I didn't used to like to talk about music business with student musicians. In master classes or lessons, if a student asked a business question I would deflect—I would change the subject and talk about music—technique, theory, harmony, or anything….anything other than business. As an educator, I have tried to have the focus be on the music and not the business. I have always thought that the priority for students is to gain the skills that they need before becoming too fixated on their career path.
Also, to me, the business side of music has so often seemed either so corrupt (like the old days of record companies exploiting musicians) to me or phony (like singers lip syncing and not really singing). Why would a student musician be trying to get gigs when they are not performing at their full capacity?!?
It has only been recently that I have realized that I do teach music business and always have taught music business. The music business that I teach and promote with my students is professionalism. Professionalism includes all of the qualities that will make them hirable and will give them the capability to be successful.
Musicians get gigs because they have talent or an ability to sing or play, but they also get gigs because they have their business together.
For a musician, music business is:
SHOWING UP
being dependable
not being late or missing rehearsals
keeping a calendar and sticking to it
BEING PREPARED
practicing parts and being ready to play
knowing your music before rehearsal
marking on parts just in case you get sick and need a sub musician
being ready for the gig
BEING RESPONSIBLE
answering emails
answering phone calls and/or texts
KNOWING HOW TO TREAT OTHER MUSICIANS
being respectful and kind to others
not bad mouthing other musicians
KNOWING HOW TO TALK TO THE AUDIENCE
graciously accepting compliments
accepting that an appreciative audience might or might not have a vast understanding of the music that is played
This is the music business that is the baseline for success in the music world.
Never having been to music school myself , I know bubkus , but I do think the biz should be taught at least In cursory terms , at the very least a 101 , we all know that there are some unscrupulous folks out there dying to get their hands in some talented young musicians pocket , personally I wouldn’t let anyone manage my money or career but me ! Some people actually need the help , so I think that part of the curriculum should be the biz .