The Music Business Starter Kit

A modular resource designed to help music students prepare for the business side of their careers. It covers the practical realities of freelance work, including business setup, invoicing, financial management, and tax preparation - areas that don't always have a consistent place in traditional music training. Designed for students planning to perform, compose, or teach privately, this resource can be used across a department or integrated into existing courses to support career readiness.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Obtain a federal tax ID number (EIN registration walkthrough)

  • Accurately track revenue, expenses, and calculate net income

  • Recognize what expenses are deductible

  • Create and deliver professional invoices

  • Differentiate between W-2 and 1099 work, and understand their tax implications

  • Prepare for tax season with confidence

  • Develop familiarity with essential tax forms (W-9, 8829, 1040-ES)

  • Understand how to treat partial use deductions and depreciable assets

  • Approach freelance music work with a sustainable, entrepreneurial mindset

Resource Creator

Chad Rehmann is a composer for film and television, with credits spanning over 60 feature films and nearly 200 television episodes. He holds an M.A. in Music Industry Administration from California State University, Northridge, and has spoken at high schools and universities across the country on music entrepreneurship and the realities of freelance work in the arts. The Music Business Starter Kit was born out of those visits. After years of hearing the same questions from students about how to actually make a living as a freelance musician, Chad created this resource to bridge the gap between traditional music education and the day-to-day realities of a creative career. To ensure the information is both accurate and accessible, all business and tax-related content has been reviewed by accounting and legal professionals.
Chad Rehmann | Course Creator

FAQ

  • What is in the Music Business Starter Kit?

    The Music Business Starter Kit is a self-paced resource that includes four modules, 12 video lessons, and practical templates and tools that students can work through at their own pace. The material is flexible and can stand alone as a one-week intensive or assigned across a semester alongside related projects or discussions. It is designed to fit easily into a variety of classroom settings or be completed independently by students.

  • Do students need to download anything?

    Everything is hosted online. The Music Business Starter Kit is a fully web-based resource that students can access through any modern browser on a computer, tablet, or phone. There’s no software to install, and all videos and materials are available directly within the course platform. Optional downloadable tools - like invoice templates and budgeting spreadsheets - are included, but not required to complete the course.

  • How is this resource typically used within a program?

    The Music Business Starter Kit is most commonly used through institutional licensing, allowing departments to provide access across an entire cohort or integrate the material into existing courses, seminars, or career preparation programs. Students can complete the material asynchronously, while faculty can incorporate modules into existing coursework as needed. This approach ensures that all students, not just those who opt in, receive consistent exposure to the business side of their careers. Individual student purchase is also available. Schools can provide a custom access code for students who wish to enroll independently through the course website.

  • Can faculty preview the resource before recommending or integrating it?

    Yes! Faculty and program coordinators are welcome to preview the resource before making a recommendation or incorporating it into their curriculum. We offer complimentary access for educators who are evaluating for institutional use. This allows you to explore the full content, including videos, templates, and support materials, to ensure it aligns with your program’s goals and standards. To request access, simply reach out through the contact form below or email us directly at [email protected].

  • Does this course cover copyright and publishing?

    The Music Business Starter Kit does not currently offer instruction on copyright and publishing; however, we recognize the importance of these topics and are actively exploring them for future inclusion.

Complimentary Access for Curriculum Evaluation

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