Course Sample

Sample Pages From The Course

Artist Development & Management Course.

By David J. Spangenberg
"Professor Pooch"

Music Business Career Guidance
Educator, Author, Consultant,
Entertainment Contract Specialist

© 1984, 1991, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
David J. Spangenberg
All Rights Reserved

Section 1: The Artist Looks for A Manager
[Note: "You" equals "Artist" - this section]

1. What Does A Professional Manager Do?

A.   A Manager is a person or company, who guides, counsels, advises and helps to provide employment.

B.   He/she/they are a protector, and "doer".

C.   They take all steps necessary to help you become a success.

D.   They make money when you make money; the more you make, the more they make. Their success comes through helping you to achieve your success.

E.   They can be an objective person who can look at all aspects of your situation, analyze them, and make a rational plan. They have to be able to look at you and your work differently than you do. Why?

1. Your work is intensely personal, and you're probably too emotionally tied to it.
2. Everyone needs a professional outside opinion, not friends or relatives. It's hard for them to give an honest, sound opinion.
1. They're too close to be honest and objective.
2. If they're not professionals, they're not qualified to give an opinion.

Do not mix up "Manager" with "Agent" - many people do! They are two different animals. Agents are "middle-men/women" who get "gigs" etc, for people. Managers, as you will see in the contract in "Section Two", may hire Agents for you when needed. Agents need an "Employment Agency License" to legally do their work. Managers, cannot legally "book" Artists, although some will book their Artists here and there, in the beginning.

2. When May You Need a Manager?

A.   When you've reached a certain, good level on your own, and can't seem to progress any higher, no matter what you do.

B.   When you may have no idea what you should do, or do next.

C.   You may be disorganized, lost, or simply not have the right contacts to get ahead any further. You realize you’re spinning your wheels and going nowhere.

3. When Don't You Need A Manager?

A.   If you're solely a Songwriter and not an Artist.

B.   You're happy being a local Band, or Group. Look into getting an "Agent", instead, if you wish, to help you.

C.   When you're just starting out.

4. Why Do You Need A Manager?

A.   "I don't need a Manager; I can do it all myself." That's not a good way of thinking, though you may be able to do it for a while, until you feel you're ready to really move ahead. Your major time should be focused on your Music, and your Fans!

B.   Strong musical, writing or singing talent does not necessarily mean you have good managerial ability.

C.   Your time is better spent creatively, constantly improving what you do.

D.   Do you really know what the best move is that you can make?

E.   Do you actually have an honest evaluation of your own work? Can you be objective about it?

5. A Top, Professional Manager...

A.   Has contacts in the music industry.

Remember: It's not just whom they know, but more importantly - who knows them!

B.   Knows what's happening in the industry - at the present time.

C.   Knows what Booking Agents, Publishers, Record Companies and any other would-be interested people or companies would be looking for.

D.   Probably has [should have] experience managing others.

E.   Knows the advantages and pitfalls in almost every situation that's likely to arise.

F.   Is "streetwise" in dealing in the industry.

G.   Can avoid blind alleys in negotiations, make fewer mistakes, and save you time and money.

H.   "Takes the heat off you" from your attorney, Band Members or Group, Club Owners and Managers, Booking Agents, Record Company exec.'s, etc. That is, they play "the bad guy" for you.

Many artists have killed either their recording or performing careers by fighting over assorted issues, either musically or business-oriented. Your Manager, not you, is the one to fight with the company or person! They can be the super tough "bad guy", or turn around and play "good guy" for you.

I.   Is totally up-to-date and knows and understands the "Digital Revolution" including the formats and their uses.

J.   Knows a lot about marketing and promotion, including the Web and keeps up with the latest technologies and techniques to stay a step ahead...

They can do so many things for you, if they're great. If they aren't, you'll curse the day you met them. But also keep in mind, no one has every quality you and others might think necessary, but they should be able to make up for any important of weaknesses by associating with others who can fill in the missing pieces.

"Our aim is to help guide you, protect you, and to answer any and all of your questions regarding the Creative, Business and Legal sides of the Music Business, in plain, easy-to-understand "People-Talk". No matter what style of Music, no matter what you do, no matter what stage of your career - we're here for you! Let us help you save wasted time and money..."

David J. Spangenberg
["Professor Pooch"]

Music Business Career Guidance,
Educator/Author/Advisor/Consultant
Entertainment Contract Specialist

E-mail David at: Pooch@professorpooch.com

2001 - David J. Spangenberg
All Rights Reserved
Professor Pooch LLC

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