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My career depended a lot on not only playing well but also on promoting what I was doing. Even today with having a dedicated management and support from my label Sony as well as others, I do take care of many aspects of the business side of my career. A book on managing my own career would have been helpful then. I am glad that Bettina and Bernhard have undertaken it to write it.

I enjoy teaching the next generation of great cellists. Equipping them with all the right tools as well as musical excellency is close to my heart. The book provides a much needed insight.

Their clear and realistic advice gives huge courage! I am sure that this book will be our greatest mentor for our careers!

Being a great musician is one thing. Having a great career requires the first, but also an understanding of how the business works. Thanks to Bernhard and Bettina for sharing their decades of experience in classical music for the benefit of young musicians. Their book contains the wealth of knowledge a musician needs to understand the business side of their career. I recommend this book to my musician friends.

An amazing understanding! Bernhard and Bettina have and amazing understanding of what is required from a classical musician today regarding self-management. They have helped me to use social media constructively. Their advice has been crucial for the crowdfunding campaign of my album.

Being an independent artist in today’s classical world means you have an unprecedented opportunity to share your own voice. If you have complete devotion to music, iron discipline, preferably your own team - and this book - you’re on the right track.

In all my years as an artist manager, the question I get asked the most, without fail, is: “Will you represent me?” I always want to respond saying: “When you have successfully managed your own career to the point that the only way to move forward is with professional representation, you are ready for management.” Artists often don’t know where to start and this book is THE ANSWER for all the questions that follow!

Great insight into the classical music business! I have been turning to HELLO STAGE for advise. Our sessions led me to understand better how I am perceived as a performer and got a great insight into the classical music business.

Incredible dedication and professionalism! Bernhard and Bettina have provided me with outstanding support and priceless advice.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed an ever-changing landscape in the world of classical musicians, and the rise of technology in this digital age has given musicians an immeasurable boost in achieving their potential. However, each opportunity is not without its challenges. Musicians are not only held to their highest performance standards, but they now also need to understand concepts of self-promotion and global awareness through digital marketing for career management. I believe this book will be a great benefit to musicians in the 21st Century and the development of their careers.

A turning point in my career! Bernhard and Bettina helped me with concrete advice about finding my way in classical music, creatively using my resources to connect people, ideas and projects, multiplying possibilities.

An Eye Opener! Bernhard and Bettinas' career advice has been an immense eye opener and has given me tool on how to approach the business side of my career in smarter, more efficient ways.

“Eagerness” best describes our waiting position for the new handbook for young musicians from the dream team running Hello Stage, Bernhard & Bettina - both of whom have decades of experience in the music business. The young generation is carving out a new style of career and that calls for dynamic and flexible management. For many, the only solution is to manage their diverse portfolio careers themselves. But how? This book will show them how. We have a stash on pre-order for our talented students. Watching for the post!

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The founder of HELLO STAGE and former CEO and Artistic Director of the Vienna Concert House, Bernhard Kerres, leads webinars on career management and entrepreneurship for classical musicians.

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About the Book

The book contains the basics in understanding the business side of the industry for both young as well as experienced classical musicians. It contains chapters on marketing, how to use social media, fee negotiations and much more. Every chapter includes practical examples to make it both easily understandable and implementable.

The book starts with a discussion on what makes a musician special and stand out in a crowd, and how to communicate that presence. This is the core of building a successful career. Later in the book, Bernhard and Bettina discuss how to build a recognizable digital presence, including website tips and how to do a newsletter the right way. The book also includes a chapter on what visual materials should look like, what crowdfunding is, and how to publish that all important first album.

The book aims to cover all aspects that are critical for the self-management of classical musicians. It is written to be a good read at any level, but also to serve as a reference when musicians come across certain opportunities in their career.