Concerts and Touring

This course explores the various aspects of producing and promoting successful tours and shows. Emphases include: (1) The promoter's and artist's team’s ability to produce successful shows, taking into consideration such matters as competition, population, guarantees and percentage splits, ticket pricing and distribution, advertising budgets, production costs, sponsorship opportunities, rental agreements, labor, security, concessions, tour packages, and venue choices; and (2) Managing and producing a successful tour, including such aspects as routing, itineraries, riders, offers, contracts, subcontractors, show and tour personnel, merchandising, sponsorships, day-of-show, and show settlements. 

The shifts in music consumption habits and the creative economy–most notably from physical products and digital downloads to streaming–have made touring, live events, and merchandise the primary sources of income for most musicians. This course provides students with the foundational knowledge and experience necessary to set up and operate successful, engaging, safe, and financially viable tours.