4 NON-MUSIC BOOKS MUSICIANS SHOULD READ

Even for the world class musician there is more to life than just music. Along with the art comes business, supporting a family, relationships, and health. They all need your attention and time in order for your life to take the shape you want. We were taught how to make music but here are some books musicians should read that teach how to make a living.

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Musicians are jugglers. If we devote 9 hours to practice/gigging/composing, how do we balance our time for relationships, (both professional and personal), health, and our own fun? In this book you’ll learn what is true vs. myth when it comes to getting more done in your life by potentially doing less. You’ll hopefully start seeing the results you’ve wanted.

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk! by Al Ries and Jack Trout

If you’re working as a full-time musician, you are your own product. Believe it or not, when it comes to the market, your clients don’t spend money solely based on your quality of work but on their perception of you as well. One can be a great musician though not seen as such. Every business professional should know this and, yes, that includes the musician.

Make Art Make Money: Lessons from Jim Henson on Fueling Your Creative Career by Elizabeth Hyde Stevens

Though a disappointment, not all musicians will be working full-time right after their first project release. My first commission was $2000 for the year and I was lucky. Following the career of Jim Henson, this book points out the importance of using your day job to support your passion and how to turn you passion into you day job.

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell

There’s a difference between a performer and a world class performer. The old saying, “Dreams don’t work unless you do,” is verified a true statement in this book. The incomparable Malcom Gladwell gives examples and strategies that brought ordinary people to the world stage.