Touring Careers: Music Industry Job Descriptions

Job Descriptions and Skills Required for Touring Jobs in the Music Industry

If you’re interested in pursuing a touring career in the music industry, it’s important to know what types of jobs are available and what skills are required. Some common touring jobs include tour manager, production manager, audio engineer, lighting technician, merchandiser, and more.

Each of these concert touring jobs requires a different set of skills, but there are some general qualities that are helpful for anyone working in the touring industry, such as flexibility, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

Depending on the specific job, technical production skills may also be required. To succeed in a touring career, it’s essential to have a passion for live music and a willingness to work long hours, often under high-pressure and fast-paced conditions.

How to Land a Touring Job: Tips for Building Your Career

Getting started in a touring career can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to build your skills and make connections in the industry.

Some tips for landing a touring job include building your technical skills through internships or entry-level positions, networking with industry professionals, and being willing to start at the bottom and work your way up.

It’s also important to have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn from more experienced professionals.

Building a portfolio of work and creating a personal brand can also help you stand out from other job seekers.

Having a solid touring resume is another great way to help yourself stand apart when applying to concert crew jobs.

Life on the Road: Pros and Cons of Touring Careers

Touring careers offer a unique lifestyle that can be both rewarding and challenging.

Some of the benefits of touring include the opportunity to travel and see new places, working with talented musicians and performers, and being part of a close-knit community.

However, touring can also be physically and emotionally demanding, with long hours and time away from family and friends. It’s important to consider the lifestyle and make sure it’s a good fit for your personal and professional goals before pursuing a touring career.

Career Development and Advancement in the Touring Industry

Once you’ve landed a touring job, there are opportunities for career development and advancement within the industry.

Building your skills and experience can lead to higher-paying and more advanced roles, as well as opportunities to work with bigger and more well-known artists.

Networking with industry professionals and staying up-to-date with the latest technology and trends can also help you stay competitive and advance your career.

It’s important to have a clear career path and set goals for yourself in order to achieve success in the touring industry.

Types of Touring Careers: From Stagehands to Tour Managers

There are a variety of jobs as a concert roadie available in the music industry, from entry-level positions such as a stagehand to more advanced roles such as tour manager or production manager.

Some of the professions are touring adjacent in the sense that they are integral to the operations of a tour, but they may not actually be on the road with the artist, band, and crew.

Each role requires different skills and experience, but there are opportunities for advancement and growth within the industry for those who are dedicated and hardworking. Below are some examples of touring crew jobs.

1. Audio Engineers

Operate and maintain audio equipment for live events, concerts, and recording studios.

2. Audio/Visual Manufacturers

Design, manufacture, and distribute audio and visual equipment used in live events, concerts, and recording studios.

3. Backline Technicians

Set up and maintain musical instruments and equipment for live performances.

4. Bass Technicians

Manage and maintain bass guitars and related equipment for live performances.

5. Broadcast Professionals

Work in television and radio broadcasting, including producers, directors, technicians, and on-air talent.

6. Business Management

Provide financial services to individuals and businesses, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial planning.

7. Camera Operators

Operate cameras and related equipment to capture footage for live events, concerts, and television broadcasts.

8. Carpenters

Build and install sets and stages for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

9. Coach Companies

Provide transportation services for touring artists and crews, including buses and vans.

10. Concert Photographers

Capture photographs of live performances and events for promotional and archival purposes.

11. Concert Videographers

Capture video footage of live performances and events for promotional and archival purposes.

12. Corporate Event Planners

Plan and coordinate corporate events, such as conferences, meetings, and product launches.

13. Creative Directors

Develop and oversee creative concepts for live events, concerts, and advertising campaigns.

14. Crewing & Payroll Companies

Provide staffing and payroll services for live events, concerts, and film and television productions.

15. Directors Freight/Cargo Carriers

Provide freight and cargo transportation services for live events, concerts, and touring productions.

16. Drafter

Create technical drawings and plans for sets, stages, and other production elements.

17. Drum Technicians

Manage and maintain drums and related equipment for live performances.

18. Electricians

Install and maintain electrical systems and equipment for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

19. Event Safety Professionals

Ensure the safety of event attendees and crew members by implementing safety procedures and protocols.

20. Event Security Professionals

Provide security services for live events, concerts, and other public gatherings.

21. FOH Engineers

Manage and operate sound equipment for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

22. Guitar Technicians

Manage and maintain guitars and related equipment for live performances.

23. Hospitality

Provide catering and other hospitality services for touring artists and crews.

24. Hotel Reps & Executives

Work in the hospitality industry, including hotel management and sales.

25. Keyboard Technicians

Manage and maintain keyboards and related equipment for live performances.

26. Law Firms

Provide legal services to individuals and businesses, including contract negotiations and dispute resolution.

27. Lighting Designers

Create and design lighting concepts for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

28. Lighting Directors

Operate and manage lighting equipment for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

29. Lighting Technicians

Set up and maintain lighting equipment for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

30. Logistic Providers

Provide logistics services for live events, concerts, and touring productions, including transportation and storage.

31. Merchandise

Create and distribute merchandise for touring artists and events, including t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia.

32. Monitor Engineers

Manage and operate sound equipment for live events, concerts, and theater productions, with a focus on monitoring the audio for performers.

33. Private Air Charters

Provide private air transportation services for touring artists and crews.

34. Production Assistants

Assist with various tasks related to live events, concerts, and theater productions, including setting up equipment and assisting performers.

35. Production Coordinators

Coordinate and manage various aspects of live events, concerts, and theater productions, including scheduling, logistics, and budgeting.

36. Production Managers

Plan, organize, and oversee all aspects of live events, concerts, and theater productions, including scheduling, budgeting, and personnel management.

37. Production Vendors

Provide equipment and supplies for live events, concerts, and theater productions, including lighting, sound, and staging equipment.

38. Projection Designers

Design and create visual content for projection systems used in live events, concerts, and theater productions.

39. Projection Technicians

Set up and operate projection systems for live events, concerts, and theater productions.

40. Promoters

Plan, organize, and promote live events, concerts, and other performances, including booking artists and coordinating marketing efforts.