Concert Promoter Jobs

About This Music Career

The Concert Promoter puts concerts together, but really has many other duties as well. First and foremost, the Promoter needs to secure required venture money either by raising and investing money, becoming the backer him or herself. In other cases, the promoter seeks out others who will share in the expenses and subsequent profits.

With so many variables, the Concert Promoter must have a definite plan of action. They need to figure out things like what city will the concert take place, what type of venue will be used, when will the show be, how many shows will be promoted, who will headline the show, etc.

One of the most important things a Promoter can do is create the preliminary budget. This is important because if the Promoter is under-budget, then they will lose money – he or she is in a much better position if they over-budget because they will have extra funds should something not go according to plan. This preliminary budget will be reworked after negotiations for the main act have taken place.

Once negotiations are completed by the Promoter (including signing the headliner and supporting act and renting the venue) then the agent must then turn their attention to selling tickets. To do this, the Concert Promoter must advertise, figuring out where to spend advertising whether it's on the radio or TV, or in print. Also, the Promoter will print and post flyers, poster and more. He or she will also need a place to sell the tickets, which can be the box office of the concert venue, a ticket agency or local record stores.

The Concert Promoter will probably work with the act's record company or the act themselves, figuring out interviews, publicity stunts, press conferences, and more, all done in an attempt to build excitement for the show. It is also common for the Promoter to hire a Publicist or public relations firm to help orchestrate. The promoter or the Publicist also makes sure the press releases, press kits, and free tickets are delivered to media prior to the event.

The Concert Promoter supervises any workers, or specialists who have been hired. Additionally, depending on the circumstances under which the concert venue is rented, the promoter may be responsible for hiring and/or supervising others including ushers, stage managers, security guards, lighting and sound technicians, and equipment movers.

On the night of the concert, the Promoter, usually with the act's Manager or Road manager will usually pay the act any money that was not advanced to them when the contract was signed. Once expenses are accounted for at the box office, the Promoter will know if he or she made money or not. After the show, many promoters throw parties, either for the act or for the people who helped pull the event together. The Promoter may work on the entire tour of an act, or just one sole concert.

This career is best suited for those who can take financial risks. He or she must also have a high level of stamina and enthusiasm in order to execute a successful event, or even try another promotion if one has failed.

Salaries
The Concert Promoter's salary is influenced by a number of variables, including where (geographically) shows are being promoted, how successful the talent is, etc. Because their pay is tied to show profits, if the show is successful, they'll be paid. Likewise, the Concert Promoter can lose money if the show fails. Those who do experience success can earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per year – some Promoters have earned more than $1,000,000.

Employment
Due to the fact that these Promoter positions are secured by those who have proven themselves successful, turnover is slow and prospects are weak. It is sometimes easier to get started with smaller promotional field of halls and clubs newer acts.

Advancement
As mentioned, because of low turnover, it is difficult to advance in the concert promotion field. Agents prefer those with a proven track record. If an individual has a great deal of money to promote shows, many valuable industry contacts, and the willingness to take a chance, possibilities for success increase.

Education and Training

You do not need a formal education to be a Concert Promoter, and some of those who are in the business have no education whatsoever. However, there are also some who hold degrees from some of the nation's top universities. It never hurts to have some type of business background, and learning the basics of music promotion from a college course or music seminar might is helpful too.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Those who do have a background in music are the ones who usually make the most money. This is partly because they have a list of contacts they can call upon for assistance. Also, sufficient funds to promote shows properly is necessary for success.

Unions and Associations
Concert Promoters probably work with a few unions when putting together a concert, but do not belong to any. Many Concert Promoters are associate members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), which is the organization that gives out the Grammy awards. Promoters may also belong to other associations like Country Music Association (CMA) or the Gospel Music Association (GMA).

Suggestions for Getting Started