The Song Is Done

This handy guide provides everything you need to know to go pro, including information about personal managers, music attorneys, business managers and booking agents, record companies, A&R, publishing, songwriting, demo tapes and press kits, self-promotion, and much more. A must for all musicians!

For many years, musicians in Nashville have used a system of numbers, rather than standard musical notation, in playing and singing and at recording sessions. Neil Matthews, Jr., one of the original members of Elvis Presley's back-up vocal quartet The Jordanaires, invented the system and also wrote this book, which teaches the whole system and also includes quotes, stories and photos of country and pop stars.

Aspiring musicians often enter the music business with unreal expectations, and are inevitably disappointed. Reality Check is the first book that gives a completely honest look at what success is in today's recording industry and the smart steps a musician can take to get there. Even the most creative people can manage time effectively and make the fullest use of their most important resource: their talents. Reality Check is for everyone who wants to chart a rewarding path through the often confusing jungle of the music industry. March 2003 Josquin des Pres began his career in France in the mid-'70s when he obtained his first record deal with United Artists Records. He has since worked on hundreds of projects with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Des Pres has also authored 14 bestselling bass instruction books and two guitar instruction books. Mark Landsman is a musician, songwriter and entertainment attorney. He was formerly director of West Coast operations for a large New York City-based record label. Both authors live in southern California.