Tour manager job

Manager of Tours

Alternately referred to as a Road Manager or a Concert Tour Manager

On tours that may span the world and run for months at a time, tour managers travel with the artists and crew personnel who are part of the touring operation. Their responsibility is to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch, which often include making arrangements for travel, connecting with venues, handling money, organizing meetings with the media, and scouting out local services at each stop along the tour route.

What exactly does it entail to be a Tour Manager?

Tour managers are responsible for almost every facet of the life of performers and crew members while they are on the road. They provide help in the areas of organization, administration, and "boots on the ground" during the length of a concert tour. ensure that musicians and crew arrive at their next destination safely and on time; and make certain that the artist's rider requests are met.

The most effective tour managers are those that are well-prepared to handle the problems and emergencies that may occur during a trip and who do it in a way that is both inventive and efficient.

The band and the crew get day sheets that include the daily schedule, which were created by tour managers and sent to them. If there are any media engagements scheduled, such as an appearance at a record shop, a visit to a radio station, or an interview, it is the responsibility of the tour manager to ensure that everyone is where they need to be at the appropriate time. The tour manager is responsible for managing the tour's finances. This involves keeping a tight check on the money that comes in and out of the tour in order to ensure that everything remains within the budget that was established by the tour accountant. When an issue emerges, whether it be a disagreement with a promoter, an urgent need for a passport, blunders on the guest list, or the artist's own poor conduct, it is the responsibility of the tour manager to find a solution and bring peace back into the situation. In some instances, tour managers collaborate closely with a tour publicist in order to boost attendance at the shows. Tour managers who work for smaller tours may also be required to take on additional responsibilities, such as working the merch table or supervising production elements such as lighting and sound.

The Way of a Career

Some tour managers begin their careers as musicians or concert technicians; others have previous experience working as festival workers, booking agents, promoters, or live sound engineers, or in jobs that are comparable to those in the live music industry. Tour managers may develop their careers to higher-paying employment with more renowned bands and artists by gaining experience, contacts, and a reputation for doing outstanding work. Alternatively, tour managers might join the ranks of record labels or concert marketing companies. They also have the opportunity to pursue careers in other areas of management, such as that of an artist manager, venue manager, artist relations manager, or corporate manager for an orchestra.

Obtaining Employment

Work in tour management is almost often done on a freelance basis; however, the tour managers with the greatest expertise may be able to get in-house roles with record companies. It is very necessary for prospective tour managers to have previous experience managing creative projects while also living on the road. When looking for a job as a tour manager, word-of-mouth recommendations are often your best bet, as is the case with many other types of live music engagements. Some tour managers get their feet wet by working with a friend's band for little or no money in the beginning of their careers.

Competencies in the Professions

Schedule management

Personnel management

Budgeting

Touring provides an experience.

Capabilities in proactive communication

Problem-solving

Managing several tasks while being organized

Leadership

Networking

Interpersonal Skills

Tour managers need to be able to juggle several responsibilities effectively and possess strong organizational and time management abilities. It is of the utmost importance to keep on top of work by being proactive and making the most of any downtime that may present itself (for example, when traveling between tour locations). The most effective tour managers are those that are well-prepared to handle the problems and emergencies that may occur during a trip and who do it in a way that is both inventive and efficient. They should also have the ability to gracefully handle interpersonal disagreements, since they are likely to arise regularly throughout the trip.

The Work World

It's easy to forget that organizing a tour also requires traveling on the trip yourself, but doing so is essential. Tour managers, much like the artists and crew personnel they manage, spend hours travelling in automobiles, buses, and/or aircraft, working long days that extend far into the night, and sleeping in hotels and motels in places that they are not acquainted with. In addition to this, they get to reap the perks of being on tour, which include getting paid to travel, attending free concerts, and finding new experiences and possibilities at every turn. It is essential for the long-term success and well-being of a tour manager that he or she appreciates life on the road, including both the highs and the lows that it inevitably brings.