How to Find Jobs with a Touring Band: Complete Guide

Working with a touring band is a dream job for many music enthusiasts. From the thrill of live shows to the chance to travel, these jobs come with both excitement and challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find jobs with a touring band, including the roles available, skills required, and tips to make your application stand out.

Table of Contents

1. How to Find Jobs with a Touring Band

Touring bands need a committed team to make every show successful. Here are some key jobs you can consider:

Road Crew Jobs: Known as “roadies,” these team members set up the stage, handle equipment, and pack up after the show. This job requires strength and stamina, as it involves heavy lifting and long hours.
Sound and Lighting Technicians: These experts help create the right sound and look for each performance. Sound techs make sure the band sounds great, while lighting techs use lights to set the mood on stage. Both roles need technical skills and the ability to work well under pressure.
Instrument Technicians: Also called “guitar techs” or “drum techs,” these specialists keep the band’s instruments in good condition. They tune guitars, replace strings, and make sure all instruments are ready for each show.
Management Roles: Tour managers and stage managers play a big part in keeping things organized. They plan schedules, solve problems, and handle any issues that come up. If you’re good with details and like working with people, these roles might be a great fit.

Understanding these jobs will help you decide which one suits your skills and interests, giving you a clear focus in your job search. How to Find Jobs with a Touring Band?

2. Building the Skills Needed for Touring Band Jobs

Working with a touring band isn’t just about having a love for music; it requires specific skills and attributes to succeed in this competitive field. If you want to learn how to find jobs with a touring band, here are some key qualities that will make you a strong candidate:

Physical Strength and Stamina: Touring is physically demanding, especially for roadies and crew members who help set up and take down equipment. The work is often fast-paced and requires a good level of physical fitness.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills: Every show and every venue is unique, meaning you’ll often encounter new challenges. Whether it’s a last-minute change in the setup or a technical glitch, the ability to adapt quickly and find solutions is essential.
Technical Knowledge: For sound, lighting, and instrument technicians, understanding your equipment inside and out is crucial. Take time to study and practice with soundboards, lighting rigs, or instruments to build the skills needed for these roles.
Communication Skills: Touring involves close teamwork. Whether you’re setting up the stage or handling an issue backstage, clear communication with other crew members is essential to keep things running smoothly.

Having these skills will not only improve your chances of landing a job but also help you succeed on tour.

3. Steps to Get Started in the Music Touring Industry

If you’re starting out, here’s how you can build your resume and gain the experience needed to work with a touring band:

Create a Music-Related Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience related to live events, music production, or technical skills. Even if you’ve only worked at local gigs or smaller events, those skills are relevant and can help showcase your abilities.
Networking with Industry Professionals: In the music industry, connections matter. Attend music industry events, volunteer at local gigs, or even reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Sometimes, landing a job with a band is about being in the right place at the right time.
Start Small to Build Experience: Big bands typically hire experienced professionals, so consider gaining experience with local bands or small touring groups. These roles can teach you the basics of tour life, and the experience you gain will strengthen your resume for larger gigs in the future.

By following these steps, you’ll be prepared to take on a role with a touring band when the opportunity comes. How to Find Jobs with a Touring Band?

4. Where to Look for Touring Band Job Opportunities

Once you’re ready to start applying, knowing where to find job postings is half the battle. Here are some of the best places to find touring band jobs:

Music Job Boards: Websites like Music Jobs, Indeed, and BandMix often list positions for touring roles, including roadies and sound technicians. Regularly checking these sites can help you discover new opportunities.
Social Media and Networking Groups: Platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are great for networking and job hunting. Join music industry groups or follow band management pages, as they sometimes share job openings related to touring bands.
Direct Applications to Bands: If there’s a specific band or artist you admire, think about reaching out to their management directly. While it may not always lead to immediate results, showing genuine interest and enthusiasm can sometimes help you get noticed for future job openings.

Having a mix of approaches can help you find and apply for more opportunities.

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5. Tips for Standing Out in Your Application for a Touring Band Job

Touring jobs are competitive, so making your application stand out is essential. Here’s how:

Tailor Your Application: Focus on any experience you have in live events, music production, or working with technical equipment. Mentioning your passion for the role and your relevant skills will show the hiring manager that you’re a great fit.
Prepare for Common Interview Questions: Be ready to answer questions about your experience with live music, problem-solving under pressure, and your ability to work in a team. Emphasize any past experiences that showcase your adaptability and technical expertise.
Follow Up After Applying: A polite follow-up email can show your continued interest in the role. While you don’t want to be too pushy, a brief message a week or so after applying can sometimes help keep your application top-of-mind.

By being proactive and prepared, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed and securing a job with a touring band. How to Find Jobs with a Touring Band?

6. The Realities of Life on Tour: Challenges and Rewards

Working with a touring band has its rewards, but there are challenges too. Here’s what to expect when you’re trying to find jobs with a touring band:

Challenges: Touring involves long hours, little sleep, and constant travel. You may go weeks without seeing family and friends, making it hard to find downtime to recharge. The demanding schedule can be tough, especially if you’re not prepared for the lifestyle.
Rewards: Despite the challenges, there are many perks to working with a touring band. The thrill of live shows, the chance to see new places, and the close bonds formed with band members and crew are significant benefits. For many, these rewards far outweigh the difficulties and make it a truly unique and fulfilling career.

Knowing what to expect will help you prepare for the realities of life on the road and equip you for the journey ahead in your quest to find jobs with a touring band.

Final Thought

Landing a job with a touring band is a journey that requires time, effort, and perseverance. By building the right skills, networking effectively, and keeping an eye on job opportunities, you can turn your passion for music into a fulfilling career on the road. This process may take time, but staying focused on your goal will pay off.

Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance between preparation and persistence. As you learn how to find jobs with a touring band, keep your enthusiasm alive and be open to new experiences. Good luck, and enjoy the adventure that awaits you!