Drafting A Dream: Music & Entrepreneurship

What does it take to make a living in music? This workshop applies the Toyota principle of respect for people to the working musician’s life. We’ll look at how respect for the crowd, the venue and booker, and yourself (as a person, an artist, and a bandmate) can guide how you build your act, book your gigs, and grow your career.
You’ll leave with practical tools: how to develop a product audiences connect with, how to approach bookers with professionalism and a sense of value, how to use a simple CRM to utilize and respect every connection you make, and how to find the niche that sets you apart.
Open to musicians at any stage, whether you’re playing your first gig, looking to get out there more, or considering going full-time.
About the presenter:
Aaron N is a country fiddler and guitarist who has performed throughout the Upper Midwest since 2017 and went full-time in entertainment in 2025. In that time he has paid his mortgage and saved for retirement through music, booked at local venues, accompanied touring acts, and founded Red River Roots, a nonprofit bluegrass festival. His approach is built on respect: for the crowd, for venues and bookers, bandmates, and partners that make the work possible.