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Professional Studies 1: Working in the Creative Industries
Introduction
Throughout this portfolio I will look at the qualities and challenges original touring musicians need and face within the creative industry. Touring has always been a key part of the music industry, it exposes artists to unfamiliar audiences, and allows them to gain new fans who will go on to follow them on streaming platforms. Announcing concert dates and venues is an excellent way to generate traction, in turn increasing the likelihood of media coverage and appearances on public playlists (Win, 2023). Furthermore, live performances are considered ‘the gold standard of music monetisation’ (Square mile, 2025), despite their inherent risk. While writing original music and touring can undoubtedly pay off, it comes with immense pressures including deadlines, financial strain and legal complexities, as well as a physical and emotional toll.
Academic and Professional Experience Required
Formal Education:
There are multiple different options for formal education within the music industry, one of which is studying at a conservatoire. Here, you can not only develop your skill as a musician, but also learn about the industry as a whole, giving you a broader perspective and understanding of how it functions. When asked if studying at a conservatoire offers an advantage within the industry, it was said they ‘enable’ the opportunity to meet like-minded, ‘forward thinking musicians, who are doing so many great things’ (Ellery, 2020) making it easier to create relationships with likeminded others, as well as begin forming bands and writing. Studying music at a conservatoire opens a doorway to many opportunities and can drastically improve your musical technicality and teach you the skills needed to play music with a group of people. Being given the opportunity to play different styles of music can not only increase the diversity of your music taste and therefore improve your creativity when songwriting but can also improve your versatility when performing.
Industry Related Experience:
Learning the theory and skills needed to be a successful touring musician at somewhere like a conservatoire is a fantastic opportunity; however, actually experiencing playing local gigs, doing small tours and overall getting a taste of what it’s like to be a professional musician is equally, if not more beneficial. Being a part of DIY (Do It Yourself) music spaces can create a variety of opportunities and teach you about the dos and don’ts of the performance and music industry. ‘DIY spaces remain vital to independent music culture […] They are creative hubs that offer opportunities for real-life, human connections and music promotion’ (Amadeus, 2025). Due to the DIY nature of most local music scenes, there is a lot to be learnt about organisation, a vital skill in the touring industry. Having to book shows, accommodation, and transport for a tour is a significant responsibility and being well organised is pivotal for a trouble-free tour. ‘Planning and organising a tour can be an exciting yet challenging endeavour. Whether you are a musician, a band manager, a tour manager, or an event organiser, understanding the intricacies of tour logistics and organisation is crucial for a successful and smooth-running tour’ (Yellow brick, 2023). Experiencing this first hand, and learning on the job means playing gigs and touring will only become easier with time. Overall, experience is important, whether it be through the means of formal education, or simply diving in headfirst and organising and playing your own shows; the opportunities encompassed in both formal and industry experience are indispensable. Effective communication skills are crucial when encountering and engaging with other musicians in all day to day environments, and can undoubtedly improve your band and overall touring experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Qualities:
Being able to play your instrument of choice at a high level is absolutely crucial when touring with a band. This means a high level of focus and consistent practice is necessary; if a band is unrehearsed before a show, the music will sound careless and unrefined. Organising frequent group rehearsals is a must. Only practising individually will cause a lack of chemistry between the group on stage, which will be apparent and reflected in the audience’s reaction. ‘A rehearsal should be a complete and finished version of the show. The finished version is there so that the band can get comfortable enough with parts and sound together without thinking about it, so they can then perform freely’ (Visible, 2023). That being said, time management can present its own challenges, finding a time and place that suits all members other commitments being one of the hardest; especially when on tour. This is why communication is key to a successful tour: for example, keeping a band calendar where everyone’s personal plans can be entered in advance would help avoid future confusion. As a musician playing within a group of other talented musicians, you will undoubtedly face criticism, whilst ‘receiving tough feedback is never fun, it can be one of the most productive experiences in your life’ (Gioia, 2021). Knowing how to deal with these criticisms, and taking other people’s advice on board is crucial, and allows for growth as a musician and minimises the chance of conflict.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Being a member of a touring band involves a significant amount of responsibility. Travelling is, naturally, a key part of a tour; getting from A to B daily and adhering to a strict schedule means that punctuality is critical for everyone involved. Failing to arrive on time can damage a band’s reputation and reduce the chances of securing future bookings, making touring more difficult. However, with careful preparation and planning of travel arrangements, along with a clear understanding of when and where members need to be at all times, this can be avoided. For example, adding 15 minutes to your journey can help prevent issues like traffic delays that might make you late. Again, communication is essential. ‘Being punctual is the first step towards a successful band or organisation. It’s impossible to manage your day effectively if you cannot keep time. Being late also disrupts others’ plans’ (Chlasciak, 2021). As an original band, you need to have spent time writing music the music with which you will perform. All bands have different songwriting processes. Some rely on one individual songwriter, while others gather together and start from scratch. Whichever approach is best suited to the band, it’s crucial that all songs are discussed, rehearsed and finetuned before anyone else hears them. This again highlights the importance of communication: managing your time and sharing it with the band is key to fitting in songwriting sessions. Without songs, there is no tour. Coming together to discuss and develop your new material can be very beneficial. This is also a time to prepare yourself for any potential criticism. Sitting down and bouncing ideas off each other can not only improve the music but also create a better, more comfortable environment in which it is easier to be creative, ’the more collaborators you have on a project, the more possible doors could open’ (Ford, 2020) inevitably leading to more, and better music being created.
