The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business [Paperback]

Bobby Borg (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

An unparalleled insiders guide to surviving and thriving in the music business. In The Musician's Handbook veteran drummer Bobby Borg reveals his 25 must know secrets of perusing a successful career in music. Informative one to one interviews throughout the book with industry professionals make essential reading for musicians, songwriters, publicists, agents and anyone else who is interested in making a success in the music business. - Gets down to basics and provides a solid introduction to the business of music. - Filled with practical advise from the professionals

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

NOTE: The Musician's Handbook investigates the realities of the music business behind the glamorous fantasy world often portrayed in the media. It is designed to help you to understand the ins and outs of the music industry. At times it will seem harsh. But the more aware you are of the potential obstacles in your path, the better prepared you will be to overcome them. Whether you're out on the road, or just getting ready to cut your first record, it pays to be armed with as much ammunition as possible. Perhaps these quotes from Sun Tzu's The Art of War, an ancient Chinese strategy adapted by leading business professionals today, will illustrate this point:

"Know yourself and know your enemy and you will fight a hundred battles without disaster."

"Know the ground, know the weather; your victory will then be total."

From the Inside Flap

Though the Musician’s Handbook focuses on information that will increase your chances for success in the business, it’s important for musicians to understand that their passion for music is already their success. They've found something that gives them true meaning; and that's something that many people don't find till late in life or sometimes not all. Make sure to hold on to this emotion. Don't let your love for music be contingent upon getting a deal, being wealthy, or selling millions of records. That’s only the icing on the cake. Always remember that you choose music for your life because you loved it first and foremost. This way, you'll be happy whether you're performing before 30 people in a coffee house, or 30,000 in a stadium.

With musical talent, business preparation, and a realistic attitude you can have an extremely rewarding career in music, both creatively and financially. I trust you'll find The Musician's Handbook a valuable tool in helping you achieve your professional goals. Let’s get to it!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Billboard Books; 1st edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823083578
• ISBN-13: 978-0823083572
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #631,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely necessary, May 20, 2004

By 

Susanna Kurner "Zanna Jazz" (Carlsbad, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for someone just getting into the business. Not just for rockers, either! Easy to read and understand. The best part is, this guy's not bitter about the whole industry! It's great to read a book that doesn't just tell you how horrible everything is in this business and how you are destined to fail! He just gives you the facts along with great anecdotes.
You MUST buy this!!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS A MUST READ FOR EVERY SERIOUS MUSICIAN!!!, February 25, 2006

By 

Steven Archdeacon - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a SERIOUS musician or if you are truly serious about being in the entertainment business! I bought this book at the TAXI Music Convention in Hollywood, California after sitting through one of Bobby Borg's seminars. I thought to myself why not buy it and read it after all that is why I attended the Music Conference in the first place: to expand my knowledge about the music industry! That is exactly what this book does! In fact I like this book so much I bought 4 extra copies for my bandmates and a couple other people that I work with in the entertainment industry. This book is very easy to read and has tons of useful information in it. Once again if you are SERIOUS about being in the Music Industry you owe it to yourself to read this! Trust me you WON'T be disappointed!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have ! Carry it with you everywhere you go, July 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding the Music Business (Paperback)

Bobby Borg's book is a MUST HAVE! It's easy to read and he divides the book up in a way that you can skip around for quick references. I carry this book with me everywhere!!! His book is really a collection of facts that all artists need to know. Even if you are not an artist (exe upcoming manager) you still need to read this book. This is a step by step, no nonsense, straightforward understanding of every area in the music industry.