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The Business of Music: 18 Helpful Resources

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As any professional musician will tell you, a career in music is more than just artistry and performance; the business side of music is a crucial component of a successful career in the arts.

The business side of things may include managing gig contracts, paying estimated taxes, sending studio invoices, setting rates, sending emails, professional networking, and attending conferences.

Many professional musicians do more than one thing - performing, teaching, gigging, writing, etc.

You are your own small business.

Tending to the things that keep your business running is an important part of building a successful career. 

You don't need a degree in business to manage everything I outlined above, but you should take steps to be informed.

There are lots of helpful books, articles, and blogs out there to help get you started. Here are a few of my favorites:

Ready to master the business side of running a creative business?

Here are 18 practical resources for musicians

  1. How to diversify your music career.

  2. 110 resources for creative freelancers and small business owners.

  3. What should you charge as a freelancer? Here's how to set and justify your rates.

  4. 6 steps to seriously improve your networking skills.

  5. A list of plugins that let you schedule emails to send later.

  6. How to negotiate like a pro.

  7. 100 quotes on leadership every entrepreneur should follow.

  8. How to master the fine art of following up.

  9. 12 signs you have an entrepreneurial mindset.

  10. How to love the art of selling your creative work.

  11. 40 signs you might be an entrepreneur.

  12. How to win friends and influence people (while sharing social content).

  13. How to organize your finances as a music freelancer or entrepreneur.

  14. Working with clients? Here's why you should put everything in writing.

  15. How to start and build a music career in a post-pandemic world.

  16. How to craft the perfect elevator pitch.

  17. The 4 key strengths of a successful business.

  18. 5 biggest profit secrets for creative entrepreneurs.

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Build a diversified music career.

Learn the ins and outs of building and growing a portfolio career in music from two experienced musicpreneurs.

Join us in this podcast-style audio course as we discuss career strategies and lessons we've learned + share our best recommendations, practical advice, and business resources.

Module 1 - Building a Portfolio Career
Module 2 - Business & Legal
Module 3 - Financial Planning
Module 4 - Branding & Marketing
Module 5 - Managing Your Time

Follow along with my creative work and daily adventures: @ashleydanyew

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