Top 5 Books On Music Business

You have created the music you always wanted to. Now what?

Many musicians struggle to make a living as full-time musicians. Musicians are good at their craft, but not all of them are good at selling their music. Most of them do not even know how the industry works and how to approach labels or studios. That’s why most people choose other careers to pay the bills and make music just a hobby.

But what if you can make a living just by selling your music, would you rather pick some other career?

In this article, I am sharing a list of the Top 5 Books to help you learn and master Music Business.

Even if you are not a musician, there is plenty you can do in the music industry to live off it. Reading these books will help you earn a living as a musician, entrepreneur, or anyone willing to work in the music industry.

Make sure you buy and read the latest editions of these books.

Top 5 Books On Music Business

Here’s a list of Top 5 Books On Music Business:

  1. All You Need To Know About The Music Business – by Donald S. Passman
  2. How to Make It in the New Music Business – by Ari Herstand
  3. Six-Figure Musician – by David Hooper
  4. Social Media Promotion For Musicians – by Bobby Owsinski
  5. Music Business Handbook and Career Guide – by David Baskerville & Timothy Baskerville

All You Need To Know About The Music Business

All You Need To Know About The Music Business – by Donald S. Passman is the ultimate guide to the music industry.

Donald S. Passman practices law in California and has specialized in the music business for more than thirty years, primarily representing talent.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author shares the ins and outs of the music industry from a legal perspective. He provides in-depth and up-to-date insight on the roles of music publishers, labels, managers, how sync licensing works, how streaming is affecting the music economy and artists. He gives his advice on how to negotiate a production contract, if it's worth signing with a label, merchandising etc.

This book contains lots of explanations, advice, case study and resources. Reading this book will help you conduct any business within the music industry without getting ripped off.

Who Is This Book For?

An essential read for any artist who wants to start their career in the music industry.

 

“If you want to be in music, you have to read this book.”

– Adam Levine, lead singer and guitarist of Maroon 5.

How to Make It in the New Music Business

How to Make It in the New Music Business – by Ari Herstand, is a comprehensive guide for people eager to make a living as a musician.

Ari Herstand is an American musician, songwriter, author, actor and blogger.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author shares his insight on building a loyal following, up-to-date information on social media, process on generating royalties, crowdfunding goals, video, merchandise, streaming and more. He shares his actual experiences of being a working artist and shows how to navigate the modern music business.

This book is a roadmap to a successful music career. It covers everything from how to email promoters to getting your music placed on TV and Film.

Who Is This Book For?

Musicians, entrepreneurs, or just anyone who wants to succeed in the music business.

Six-Figure Musician

Six-Figure Musician: How to Sell More Music, Get More People to Your Shows, and Make More Money in the Music Business – by David Hooper, is a practical guide that provides information on the music business and shows you how to make money with your music.

David Hooper specializes in helping upcoming musicians pursue music full time.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the author shares insightful information to help you make a living as a musician. He covers topics like how to get record labels, profitable ways to release music, marketing tricks, songwriting secrets, rules for social media, Super-fan secrets, email promotions, pros and cons based on your goals, how to sell your music and more. He advises on what it takes for a musician to make $150,000 per year with only 500 fans.

Reading this book will help you carve out a real living on your own terms, doing what you love. It will convince the older readers to believe why age doesn’t matter anymore.

Who Is This Book For?

A must-read for any musician struggling to make money.

Social Media Promotion For Musicians

Social Media Promotion For Musicians - by Bobby Owsinski, is a guidebook to help musicians to market themselves, their brand and their music online. Bobby Owsinski is an excellent audio engineer and bestselling audio author of many books. In this book, he lays out insightful information on social media promotions for musicians.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, Bobby reveals the latest insider secrets on how to use the most popular social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Blogs, Pinterest, TikTok, Artist Website as well as a mailing list to gain more fans, followers, streams and views. He provides techniques and tips to increase your online presence, engagements and develop your brand.

This book is a comprehensive overview that lays out the map to promote your music on social media as an artist, musician or producer.

Make sure you get the latest edition of this book to learn about the latest social media platforms.

Who Is This Book For?

Everybody needs promotion, why not learn it the right way. If you want to grow and better your artist presence online, this is the book for you.

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide

Music Business Handbook and Career Guide – by David Baskerville & Timothy Baskerville, is a most comprehensive up-to-date career guide to the music industry. Both authors have a diverse background in entertainment and media. In this book, they share their invaluable lessons to help the readers learn about the ins and outs of the music industry.

Why Do I Recommend This Book?

In this book, the authors share an introductory course that covers topics like introduction to music business, record industry, music business foundation, music careers, music and media, music merchandising, artist management, music and the law and more.

They share an in-depth discussion on the streaming revolution and its impact on different parts of the music industry. This book illustrates how musicians can advance their roles in music careers.

This book is an ideal read as a core textbook to any music business course.

Who Is This Book For?

A must-read for anyone interested in succeeding in the music industry of the 21st century.

 

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Udeeksh Sood on

Udeeksh is an Audio Engineer. He loves to produce music, research music gear, play guitar, go on treks and road trips.