The best way to learn be a music promoter is to offer one's services to a working promoter, free of charge if necessary. Making oneself indispensable to a promoter's operation is the best way to be hired for a paying job. When the time comes to start up one's own promoting business, the skills learned during apprenticeship will be vital. The jobs available in music promotion each reflect one facet of the promoter's knowledge.
Logistics
Promoters must schedule the pre-concert sound check and ensure that the dressing room is available and laid out according to the musicians' contract. Local transportation, meals and hotel accommodations must be arranged by the promoter. One person will be designated as the liaison or facilitator for the band and road crew.
Booking
The promoter must have intimate knowledge of the local music scene. This extends to booking an opening act or support band, arranging for rental of the appropriate local venue based on capacity and rental fees and dealing with the artists' representatives.
Publicity
This job requires the most personal magnetism and networking ability. Concert advertising must be bought and media contacts must be worked, which requires both financial and public relations skills. Putting up posters and fliers around town can require long working hours.
Legal
While a promoter does not require an attorney on staff, someone in the operation needs to have skill in handling matters of contracts and payment. A staffer with legal knowledge or experience is invaluable in this context.
Ticket Sales and Front-of-House
The promoter is often required to run the box office and contract for a sound engineer. Additionally, proper equipment such as a mixing board and monitors must be put in place if the band does not bring its own.
Budgeting
At the end of the day, the promoter hopes to make money. The organization requires someone with financial acumen to keep the books and minimize expenses while maximizing income.
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