The following videos series gives the viewer a straight forward description of the various positions available in the Music & Touring Industries.
Stage Technician
This video specifically deals with Guitar & Drum Technician positions and what they entail.
Stage Manager
A stage manager is essentially the head traffic controller of a live theater or television production. Once the director has issued his or her final notes to the cast, the stage manager usually assumes command of the physical stage area. All of the various technical crews, such as lighting, sound, props and scenery, report directly to the stage manager, who in turn remains in constant communication with the director by in-house phone or wireless headset. The head stage manager has a number of duties to perform, some of which may be delegated to other stage managers or assistants
Sound Engineer
Sound engineering technicians work at recording studios, concert venues, sports arenas, theater halls, and movie and video studios. For a major feature film, many sound technicians are needed to make the final soundtrack of the movie. These technicians work indoors in a studio set or outdoors on location. A boom operator works the boom, which is a large overhead microphone. The boom is moved all over the set, following the actors and the action. It must be positioned out of camera range. In addition, actors may wear individual microphones to pick up their dialogue. These microphones are also hidden from the camera.
Tour Support & Manager
Tour managers are responsible for making sure a concert tour runs smoothly. Their jobs involve looking after the tour finances, making sure everyone is where they are supposed to be when they are supposed to be there and generally making sure that everyone on tour is on task. Tour manager jobs often also involve dealing with the personal issues of the other people on tour and generally making sure that everyone on tour is happy.
A&R
A&R was developed when it was rare for artists to write their own material. In those days A&R was concerned with matching artists with songwriters. Nowadays A&R is responsible for scouting new talent, signing it to a label and then overseeing all aspects of the process that leads up to the delivery of all finished recordings. A&R is also concerned with the development of artists as they grow and mature.
A&R Managers are creative people with good business skills and a solid understanding of the music marketplace. It is not enough to like the music, an A&R Manager needs an excellent knowledge of the contemporary music scene and to understand what sells.
The main job is picking acts that will be successful and then working with the act to find the right producers and writers. The process is very much a nurturing one to ensure the band or solo artist impacts at the right time with the right material.
Touring
This video goes threw the various challenges that are involved in every day Tour environment. A must watch for all those that think that life on the road is an easy one!
Music Business Degree
A music business degree prepares students to work in a variety of fields within the music and entertainment industry, and offers a balance of business strategy, communications, and specialized talent.
Those who complete their music business education successfully may find employers in larger cities and markets such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, and New York. Many record label companies, radio stations, marketing and public relations firms, and concert venues are looking for qualified professionals within this field, and music business management allows students to gain the knowledge and skills to become successful in their career.
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