The Touring Musician's Handbook

The Touring Musician's Handbook. Music Pro Guide Books & DVDs. Softcover with DVD. 256 pages. Published by Hal Leonard.

Containing everything you ever wanted to know about being a musician on a tour with a signed recording group or performer, the Touring Musician's Handbookanswers the questions every musician has about moving up to the big-time world of concerts, clubs, and live shows. Among the topics covered are:

* how to become a touring musician

* Getting a gig with a touring act

* The kind of chops and gear needed

* How the audition process works

* Different types of tours and pay scales

* What to expect in production rehearsals

* How to prep for a tour

* Proper tour etiquette

* What to look for in a tech

The book also looks into the unique challenges facing touring players according to their instruments, including drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals, percussion, horns, and strings. As a bonus, interviews with veteran touring musicians and techs provide an overview of touring with some of the biggest acts in the world. A DVD that covers tour preparation based on both personal and equipment needs accompanies the book.