Musicians are inherently creative individuals, but only in recent years has the necessity of entrepreneurial skills in business and promotion been recognized as crucial to success. Pittman’s volume brings together a collection of interviews with people who are directly involved in various aspects of the music industry: performers, producers, and educators. The result is very helpful advice from individuals on what they have learned in their diverse music careers. Some of the interviewees' names will be immediately recognized (like Mike Curb), while others will be known only from their work with particular artists, such as Taylor Swift. Many of the contributors are closely associated with the Nashville music scene. The author also includes very useful but brief motivational chapters on vision, imagination, rejection, procrastination, tenacity, and similar topics. Though much of what is learned in the volume should be familiar to musicians, the range and organization of the 34 chapters provide a convenient way of aiding musicians in developing a creative and entrepreneurial strategy for a successful career. Working musicians today must be business savvy; they will find this book well worth their time. Recommended. Practitioners only.

Choice Reviews

“This book is chock full of valuable insights and anecdotes from a wide array of legendary and working musicians, as well as music business professionals. It provides a modern blueprint for navigating the business and its many challenges. Menzie Pittman has pulled back the curtain to give new musicians the best possible tools for success. I wish I had this book when I was starting my career as a drummer.”

John DeChristopher, drummer, creator & host of Live From My Drum Room Podcast

Wow, I wish this book was available when I was first starting out in the music business. Menzie Pittman and his guests help the aspiring creative really learn what it takes to survive, and ultimately succeed, in today’s rapidly changing music industry.

David Tough, professor, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Belmont University