Working Musician's Handbook for Professional Success - (Music Pro Guides) by Kris Hawkins (Hardcover)

About the Book

Emmy-winning music producer, studio/session guitarist, and award-winning educator, Kris Hawkins explains some of the most basic and highly misunderstood concepts about what it takes to be a professional musician. This handbook is your navigator and will help you develop a work...

Book Synopsis

So, you've decided to become a professional musician--to turn your passion into a career. Now what? Unlike many professions, there is no clear-cut path to success in the music industry.

Emmy-winning music producer, studio/session guitarist, and award-winning educator, Kris Hawkins explains some of the most basic and highly misunderstood concepts about what it takes to be a professional musician. Questions are answered like: "How do I find a gig?"; "How much do I get paid?"; "What is a copyright?"; "What's a PRO?"

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Hawkins shares some of the insights that he has gained--successes as well as failures--in the hopes that you will learn from his missteps and triumphs. The Working Musician's Handbook for Professional Success focuses on real-life situations, including:

Asserting your valueDealing with clientsProtecting your workTreating your music as a businessFinancial managementFinding work and networking
There are many twists and turns within the music industry, and it can seem like a daunting task to try to understand it all. This handbook is your navigator and will help you develop a workable and effective strategy to start your career off on the right foot.

Review Quotes

"This book will provide the information that musicians of all levels can use to improve their place in the world of music. Kris Hawkins has performed and recorded with the greats. As an educator, he has been awarded "Teacher of the Year" honors multiple years running." --Francis Buckley, GRAMMY Award-winning engineer and producer

This book will provide the information that musicians of all levels can use to improve their place in the world of music. Kris Hawkins has performed and recorded with the greats. As an educator, he has been awarded "Teacher of the Year" honors multiple years running.

About the Author

Kris Hawkins is an Emmy-winning music producer, studio guitarist, and award-winning educator. His professional career began as a guitarist in Florida, eventually moving to Los Angeles where he immediately became an in-demand session musician for the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Dre, Dr. Luke, and more. He instructs at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood.