ScamAlert™!!!
MusicBizAdvice.com wants you and your money to be safe while you pursue your music
industry career! Following are some of the scams that are making the rounds of the music
industry...
SCAM:
"Agent Training Course":
In this scam, you're asked to pay a
substantial amount of money to learn how to become an agent for musicians, models, actors,
other performing artists, or fine art. Depending on the course, the instructors claim that
with their training, you’ll be qualified either to go out and get clients
or--depending on the course--to begin an entry-level position with any talent agency.
FACT: In many states, including California, talent agents must be
licensed by the state--a fact that one of the courses we checked out never mentions.
FACT: While some purveyors of these courses claim their course qualifies
you to become an agent for musicians, actors, models, other performing artists, or fine
art, each of these professions is very different, requiring its own set of skills,
terminology, and contracts.
FACT: A college internship, which may or may not pay, would probably
teach you as much as these "courses"--at no cost to you. A few books from the
library probably would, too.
FACT: Good office skills, people skills, and knowing the names in the
industry qualifies you for an entry-level position with most agencies. Some large agencies
require agent trainees to be college graduates, but at smaller agencies it's possible to
work your way up--while earning money.
BOTTOM LINE: Don't bother.
More scams
Know of a music or
entertainment industry scam? Tell us about it. Send the details to
talktombadc@aol.com with "SCAM ALERT" in the
subject line. Include the company's name, web address, and contact information, along with
a brief description of the scam. We'll post as many as possible to keep it from happening to someone else. All
submissions are confidential. |
