TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 - THE MAKING OF A TOURING MUSICIAN

Introduction

    Meet The Contributors

    Bobby Owsinski Bibliography

Chapter 1 - The Mystique of Touring

    The Differentiators

    People You’ll Encounter

        The Musical Director (MD)

        Road/Tour Manager

        Stage Manager

        The Crew

        The Artist’s Manager

    Interfacing With The Artist

Chapter 2 - A History Of The Touring Musician

    The Troubadours

    The Minstrels

    The Touring Orchestras

    The Wild West

    Vaudeville   

    The Big Band Era

    The Bebop Era

    Country Music On The Road

    The Chitlin Circuit

    Touring In The 50’s And 60’s

    The 70’s - The Turning Point

   

Chapter 3 - The Touring Musician’s Difference

    Attributes of a Touring Musician

        Your Chops

        Your Personality

        Your Onstage Demeanor

        Your Gear

    A Sideman’s Mindset

        Having A Boss

        Your Ego

        Your Ability To Take Criticism

Chapter 4 - Different Types Of Tours

    Tour Duration

        The Local Show

        The One-off

        The Fly Date

        The Mini-Tour

        The Full Tour

        The Corporate Gig

    Types Of Shows

        House Concerts

        Clubs

        Small Halls

        Large Halls

        Arenas

        Sheds

        Stadiums

        Festivals

    Promo Tours

    International Touring

Chapter 5 - How Do I Become A Touring Musician?

    Getting Noticed

        Your Band

        By Referral

        By A Manager

        From An MD

        By Being Seen

        From A Recording

        By Reputation

        By Association

        By An Advert

        Networking

    The Audition

        Know The Material

        Don’t Be Late

        How You Look Counts

        Your Onstage Demeanor Also Counts

        Bring The Right Gear

        Be Nice To Everyone

Chapter 6 - How Much Money Will I Get Paid?

    Normal Pay Rates

    Per Diem

    How You’re Paid

    Ways To Save Money

        Your Budget

        Venue Catering

        Your Hotel

        Send It Home

        Exchange Rates

    Other Considerations

    Questions To Ask

   

Chapter 7 - Your Gear

    Everything Must Work!

        And Your Need A Backup

    Road Cases

        The ATA Standard

        Types Of Road Cases

        Protective Foam

        How Cases Get Damaged

Chapter 8 - Tour Rehearsals

    It’s All About The Preparation

        Coping The Sounds

        Stage Setup

    The Rehearsals

        The First Rehearsal

        Other Rehearsals

        The Last Rehearsal

        Rehearsal Etiquette

Chapter 9 - Preparing For The Tour

    What To Pack

        General Clothing

        Stagewear

        Toiletries

        Private Time Items

        Other Useful Items

        Keep your weight down

    Additional Preparations   

        Sign Up For Your Perks
        Check With Your Doctor

        Insurance

Chapter 10 - The Tour

    The Day Sheet

        Get Your Apple On

    The Tour Bus

        The Bus Itself

        Life On The Bus

    Your Hotel Room

        Have A Routine

    The Venue

    SoundCheck

    The Show

    After The Show

    Staying Healthy

        Your Diet

        Keep Exercising

    Traveling International

        Your Passport

            How To Obtain A Passport

            Keep It Close

        Dealing With Jet Lag

        Flying With Gear

    Finally

PART 2 - PLAYERS GUIDES

Chapter 11 - The Touring Guitar Player

    Be Your Own Tech

        The Guitar Player’s Utility Kit

    Your Guitar Tech

        Where To Find A Tech

        The Tech’s Responsibilities

        The Tech’s Toolbox

        Communicating With Your Tech

    A Word About Gear

        Keep Your Amps Reliable

        Pedalboards

Chapter 12 - Guide For Bass Players

    Be Your Own Tech

        The Guitar Player’s Utility Kit

    Your Bass Tech

        Where To Find A Tech

        The Tech’s Responsibilities

        Communicating With Your Tech

    A Word About Gear

        Keep Your Amps Reliable

Chapter 13 - Guide For Drummers and Percussionists

    Be Your Own Tech

        Tuning The Drums

        The Drummer’s Utility Kit

    Your Drum Tech

        Where To Find A Tech

        What To Look For In A Tech

        The Tech’s Responsibilities

        The Tech’s Toolbox

        Communicating With Your Tech

Chapter 14 - Guide For Vocalists

    Take Care Of Yourself

        If You Get A Sore Throat

        Singer’s Utility Kit

Chapter 15 - Guide For Keyboard Players

    Be Your Own Tech

        The Quick Setup

        The Keyboard Player’s Utility Kit

    Your Keyboard Tech

        Where To Find A Tech

        What To Look For In A Tech

        The Tech’s Responsibilities

        The Tech’s Toolbox

        Communicating With Your Tech

    Keep Your Gear Reliable

Chapter 16 - Guide For Horn Players

    The Horn Player’s Utility Kit

    Your Case

        Some Precautions

        Flying With Your Case

    Being Miked

    Hearing Yourself On Stage

Chapter 17 - Guide For String Players

    The Difference With Pop Music

        A New Challenge

    Your Instrument On The Road

        The String Player’s Utility Kit

    Making Your Instrument Louder

    Hearing Yourself On Stage

PART 3 - THE INTERVIEWS

Walter Earl

Bob Glaub

Mike Holmes

Terry Lawless

Heather Lockie

Michael McConnell

Paul Mirkovich

Ed Wynne