The bands culture in Victoria, Australia: live music benefits career paths, employment and community

This study explores the career paths, employment, business opportunities and community contributions made available through the provision and development of the contemporary performance bands' culture in the State of Victoria. It is framed with the support given to live music performers by Arts Victoria, Small Business Victoria and Music Victoria. Central to this study are two foci, !rst the identi!cation of the issues and challenges of running a successful music business, which in turn leads to a contemporary performing musician being able to build a sustainable career. And second, companion employment and professional opportunities − not speci!cally aligned with the music industry − that also provide a variety of career paths, and enable the development of successful businesses, whilst supporting musicians' career development. Excellence in musical skills alone is not su"cient for a musician to achieve and sustain !nancial security from a career in the music industry. This study highlights the success of the government !nancial activity that supports the contemporary live performance bands' culture in Victoria. In 2009-2010 the live music industry contributed more than $AUD500 million to the Victorian economy. The Victorian Government has supported a suite of programs such as FReeZA, Contemporary Music and Live Development, Face the Music conference, a small business festival and targeted mentoring for musicians playing in bands and their businesses have all played a signi!cant role. These programs have contributed to the development of sustainable practices for performing musicians