Touring 101

With income related to live performances accounting for 60-80 percent of most artists’ income, never has it been more important for musicians to build and sustain a touring career. This course is designed to teach you how to do just that.

Beginning with your earliest gigs through your first national tour, you’ll learn how to create a memorable live performance; book, negotiate, and market only the right shows; capture a loyal fan base; and build the kind of success story that helps expand your entire career.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Outline the history and importance of performing live, and put that knowledge to work, building a career in music
Create the building blocks of a successful live performance career, including online and offline branding, creating a memorable live show, and structuring a band and a business that supports it
Find, negotiate, contract, and perform the right gigs
Market each show and build a community of loyal and supportive fans
Move beyond the home market to tour regionally, nationally, and internationally
Secure a booking agent and team that is dedicated to your success
Protect your financial, mental, and physical well-being throughout the journey

Syllabus

Lesson 1 An Introduction to Grassroots Touring

Lesson 2 Everyone Starts Somewhere—Be Prepared for Success

Lesson 3 Get Ready to Play

Lesson 4 Booking Basics

Lesson 5 Growing an Audience

Lesson 6 Build Your Live Music Business

Lesson 7 Time to Hit the Road

Lesson 8 Making Money on Tour

Lesson 9 Marketing Your Gigs and Tours

Lesson 10 Building a Smart and Compassionate Touring Business

Lesson 11 Find and Secure a Booking Agent

Lesson 12 Planning Your Tour

Requirements

Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements

This course does not have any prerequisites.

Required Textbook(s)

None required

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