Personalized Music Business Services
...for the 21st Century

Private, Personalized Music Business Services

David J. Spangenberg
[AKA "Professor Pooch"]

Music Business Consultant
Educator & Advisor
Contract Specialist

The Music Biz: “So who’s Professor Pooch, really, and what can he personally do for me?”

Since so many people have asked what I actually do in the music industry and how I may be able to help them, I thought I’d first give you a glimpse into my background and what makes me tick, and then explain how I may be able to help you and others not only get in the door, but safely up the stairs and into a business I’ve been in full-time for over 30 years…

My Background:

A Violinist at age 8 [I sucked, but I learned a lot about music, itself], a Guitarist at 13, a Performer, Arranger and Producer by 18, I’ve always been interested in Music and the Music Industry. I received my first Professional break at 16 when I met Producer Jimmy Ienner [3 Dog Night, The Raspberries, Eric Carmen, etc.] when he heard a group I was working with. Meanwhile, a song I wrote with another writer for another Artist was coming out on a Major Label - without my name on it! At that point I decided I better step back and learn and experience the Business and Legal Side of The Music Business as well doing this Artist thing!

To make a very long story very short, while given the "star treatment" as a Singer-songwriter with a couple of major record producers of the time, Jimmy Ienner, and Gene McDaniels [Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, etc.], I picked up everything I could from my music business surroundings, working in and around Studios, Publishing, Management and Recording Companies, etc..

Starting in the late ‘70's, many frustrated creative and business oriented individuals and companies started coming to me asking for help regarding their careers. I realized how much I really enjoyed helping people, and I soon found myself guiding other people's careers.

In 1991 I was asked to develop and teach the "Artist Management", "Songwriting/Music Publishing", and "Entertainment Law" Courses at the "Art Institute of Philadelphia" in the various Music Business Departments. It was there, that I really realized how much I loved sharing my knowledge and experience, as well as writing about the Music Biz.

Around 2004, with a big help from the Internet, I was able to fully come out from behind-the-scenes. Now, instead of trying to get professional Musicians, Artists, Managers, etc., OUT of messes, I could now help prevent a lot of people from getting INTO messes in the first place. I could therefore help them save a lot of wasted time, money and energy going in the wrong direction, and could help prevent them from getting ripped off…

What do I do:

Picture having a Personal Music Business Manager - without ever signing a contract with that Manager! A “Manager” who can answer any and all of your questions in simple, down-to-earth language, as well as guide your career in whichever direction you choose, whether you are on the business and/or creative sides… Who can also write, explain, negotiate and mediate all your legal contracts…

Simply put, I'm a Music Business Consultant, Educator, Advisor, Mediator and Contract Specialist. I've been guiding Music Business Careers for over 25 years, covering the Creative, Business & Legal/Contractual sides. I usually can answer anyone's questions on any facet of the Music Business - no matter what style of music [excepting classical/opera], or what stage of their career they're at.

I guide: Artists/Groups/Bands, Songwriters and Producers, etc., on the Creative end; and Managers, Publishers, Production Companies & Indie Labels, etc., on the Business and Legal end. My aim is to help people and/or their companies “Get In, Survive, & Succeed in the Music Business - Without Getting Ripped Off!"

Note: I am NOT an attorney! I have taught quite a few attorneys as well as many others Entertainment Law [Mostly Music Business related], and the Music Business and how it operates. They soon find out, especially in the Music Industry, that it’s not always just what’s IN a Contract that can hurt you, but also what’s been left OUT of it!

What I Charge: Contrary to popular belief, Pooches have to eat, too, but no, I don’t charge for every email, short phone call and that kind of stuff. You’re not always on the clock! Otherwise, my pricing structure is very simple:

I charge unsigned acts and newer companies $65 an hour. When they become more successful, it becomes $95 per hour. I have set prices for most contracts I write [fully personalized to you and your exact situation!]. Negotiating and explaining contracts falls under the $65 per hour charge.

Contract-wise, I’m not a believer in dragging things out, but I am into making sure my client is protected. Simply put, I’ve been doing Contracts for over 25 years, so I know and understand them, and since I also know the Music Industry and how it operates, I can be quick - but still be thorough. And like an Attorney, everything is kept strictly confidential…

Examples of my Services can be divided into:

Career Guidance: By Phone & In Person. Personalized Musical & Music Business Career Guidance for those interested in becoming successful either on the Musical and/or the Music Business End. More...

Artist Development: In simple terms, "Artist Development" is the Creative, Musical side of "Career Guidance". In effect, we help an Artist creatively [as well as mentally and physically] reach their full potential. More...


Contractual Services: Whether you are on the Musical or Business side of the Music Business, you must realize that Contracts can either help you, hurt you, or just be worthless. David can write contracts for you, explain contracts to you in simple English, help protect you, negotiate for you -whatever's necessary. More...


Personal Appearances: Personalized Music Business Web and in person Speeches, Lectures, Seminars, Q. & A.s, etc. encompassing all segments of the Music Business. For beginners... to seasoned veterans... More...

If you wish more information, or have any questions, please e-mail David at:

Pooch@professorpooch.com

with "Pooch" somewhere in the Subject, please