So, you've decided to become a professional musician--to turn your passion into a career. Now what? Unlike many professions, there is no clear-cut path to success in the music industry. Emmy-winning music producer, studio/session guitarist, and award-winning educator, Kris Hawkins explains some of the most basic and highly misunderstood concepts about what it takes to be a professional musician. Questions are answered like: "How do I find a gig?"; "How much do I get paid?"; "What is a copyright?"; "What's a PRO?" With over two decades of experience in the industry, Hawkins shares some of the insights that he has gained--successes as well as failures--in the hopes that you will learn from his missteps and triumphs. The Working Musician's Handbook for Professional Success focuses on real-life situations, including: Asserting your value Dealing with clients Protecting your work Treating your music as a business Financial management Finding work and networking There are many twists and turns within the music industry, and it can seem like a daunting task to try to understand it all. This handbook is your navigator and will help you develop a workable and effective strategy to start your career off on the right foot.