Behind the Scenes: Creating a Live Music Event (Different Job Roles)

• Music Business
• Special Education

Behind the Scenes: Creating a Live Music Event

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the different job roles involved in creating a live music event

Introduce the learning objective and emphasize its importance to the students.

As a class, name some job roles in the live music industry that you already know.

Event Coordinator

Event coordinators are responsible for organising and overseeing all aspects of the event.

This includes:

- Selecting a venue

- Managing a budget

- Arranging on-site vendors

- Solving any problems that arise during or before the event

- Managing all other job roles

- Attending event to ensure everything goes smoothly

Explain the role of the event coordinator and provide examples of their responsibilities.

Venue Manager

Oversees the venue and ensures that all equipment is in working order. 

They handle the venue bookings, supervise all operations, and ensure that the location is safe and equipped for hosting events. They are also responsible for managing the ground and property maintenance and supervising all staff members.

They give the go-ahead for the event venue to be used. 

Describe the role of the venue manager and their importance in the success of the event.

Sound Engineer

Responsible for the sound quality of the event. Their responsibilities include:

- Rigging up microphones and sound equipment.

- Completing sound checks before a performance. 

- Operating sound desks during the event.

- Unloading, setting up, dismantling and loading equipment at each venue when on tour

Explain the role of the sound engineer and provide examples of their responsibilities.

Lighting Engineer

Actions the lighting design and ensures that it complements the music. Their responsibilities include:

- Interpreting a lighting designer's plan

- Programming and operating manual and computer-controlled lighting systems.

- Planning where to run cables and place lights on stage.

- Setting up and taking down equipment.

Describe the role of the lighting designer and how their work enhances the live music experience.

Stage Manager

Coordinates the setup and teardown of the stage and equipment. Their responsibilities include:

- Supervising pre-event activities such as technical and safety checks.

- Ensuring that everyone is ready for curtain and in the wings in time for their entrances.

- Calling technical cues to the crew over a wireless headset.

- Managing furniture and props

- Liase with all other job roles to ensure that the creative vision of the artist /event coordinator is delivered.

Explain the role of the stage manager and provide examples of their responsibilities.

Promoter

Responsible for promoting the event and selling tickets. Promoters can work as entrepreneurs for their own events or can be employed by companies to promote events. Their responsibilities include:

- Scheduling event and pricing tickets.

- Finding and contacting venues for events. 

- Creating a network of connection that they can call upon when needed. 

- Using social media and in-person contact to spread awareness about events.

- Encouraging attendance at events by using sales and negotiation techniques.

If a promoter is promoting his or her own event, this is the person that all other job roles will report to. 

Explain the role of the promoter and how their work contributes to the success of the event.

Road Crew

Assists with the setup and teardown of equipment and ensures that it is transported safely. Roadies report to and take directions from the stage manager. Their responsibilities include:

- lifting and carrying equipment and sets

- driving, loading and unloading vans, trailers and tour buses

- setting up and looking after sound equipment

- installing video equipment and screens

- rigging up sound and lighting equipment

- tuning instruments before and during the show.

Explain the role of the road crew and provide examples of their responsibilities.

Booking Agent

Responsible for booking artists, bands and DJ's to perform at live events. Booking agents can work on behalf of events or on behalf of artists. They get artist/bands live shows in return for a percentage of the money they will be paid (often 10-15%). If you want to book a certain artist, you must contact them via their booking agent. A booking agents responsibilities include:

- Booking concerts, gigs and festivals for bands/artists. 

- Developing an artist/bands career with regards to live performances. 

-  Negotiating and issuing contracts, collecting deposits and sending out promotional material.

Describe the role of the merchandise manager and how their work contributes to the overall experience of the event.

Other Roles

In addition, here are some other roles we will need to take into account...

- Artist Liaison: Ensuring the performers are happy, have food and drink and aware of when they are on stage

- Health and Safety: Assessing and implementing health and safety measures to ensure that the venue is safe during the event

- Photography and Videography: Taking photos/videos of the event, artists and behind the scenes to capture what it's about

- Host: introduce the event and the performers. Thanking the audience and performers.

- Performers: Would you like to perform at the event? 

Describe the role of the merchandise manager and how their work contributes to the overall experience of the event.

Activity

Conclude the lesson by reviewing the different job roles and ensuring that students have a clear understanding of each one.

What is the primary responsibility of a Stage Manager?

1. Selling concert tickets
2. Operating sound equipment
3. Overseeing the logistics of a live performance
4. Negotiating contracts with artists

What does a Sound Engineer typically do?

1. Handling tour bookings for artists
2. Managing the lighting during a live show
3. Setting up and operating audio equipment during live performances
4. Promoting concerts and events Promoting concerts and events

What is the role of a Booking Agent?

1. Managing the financial aspects of a music event
2. Coordinating marketing and promotion for an artist
3. Negotiating performance contracts and arranging tour dates
4. Managing the stage during a live concert

What does a Promoter do?

1. Managing the finances of a music venue
2. Handling technical aspects of sound equipment
3. Promoting concerts and events to attract audiences
4. Coordinating travel arrangements for touring artists

Activity 2

Select one of the job roles that we've discussed this lesson and do some research on the below:

- How can someone gain a career in this job role?

- What skills does someone in this profession need?

- What are some companies that someone in this profession can work for?

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