Although the book is written primarily for musicians aspiring for full-time professional performing careers, the chapters include practical tips and guidelines that can also be applied to music teachers, composers and FREElancers. Beeching emphasizes the need for musicians to network and take initiative to promote themselves and create their own "career path" by combining their interests and talents with the necessary business skills to be successful.

The 12 chapters cover a variety of topics, such as writing bios and resumes, working with professional photographers, compiling mailing lists of audience members, designing web sites, creating promotional materials, making and distributing CD recordings, writing grants, researching residency and workshop opportunities, dealing with performance anxiety and planning budgets for personal and music-related expenses. Interspersed throughout the book are short stories of musicians that struggled and overcame various aspects while developing their careers. These anecdotes provide real-life applications of the strategies presented and encourage the reader to persistently pursue personal goals.

Practical tips are scattered throughout each chapter as friendly reminders of the details that need to be considered in various situations. For example, when researching venues for audio recording, be aware of traffic noise or rattling heating systems. Other tips are: be prepared by keeping receipts of all tax-deductible business-related expenses (list included) and be sure to research health insurance options through different music organizations (also listed). There are numerous quotes and comments from other professionals such as chamber musicians, arts consultants and music administrators. Thirteen pages of additional book and website resources are categorized and referenced at the end of the book.

In addition, each chapter concludes with "Suggestions for Moving Ahead" that prompt self-questioning and brainstorming of how the previous information can be tailored to suit one's individual needs and interests. This book could easily be used as a textbook for a group of musicians to discuss, ponder and creatively experiment with promoting their own music making and creating their own "career paths." Reviewed by Joanna Grace, Madison, Wisconsin.

* The items marked with this symbol can be ordered via the MTNA Website through our affiliation with Amazon.com. Go to www.mtna.org, click On "Resources and Services" and scroll down to the Amazon.com section.

Go back to Articles page