Road Manager: The Key to a Successful Tour
The life of a musician on the road is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Between traveling, performing, and dealing with logistics, there’s a lot to manage. That’s where the road manager comes in. A road manager is essential to the success of any tour. In this article, we’ll explore the duties of a road manager, the skills required for the job, and how to become a road manager.
What is a Road Manager?
A road manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of a touring musician’s life. This can include booking transportation and lodging, managing the tour budget, coordinating with venues, and handling any emergencies that arise. They are the go-to person for the artist and the rest of the touring crew.
Duties of a Road Manager
The road manager’s responsibilities are vital for a successful tour. From booking transportation and lodging to managing the tour budget and handling emergencies, they ensure smooth operations and unforgettable performances.
Booking Transportation and Lodging
One of the primary duties of a road manager is to book transportation and lodging for the touring party. This can include flights, buses, and hotels. They must ensure that everyone arrives at each destination on time and that everyone has a comfortable place to stay.
Managing the Tour Budget
The road manager is responsible for managing the tour budget. They must ensure that the tour stays within budget and that there is enough money to cover all expenses. This can include paying for transportation, lodging, food, and other expenses.
Coordinating with Venues
The road manager must coordinate with the venues where the artist will be performing. This can include arranging for sound checks, ensuring that the venue has the necessary equipment, and making sure that everything runs smoothly during the show.
Handling Emergencies
The road manager must be prepared to handle any emergencies that arise during the tour. This can include dealing with medical emergencies, lost equipment, or any other unexpected issues that may arise.
Skills Required for the Job
To be a successful road manager, there are several skills that are required. These include:
- Organization: The road manager must be highly organized and able to keep track of many details at once.
- Communication: The road manager must be able to communicate effectively with the artist, the touring crew, and the venues.
- Problem-solving: The road manager must be able to think on their feet and come up with solutions to unexpected problems.
- Budgeting: The road manager must be able to manage the tour budget effectively.
- Time management: The road manager must be able to manage their time effectively and ensure that everyone arrives at each destination on time.
How to Become a Road Manager
To become a road manager, there are several steps you can take:
Gain Experience
The first step is to gain experience in the music industry. This can include working as a tour manager, a production assistant, or a stage manager.
Network
Networking is essential in the music industry. Attend industry events and conferences and connect with other professionals in the field.
Get Educated
There are several educational programs that can help you prepare for a career as a road manager. One such program is the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program covers a wide range of topics, including artist management, touring, and live events.
Apply for Jobs
Once you have gained experience and education, start applying for road manager jobs. You can find job openings on industry job boards or through networking contacts.
Key Takeaways
A road manager is an essential part of any successful tour. They are responsible for coordinating all aspects of a musician’s life on the road, including transportation, lodging, budgeting, and emergencies. To be a successful road manager, you must be highly organized, an effective communicator, a problem solver, and have strong budgeting and time management skills. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a road manager, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this exciting field.
