a comprehensive understanding of the technical and logistical aspects of touring.
How long do music tours typically last?
Music tours can vary in length from a few weeks to several months or even years, depending on the artist's touring strategy and the scale of the production.
Is it important for a tour manager to have knowledge of contracts and negotiations?
Yes, a solid understanding of contracts, legal stipulations, and negotiation techniques is important for tour managers, as they often deal with booking agreements and other contractual arrangements.
What kind of working hours should a tour manager expect?
Tour managers should expect irregular and long working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The job often requires being on call 24/7 while on tour to handle any issues that may arise.
How do tour managers handle emergencies on the road?
Tour managers handle emergencies by maintaining a calm demeanor, quickly assessing the situation, and implementing contingency plans. They should have a list of contacts for immediate assistance such as medical services, local authorities, and backup vendors.
Will travel be a significant part of my job as a tour manager?
Yes, travel is a fundamental part of the job. Tour managers are expected to be on the road with the artist throughout the entirety of the tour, which can include both national and international travel.
What kind of skills are important for keeping a tour on budget?
Key skills for keeping a tour on budget include meticulous financial tracking, foresight in planning, strong negotiating abilities, and cost-control measures. Being able to balance the tour’s financial health without compromising the quality of the performance or the safety and comfort of the crew and artists is essential.
What challenges do tour managers often face?
Tour managers often face challenges such as logistical hiccups, last-minute changes, travel delays, conflicts within the tour team, and maintaining the health and morale of the touring party.
Can a tour manager work for multiple bands at the same time?
It's generally challenging for a tour manager to work for multiple bands simultaneously due to the demanding nature of the job. However, they may manage tours for different artists sequentially.
What impact does technology have on a tour manager's role?
Technology has greatly impacted tour managers' roles, making tasks like scheduling, budgeting, and communication much more efficient. It also allows for better monitoring and streamlining of tour logistics through various software and platforms.
Is there any particular software or tools that a tour manager should be familiar with?
Tour managers should be familiar with scheduling software, financial tracking tools, communication applications, and other organizational platforms like Master Tour or Eventric to efficiently manage tour details.
How can I stay updated with industry trends as a tour manager?
Staying updated with industry trends involves continuous learning, attending music business conferences, subscribing to industry publications, following relevant music news sites, and engaging with other professionals through forums and social media groups.
Embarking on the journey to become a music tour manager can be as exciting as it is challenging. It takes robust people skills, effective management abilities, and above all, a deep love for music. If you’ve enjoyed reading this article and found it beneficial, please share it with others who might also find it useful. If writing is more your pace, why not try Lyric Assistant for composing your perfect unique song, effortlessly. Explore more guides on our website to further your knowledge and fuel your passion.
