A tour manager’s main responsibility is to ensure that everything runs smoothly while a band or other act is on the road, which includes scheduling performances and arranging transportation. A person interested in this career does not need any formal education or training, but a business degree or management experience may be beneficial. Aside from that, someone who wants to be a tour manager usually works in the music industry to gain experience. It is critical to have a thorough understanding of how the industry operates as well as all of the details of a successful tour.
Before pursuing this career, anyone interested in becoming a tour manager should gain some experience in the music industry. For example, before moving on to tour management, he might work as a band manager, arranging local gigs for his clients. In order to gain experience in this field, he may work as an assistant or even an intern for another band or tour manager. After working in a related field, a person may decide to pursue this career. Before becoming a tour manager, an individual may first operate sound equipment or work as a promoter.
A person who wants to work as a tour manager will almost always need industry contacts. Networking with other professionals in the field is an important part of preparing for and achieving success in this field. It may not only assist him in learning more about the industry, but it may also assist him in meeting acts in need of a tour manager. In order to meet bands and others in a position to hire him, an aspiring tour manager may take a job with a music venue. Furthermore, networking can result in valuable word-of-mouth advertising, which can help a budding tour manager land his first contract, as well as many more in the future.
When a person is ready to work as a tour manager, he must approach bands or others who require his services and persuade them to hire him. To protect himself and his business, he should have contracts drawn up and signed his clients. Acts who are preparing to release new albums or work in the near future frequently schedule tours to coincide with the release of their new material. An aspiring tour manager could approach bands and other acts who meet this criterion and inquire about tour managers. Advertisements in entertainment publications and the creation of a marketing website may also be beneficial.