Financial and legal issues:
Touring is an inherently costly endeavour, which is to be expected provided the range of expenses involved. Costs such as travel, accommodation, promotion, rehearsal spaces, and food must all be carefully accounted for. To organise these expenses, a meeting could be arranged with the crew where payments and overall costs can be discussed as, ‘touring on a budget requires more than just cutting costs—it’s about smart planning, resourcefulness, and adaptability’ (Bound, 2025). Through establishing realistic budgets, optimising tour routes and negotiating fair deals, independent bands can ‘make the most of their time on the road without unnecessary expenses’ (Bound, 2025).
Bands are encouraged to save for at least a month prior to tour starting, and the creation of a joint band account to deposit earnings from gigs is also largely beneficial when managing earnings and avoiding conflict regarding finances. Individual members also having personal savings and funds to support travel costs and various other endeavours will minimise spending of the band, providing the means for any extra equipment or for studio time.
This is not without its challenges, however, due to the instability of the gigging industry, income relies strictly on ticket and merch sales, leading to nearly 75% of musicians holding non-music-related side jobs (Boyer, 2024).
Marketing and promotional aspects:
Knowing how to market and promote the band is one of the key pillars to success and exposure; people need to know who you are before attending your show. Currently, the most effective way to do so is through the persistent use of social media platforms. Having a band social media account allows for people to gain an understanding of your band, and slowly, you can start to build an online audience. ‘Social media is at the heart of today’s music industry, with platforms providing music artists with the global reach to find audiences across the world’ (ICMP, 2024).
Broadcasting behind-the-scenes content, rehearsal clips, and announcements about gigs and tours will ensure the engagement of the fanbase. Live-focused marketing is another viable option, meaning building a loyal fanbase simply by playing live and touring. Playing gigs regularly in local venues can elevate your performances and, in the process, expand your fanbase. The more your band’s name circulates on gig posters and flyers, the more people will come to your shows. This increase in attention is an exceptional way to gain exposure to record labels and possible managers, both of which open up new and exciting opportunities.
Personal challenges and coping strategies
Being in a band comes with a multitude of personal challenges, whether it be creative disagreements, writer’s block, or trying to balance your personal life with your musicianship, a fork in the road is almost inevitable. ‘It is now clearer than ever that touring circumstances could very easily trigger mental health issues such as exhaustion, anxiety and depression. It can even ramp up addiction issues or result in self-harm’ (Malrowe, 2023). Due to the demanding schedule of a touring musician, physical exhaustion and depression are easy to slip into; this is why break days are a must while touring. ‘Adequate rest is essential for good mental and physical health. It not only prevents burnout but also ensures we can perform our best and enjoy our work in music as much as possible’ (Help Musicians, 2025). When planning a tour, it’s important to include sufficient rest periods for the entire crew. For example, if you have a three-day run of shows, it is advisable to add at least a day’s rest in between to maintain physical and mental well-being, and to maximise morale and playing ability.
Career Development
Moving to international touring opportunities, developing a stronger fanbase and taking steps towards a record deal are all things bands strive towards. Consistently touring can help you meet a large array of people who may be able to help you achieve these goals. ‘While touring with your band, you can potentially connect with different artists and many influential people that can become your friends or someone who can help your band grow further’ (Medium, 2022). Opportunities such as meeting record label staff can lead to a sustainable income from the music industry, as record labels will assist your band with achieving new successes through additional promotion, larger budgets, and radio plugging.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of a touring musician is not always smooth, with significant budgeting, planning, responsibility, and stress. However, being business-aware, taking care of your mental health, knowing your tasks and responsibilities, and carefully thinking through plans will allow every success. Touring can give you and the group opportunities that you won’t find in local scenes, whether it’s label interest or meeting potential management. Or just the chance to find a new audience, be able to fully express yourself as an artist, explore parts of the country you haven’t seen before, and ultimately have fun and share your music with others. Success as a touring band purely depends on your commitment, adaptability and passion for music.
Bibliography
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