DIY Tour Management

Learn everything related to setting up a tour by yourself.

InstructorPeter Matson
Total Length1h 27m

About Course

Take your live show on the road, on your own terms. In DIY Tour Management, musician and experienced touring artist Peter Matson (of Underground System and Earth Beat) shares the complete roadmap for independently planning and managing a music tour. Whether you're a solo act, bandleader, or manager, this course is designed to empower you with the tools, mindset, and systems to successfully book, budget, promote, and run your own tour without needing major label or agency backing.

In this hands-on, practical guide, Peter walks you through every stage of the tour management process. You’ll start by learning how to choose dates strategically, map out logical tour routing, and lock in anchor shows that create the foundation for your run. You'll then dive into budgeting and advancing—learning how to plan for travel, lodging, crew pay, and technical needs while staying financially sustainable. With clear guidance on communication, tech riders, and promotion, you'll walk away knowing exactly how to run a smooth, professional show night after night.

But this course goes beyond logistics—it’s also about mindset. Peter emphasizes the DIY mentality that keeps an indie tour successful, sustainable, and even fun. You'll learn how to build your team organically, stay organized, and lead with clarity and confidence—even when things go sideways. Whether you're hitting the road for the first time or looking to sharpen your tour planning skills, DIY Tour Management gives you the real-world insights to make it happen on your terms.

Course Content

  • Things to Consider Before Starting 2:44
  • Tour Routing 4:37
  • Anchor Dates 6:02
  • Understanding and Setting a Budget 5:14
  • More on Traveling and Housing 5:00
  • Booking: Step by Step 6:21
  • Promoting Your Shows 7:12
  • Advancing The Show: Tech 8:05
  • Taking Care of Your Crew 11:32
  • Being a Leader: Staying on Top of Communications 5:47
  • Self Awareness: Know Your Position! 5:52
  • Why Tour? 5:10
  • Accounting Practices 3:57
  • More Pointers on Tour Management and DIY Mentality 4:24
  • Growing a Team Organically 5:34

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