LibGuides: Guitar: Career Resources

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Connect with Professionals

Professional Organizations

Student membership is often very affordable! Here are just a few benefits of joining an organization:

Connect with performers, instrument makers, and more
Get first notice of scholarships, competitions, and job openings
Attend festivals and events at reduced cost

Selected Cello Organizations:

American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
The largest musician's union in the world. Members have access to local bargaining, audition notices, insurance, and more.
Guitar Foundation of America (GFA)
Promotes the classical guitar internationally through excellence in performance, literature, education and research. Hosts a convention, symposia, competitions, and more.

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

Acoustic Guitar
Available online only.
Guitar Player
Available online (1992-2020).
International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
Soundboard by Guitar Foundation of America
Latest issues available in print only. Online issues available through December 2021.

Learn More

Online Resources

Jazz Guitar Online
Forums for jazz guitarists to share information, techniques, videos, gear, and more.
Musical Chairs
Listings for professional performance and teaching jobs, plus competitions, instrument sales, and more.

Performance Career Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Mastering the Art of Performance by Stewart Gordon
Call Number: ML457 G67 M37 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2006
Gives practical insights into solving performance problems with real-life examples and exercises.
On Practising: A Manual for Students of Guitar Performance by Ricardo Iznaola
Call Number: MT580 I95 O
Publication Date: 1994
A concise booklet with practicing methodology for guitarists, including the concepts of inner and outer poise, issues affecting practice, visualization, and more.
Private Music Lessons by Colleen M. Conway
Call Number: MT1 C65 2019 [Allen shelves]
Covers setting and achieving musical goals, how to teach different types of learners, and the logistics of studio teaching.

Music Career Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Here are a few books with information for succeeding in almost any music career.

Beyond Talent : Creating a Successful Career in Music by Angela Myles Beeching
Publication Date: 2019
Available online.
A practical, step-by-step guide to a career in music, from booking concerts and creating promotional materials, to overcoming mindset challenges.
Music Business Handbook and Career Guide by David Baskerville and Timothy Baskerville
Call Number: ML3795 B31 2019 [Allen shelves]
Noted as the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide to the music industry in all of its diversity.
Music Industry Forms by Jonathan Feist
Call Number: ML3790 F45 M87 [Allen shelves]
Charts, plots, diagrams, checklists, and agreements to help you clarify your work, track critical details, and maintain quality control. Includes forms for performance, touring, technology, composition, business, teaching, and more.
The Path to Funding by Zane Forshee, Christina Manceor, and Robin McGinness
Publication Date: 2022
E-Book.
The artist’s guide to building an audience, generating income, and realizing career sustainability.

Find more books on music careers

Search subjects in the catalog:

Music > Vocational guidance
Performing arts > Vocational guidance

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).