The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living, and Making a Difference »

David Cutler balances a varied career as a jazz and classical composer, pianist, educator, arranger, conductor, collaborator, concert producer, author, blogger, consultant, speaker, advocate, and entrepreneur. In all these pursuits, he works to push boundaries while connecting with new audiences. A multidimensional composer who listens to a colossal range of styles, his eclectic output reflects this musical world. His music regularly features interdisciplinary components, and his playing is as wide-ranging as his composing, stretching what it means to be a pianist. Performances regularly incorporate improvisation, humor, audience interaction, choreography, technology, costuming, unique collaborations, and secondary instruments.

So you’re talented, well trained, and passionate about music. What next? The professional marketplace is flooded with outstanding musicians, forced to compete for a shrinking number of "traditional" opportunities. The Savvy Musician helps balance three overriding aspects of your professional musical life: (1) building a career, (2) earning a living, and (3) making a difference. Filled with clearly articulated concepts, detailed strategies, and 165 vignettes about actual musicians working to create a meaningful and prosperous career, this book examines critical elements often overlooked or misunderstood by musicians, and helps you take control of your career. Discover how to build an immediately recognizable "brand," capitalize on technology—from Internet tools to the new recording paradigm, expand your network, and raise money to fund your dreams. The Savvy Musician is an invaluable resource for performers, composers, educators, students, administrators, industry employees, and others interested in a thriving musical future.

Midwest Book Review

Doing what you want is hard when that want is playing music. "The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living, & Making a Difference" is a guide to the aspiring musician who wants to make their living doing what they love. A strange blend of music and marketing book, David Cutler encourages musicians to learn how to sell themselves and adapt technology to their approaches, to get themselves out there with a recognizable brand. An honest book about making it in the music industry, "The Savvy Musician" is a read that can't be missed by music lovers.