| J-C,
The concert scene has changed tremendously since I had a manager, and the current economic climate, coupled with cultural changes, evolving ways of marketing your career, and communicating with others, has muddied the waters even further.
We can get into a discussion about what you intend to play and whom you intend to play for another time. Let's focus on the role and cost of management for now.
Dave had good success with Joanne Rile, Rolf with CAMI, I had a bit with Mel Kaplan, etc. They used their resources (remember that this was pre internet) and connections to publicize and book concerts. We often were packaged on the coat tails of bigger names (example: I'll give you the Emerson Quartet if you'll take Ed Carroll). Managements today, however, require you to have a tremendous amount of financial resource. Many charge a yearly retainer fee even before a phone is lifted. You then pay for all the costs of your publicity, a portion of their phone bill, and 25% of every fee booked. This, mind you, is before your travel and related expenses. It will typically take a few years before concert presenters have been solicited enough times to get a date, and then re-engagement - even when you're a smash hit -- is even harder. They certainly won't book a solo trumpeter every year!
No wonder so few are listed on the rosters of major managements.
Self-management is tremendously time consuming but, if you have some connections (and are tenacious) it may be more feasible. All you need is a great webpage, mailing lists, and loads of patience.
Other opinions are welcomed. Perhaps the above will prime the pump?
Best,
EC |