What does a Touring Musician do?
Some say that life on tour is nothing but truck-stop burgers and dirty laundry. Others say it's the nonstop rush of adoring fans and the open road. A typical day for a touring musician begins with a drive from one city to another, followed by load-in and sound check at the venue.
At a Glance
Almost all performing musicians will go on tour at some point in their careers, but it's a smaller number that make it their professional specialty.
Professional touring musicians, on the other hand, are usually auditioned and hired by a band or artist. First-time touring musicians are unlikely to be hired without significant prior touring experience and proven performance abilities.
- Deep instrumental proficiency
- Experience with touring
- Knowledge of and proficiency in many musical styles
- Live performance abilities
- Stage presence
- Networking
- Flexibility
Musicians who are flexible, free-spirited, and resilient thrive on tour. Communication skills are also vital, as the stress of touring can and often does trigger interpersonal conflicts between bandmates.
There's a reason musicians still tour when so much else about the music industry has changed. Touring offers the opportunity for musicians to connect with their listeners on a personal level, in the flesh.
