Boston musicians are invited to receive an MBA-style industry education with the Musician’s Professional Toolbox (MPT) workshop series, launching February 13, 2012 by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston (A&BC). Empowering jazz, classical, rock, and folk musicians to further their careers, this pilot program teaches business tools necessary to succeed in a sometimes uncertain industry. Seven evening workshops will be offered on Monday evenings from February 13 to April 28, 2012 at the BSA Space in Boston, in addition to webinars and personal coaching.

“With the launch of this program, we hope Boston’s aspiring musicians will learn to think more like entrepreneurs and flourish professionally,” says Jim Grace, Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council.  “Our workshops address the widespread need amongst musicians who want to become business savvy and master the challenges of their careers.”

The Musician’s Professional Toolbox pilot series is modeled after the A&BC’s highly successful Artist’s Professional Toolbox, now in its seventh year. Each element serves to improve musicians’ business acumen and marketability. In addition to the workshops, participants can access a series of webinars on legal, business, and promotional topics. Participating musicians will also receive personal coaching from industry experts and attend the Rethink Music Conference in April.

True to its mission, the A&BC seeks to build a more business savvy and economically vibrant music community through outstanding professional development. The Musician’s Professional Toolbox is a partnership between the A&BC and the Berklee College of Music Rethink Music Initiative, with funding from Music Drives Us.  Launching on February 13th, MPT is limited to 30 musicians, each who will leave the program with an actionable marketing plan, improved materials, sharp insights into financial management and fundraising, the support of fellow musicians, and new industry contacts.

This mini MBA-style program is open to all practicing musicians who are at least five years into their career. The program fee is $225 and includes admission to the Rethink Music Conference, April 23-24 (an $180 value). Installment plans and partial scholarships are available. Musicians can register through February 5th at www.artsandbusinesscouncil.org.

About the Arts & Business Council
The mission of the Arts & Business Council is to strengthen a vibrant arts community by providing quality direct legal and business services and ongoing educational programs to the artists and cultural organizations within Massachusetts. www.artsandbusinesscouncil.org

About the Rethink Music Initiative
The Rethink Music Conference (April 23-24, 2012) brings music stakeholders together to discuss business models for the future, copyright challenges in the digital era, and innovations in distribution. Following the success of the 2011 first edition, Rethink Music 2012 will offer new specific track sessions will address devices and mobility, direct-to-fan business, engagement, and discovering audiences and artists. Rethink Music is a collaboration among Berklee College of Music, Harvard University, and MIDEM. www.rethink-music.com

About Music Drives Us
The Music Drives Us Foundation is a New England non-profit foundation supplying grants for music programs to effect positive changes for people in need. The Foundation seeks out organizations and individuals that are interested in using music as a tool for all segments of society and for all age groups. www.musicdrivesus.org