The role of a tour manager is a vital and exciting one in the music and entertainment industry. Tour managers are responsible for organizing and overseeing all aspects of a band or artist’s tour, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
From booking venues and arranging travel to managing budgets and dealing with emergencies, a tour manager must be a skilled multi-tasker with excellent problem-solving abilities.
If you have a passion for live music and thrive on the fast-paced nature of touring, a career as a tour manager could be the perfect fit. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a tour manager in the UK.
Understanding the Role of a Tour Manager
Before embarking on a career as a tour manager, it’s essential to fully grasp the responsibilities and demands of the role. A tour manager’s duties can vary depending on the size and scale of the tour, but generally include:
- Pre-tour planning: Coordinating venue bookings, arranging transportation, and managing logistics.
- Financial management: Creating and managing tour budgets, handling payments and settlements.
- Tour coordination: Overseeing the crew, managing schedules, and ensuring the smooth running of shows.
- Problem-solving: Addressing issues that arise during the tour, such as equipment failures or venue conflicts.
- Artist management: Facilitating the needs and demands of the band or artist while on the road.
It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the music industry, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Building the Right Experience
To become a successful tour manager, you’ll need to gain relevant experience in the music and live events industry. Here are some steps to help you build the necessary skills and knowledge:
- Start at the bottom: Consider taking entry-level positions in venues, music festivals, or concert promotions to gain hands-on experience.
- Volunteer: Offer your services as a volunteer at local music events or festivals to learn about the different aspects of event management.
- Internships: Seek internships with concert promoters, production companies, or established tour managers to gain invaluable on-the-job training.
- Work your way up: Take on roles with increasing responsibility, such as stage crew, production assistant, or tour coordinator, to gain a well-rounded understanding of tour operations.
Building a strong network within the industry is also crucial. Attend industry events, concerts, and conferences to connect with professionals and stay informed about emerging trends and best practices.
Education and Training
While a formal degree is not always required for a tour manager position, some educational paths can provide a strong foundation:
- Music Business/Arts Management Degree: Many universities offer specialized degrees in music business or arts management, which cover topics like event planning, artist management, and music industry operations.
- Business/Management Degree: A degree in business, management, or a related field can provide valuable skills in areas like finance, project management, and leadership.
- Vocational Training: Courses in event management, production, or tour management offered by vocational schools or industry associations can provide targeted training and certifications.
Continuous learning and professional development are essential in a rapidly evolving industry like music. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.
Finding Tour Manager Opportunities
Once you’ve gained the necessary experience and education, it’s time to start actively seeking out tour manager opportunities:
Job Boards: Search job boards and websites like Indeed, Monster, and Entertainment Careers for tour manager positions.
Networking: Leverage your industry connections and attend networking events to learn about potential job openings.
Agencies: Register with reputable tour management agencies or staffing firms that specialize in the music industry.
Cold Calling: Reach out to bands, artists, or tour management companies directly to express your interest and showcase your qualifications.
Building a Portfolio: Create a comprehensive portfolio highlighting your experience, skills, and achievements to present to potential employers.
Remember, landing your first tour manager role may require persistence and patience. Be prepared to start with smaller tours or less well-known artists and work your way up as you gain more experience.
Developing Essential Skills
To excel as a tour manager, it’s crucial to develop and hone a range of essential skills:
- Communication: Effective communication with artists, crew members, venue staff, and other stakeholders is vital.
- Organization: Strong organizational skills are necessary to coordinate complex logistics and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Problem-solving: The ability to think critically and find creative solutions to unexpected challenges is essential.
- Financial Management: Understanding budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting is crucial for managing tour finances.
- Negotiation: Negotiating skills are valuable when booking venues, negotiating contracts, and managing disputes.
- Stress Management: Maintaining composure and making sound decisions under pressure is a must for any tour manager.
Continuously work on improving these skills through practice, training, and seeking feedback from experienced professionals.
Advancing Your Career as a Tour Manager
As you gain more experience and build a reputation in the industry, there are several ways to advance your career as a tour manager:
- Work with Bigger Artists: Aim to work with larger, more established artists or bands as your expertise grows.
- Specialize: Develop expertise in a specific genre of music or type of tour, such as festival tours or international tours.
- Expand Your Services: Consider offering additional services like artist management, production management, or tour accounting to increase your value.
- Mentor Others: Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring aspiring tour managers or providing training and workshops.
- Start Your Own Company: Establish your own tour management agency or company, offering your services to a wider range of clients.
Continuous learning, networking, and staying up-to-date with industry trends are essential for ongoing career growth and success.
FAQs
1. How much do tour managers earn in the UK?
Answer: Tour manager salaries in the UK can vary widely depending on factors like the size and scale of the tour, the artist’s popularity, and the individual’s experience. Entry-level tour managers may earn between £25,000 and £35,000 per year, while experienced tour managers working with major artists can earn £60,000 or more.
2. Do I need a degree to become a tour manager?
Answer: While a degree is not strictly required, many employers prefer candidates with relevant education in fields like music business, arts management, or business administration. A degree can provide a solid foundation in areas like event planning, artist management, and financial management.
3. How much travel is involved in being a tour manager?
Answer: Tour managers are expected to travel extensively, often spending weeks or months on the road with the band or artist they are managing. The amount of travel can vary depending on the size and scope of the tour, but it’s essential to be prepared for a lifestyle that involves frequent travel and extended periods away from home.
4. What are the most challenging aspects of being a tour manager?
Answer: Some of the most significant challenges faced by tour managers include managing multiple tasks and logistics simultaneously, dealing with unexpected issues and emergencies on the road, and maintaining composure under high-stress situations. The ability to problem-solve, think critically, and remain calm under pressure is crucial.
5. What opportunities are there for career advancement as a tour manager?
Answer: As you gain more experience and build a reputation in the industry, there are several opportunities for career advancement as a tour manager. These include working with larger, more established artists, specializing in a specific genre or type of tour, expanding your services to offer additional expertise, mentoring others, or starting your own tour management company.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful tour manager in the UK requires a combination of passion, experience, education, and essential skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide – understanding the role, building relevant experience, pursuing education and training, actively seeking out opportunities, developing critical skills, and continuously advancing your career – you can position yourself for success in this exciting and dynamic field.
Remember, the music industry is highly competitive, and perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to learn are key to thriving as a tour manager. Stay committed, keep networking, and never stop honing your craft. With dedication and a love for the art of live music, you can turn your passion into a rewarding career as a tour manager in the UK’s vibrant music scene.
