Kris Hawkins - The Working Musicians Handbook for Professional Success: How to Establish Your Value in the Real World

Kris in producing mode

Kriss camera

T here are so many I wish to thank for making this book a reality. I guess the best place to begin is at the beginning.

This whole journey began with Joe Braccio. Joe built the musical foundations upon which the entirety of my career sits. Without his guidance, wisdom, and encouragement, I wouldnt be who I am today.

Kenny Walker. Dr. LoHertz himself. Kenny showed me how to not just play the music but how to feel it.

Anthony Brew Brewster. When I was about to give up and leave Los Angeles with my tail between my legs, Brew gave me a musical home in which to reside. Almost two decades later, Im still here and forever grateful for his guidance in both life and music.

Pete Antunes. For your steadfast friendship and fierce loyalty through thick and thin. Pete is my brother from another mother.

The House of Vibe All-Stars. Deploi, Phil D. Fish, C. Wolfe, Ray Ray, Amy Lou, SeaBass, Bill, Rickey, Desi, and all the amazing musicians that would come through on a Wednesday night in Santa Monica. They consistently raised the bar of what I was capable of. (Plus, for letting me play an extended version of Maggot Brain every week.)

Mikal Reid. A great mentor and an even better friend. Mikal lifted me up when I was at my lowest and asked for nothing in return. His selflessness and caring for those around him are unmatched by any other.

Tyler Conti. My musical compatriot and greatest collaborator. Tyler always urges me to see my potential. I look forward to continuing this journey weve been on.

Francis Buckley. A man whose insight, wisdom, and hilarious stories have enlightened me and reminded me that there is always humor to be found among the absurd.

Littl Swayamp. For making me look presentable with your fabulous photographs.

The staff and faculty at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music, most notably Jonathan Newkirk and Krystal Schafer. Jonathan, for allowing me the freedom to teach in my own unique way. And for being a boss boss. Krystal, for the fact that nothing would ever get done if it werent for her. You are the Svengali of making things happen, and you are appreciated.

All of my students, past, present, and future. For pushing me to stay current and for calling me on my bullshit when necessary. You keep me humble.

Ronny Schiff. For believing that I had something to say and helping me find my voice to say it. Not only is she a fantastic editor, but she has also become one of my nearest and dearest friends.

Michael Tan at Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group for taking a chance with me and believing in the subject matter of this book.

Rose2. For always showing up when Ive needed you most. Ill never be able to express in words what it means to me. So Ill just say this: Very basketball.

Borg, Bobby.

Music Marketing for the DIY Musician: Creating and Executing a Plan of Attack on a Low Budget (Music Pro Guides). Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2020.

Borg, Bobby, and Michael Eames.

Introduction to Music Publishing for Musicians: Business and Creative Perspec tives for the New Music Industry. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2021.

Brabec, Jeffrey, and Todd Brabec.

Music, Money and Success: The Insiders Guide to Making Money in the Music Business. Eighth edition. New York, NY: Omnibus Press, Schirmer Trade Books, 2018.

Campbell, Joseph.

The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Third edition. San Francisco, CA: New World Library, 2008.

Copyright Registration of Musical Compositions and Sound Recording.

Circular 56A. Revised. Washington, DC: United States Copyright Office, 2021.

Hill, Napoleon.

Think and Grow Rich. Revised and enlarged edition. Los Angeles, CA: TarcherPerigee, 2005.

Marino, Tracey, and Vance Marino.

Hey! Thats My Song! A Guide to Getting Music Placements in Film, TV, and Media. Edited by Ronny Schiff. Guilford, CT: Backbeat Books, 2022.

Musashi, Miyamoto.

The Book of Five Rings. Translated by Thomas Cleary. Boulder, CO: Shamb hala Library, 2005.

Passman, Donald S.

All You Need to Know about the Music Business. Tenth Edition. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2019.

Pressfield, Steven.

The War of Art. New York, NY/Los Angeles, CA: Black Irish Entertainment LLC, 2002.

Rona, Jeff.

The Reel World: Scoring for Pictures. Third Edition. Edited by Ronny Schiff. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2022.

Winogradsky, Steve.

Music Publishing: The Complete Guide. Second Edition. Edited by David Lowery. Van Nuys, CA: Alfred Publishing Company, 2019.

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S o youve made the conscious decision to take your music career a step further. As Obi Wan Kenobi says, Youve taken your first step into a larger world. This is also the point at which the fear and the self-doubt begin to take hold. You may have some people in your life that will question your decision. Thats okay. This path isnt for everyone. You will have to overcome many obstacles, the greatest of them being you, yourself. But fear not. While difficult, it is not impossible. To help you along your journey, here is one rule that you should have etched into your mind: