Managing a band

A major key for the success of a band is the way it is managed. A good band manager should possess a combination of business savvy, organization, industry knowledge, people skills, and common sense.

If you’re putting a band together, chances are you’ll also be the manager. Here are some tips that may help and a list of a band manager's duties.

Plan in advance

Managing a band actually begins before you assemble it. The people you choose should not only be talented, but also dependable and compatible with the other members. One responsibility of a good manager is keeping the band together; If the members don’t get along, that won’t happen.

Establish authority from the beginning. Let the members know that their opinions are valuable and advice is welcome but the final word is yours.

A manager’s duties

Based upon my own experience, here’s a list of a band manager’s duties. Some duties can certainly be delegated, but the manager bears the ultimate responsibility for each.

• Scheduling rehearsals. This can be a daunting task, especially if the band members have other jobs, which is often the case with a startup band. All members should be at every rehearsal to avoid having to re-teach the songs. 
• Choosing material. Individual band members will likely bring in material they want to play. As manager, you should always take suggestions, but avoid songs that don’t fit the band’s style or won’t work in front of a crowd.
• Assembling a play list. A good manager knows what songs appeal to an audience and how to assemble a list that provides optimum enjoyment.
• Promoting the band. Promotion is important, and the manager should be familiar with methods of getting the band’s name out into the public and the music industry. 
• Booking gigs. The manager is responsible for booking engagements, maintaining a calendar, and keeping band members informed.
• Handling the money. A bank account should be opened and the manager should sign the checks. I found that it’s best for all band members to know exactly how much money is coming in and where it’s going. That avoids any money disputes.
• Coordinating each engagement. It's the manager's job to consult with the person in charge of the gig regarding equipment set-up and sound check, and makes sure all band members know the schedule.
• Resolving internal disputes. A band is both a business and a family, and it’s inevitable that conflicts will arise. The manager should handle them tactfully, but be firm if a band member is obviously out of line.
• Establishing a pleasant and trusting working atmosphere. Playing in a band should be fun, and it’s the manager’s responsibility to make it so. All band members should have equal input and they should be allowed some leeway regarding their personal quirks. A happy musician is a good musician.