Venues and Live Performance
You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of venue, and what makes them suitable or unsuitable for different types of live music event. Consideration should be given to location and what constraints might exist in terms of access, noise, disruption, power and security.
Music can be performed in a variety of locations and you will need to appreciate the challenges and opportunities each provide.
Places where music is performed:
Small and medium local venues
Spaces that range from pubs to clubs and small theatres that host music regularly or as part of mixed arts performances.Host a wide range of music, from small niche genres and styles, to pop and club bands and singers.Local promoters may use the venue for gigs and for club nights.Large multi-use spaces
Arenas, sports venues, outdoor spaces.Host touring productions linked TV programmes, rock and pop acts, stand-up comedy, site-specific theatre, circuses, festivals.Health, safety and security at venues
The health and safety of both audience and employees in venues is of prime importance and expressed in law. You should know about health and safety in the workplace and the responsibility of venues to ensure the health and safety of the audience. You should consider risk within venues and know the venues’ policies and procedures relating to health, safety and security.
Service Companies and Agencies
You should consider what equipment might be needed and what might be available from service companies and agencies. Consideration should be given to service companies and agencies and how their products support the music industry and why they are important and the pros and cons for musicians of working with agencies.
Even the smallest show needs the services of others to exist and as shows get more and more technical, service companies can get more and more specialised. It is important to understand who does what and how they can help.
Companies that provide services artists, venues and production companies:
Royalty Collection Agencies
The importance of adhering to legal requirements in terms of licensing, i.e. PPL licensing.Artists Representation
Management, public relations, agents, stylists.Hire Companies
Hire of sound and lighting equipment, rehearsal and studio space.Transport Companies
Transport equipment and materials for touring.How organisations interrelate and why these relationships are important
You should consider the wider range of personnel within the music industry in terms of who they are, what their areas of interest are, why their organisations exist and when they might be needed by others working in the music industry. Consideration should be given to the links between organisations and the support each organisation can help provide.
How promoters match acts to venue, e.g. location and type of venue, size and scale of performance area, facilities, technical equipment/support available, audience capacity, type and intention of performance, timing and availability, financial considerations.The importance of effective communication between those working in the industry.How promoters and musicians evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of hiring and buying equipment.How promoters and musicians find and select suppliers and installers of equipment.How promoters and musicians find and select transport companies for touring.How promoters secure funding for and market events.Performance/creative roles
You should consider the skills and responsibilities of each performer or creative role in terms of who does what and why it is important. Consideration should be given to the links between performers and creative roles and how the industry is built upon the relationships between skilled practitioners across the disciplines.
Musician
Instrumentalist, vocalist, accompanist, DJ.Auditioning, attending rehearsals (including technical and dress rehearsals), taking part in performances and workshops, marketing and promoting own work.Live Sound Technician
Stage planning, rigging, de-rigging, supervision of crew.Sound checking, ensuring mike and lines work correctly, adjusting levels, on stage mix, front of house (FOH) and monitor mixing.Roadie (Backline Technical Support)
Assisting with get-in, rigging, de-rigging, get-out specialist instrumental support, logistics, driving.Instrumental support, guitar tech, drum tech.Management and Promotion roles
You should consider the skills and responsibilities of management and promotional roles in terms of who does what and why it is important. Consideration should be given to the links between management and promotional roles and how the industry relies on skilled practitioners across the disciplines.
Artistic Management
Personal and financial management, advice and guidance, liaising with recording companies, arranging tours, fee negotiation.Venue Management
Booking events, licensing, management of staff, management of publicity for events, organising events security, health and safety of artists, audience and staff.Promoter
Identifying performance opportunities, venues and artists, securing finance for events, manages financial risk, insurance and safety.Getting a break and starting out
Although there is never a golden rule to follow, there are a number of steps available to help breaking in to the industry.
Research into individual stories; case studies, interviews, biography and autobiography can help inform others about breaking into the industry.Volunteering at festivals, shows and clubs.How and why (and if) a product should be given away for free, such as free downloads, free tickets, back-stage passes, guest-lists, promotional CDs.Where to find out about auditions, adverts, word-of-mouth, personal recommendations, making contacts, networking, hustling.Buying onto a tour; how much and for what audience and with what goal.
All information and resources tbe found under the BTEC web pages on the MyHighcliffe Classroom - Music