Welcome to another episode of the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back the multi-talented Amani Roberts—DJ, professor, author, music business coach, and so much more. Host Bree Noble dives deep into Amani Roberts’s journey from growing up in Washington D.C. to becoming an integral part of the California music education scene. If you’re ready to glean gems about music education, income streams, and invaluable networking hacks for musicians, this one’s for you!
Listen to the episode here
Should Musicians Still Consider a College Degree?
With the music industry constantly evolving, Bree Noble asks an important question: Is a college degree still worth it for musicians? Amani Roberts acknowledges there’s nuance. For performers who’ve been hustling since their teens, college can still offer substantial benefits—think music theory mastery, historical context, and foundational skills you might otherwise miss. Plus, the people skills and confidence gained from in-person experiences are hard to duplicate online.
For those eyeing a career in education, Amani Roberts shares that a master’s was required to continue as a professor—a strategic move that also connected him to a powerful network of Berklee alumni.
The Power of Performing & Building Revenue Streams
Streaming may dominate headlines, but as Amani Roberts points out, few artists make real money from it. Instead, he encourages artists to focus on direct-to-fan platforms and live performances. Touring isn’t just an income source—it’s a chance to cultivate “superfans” and grow your email list (because, as both Amani Roberts and Bree Noble agree, the gold is in your database).
Merchandise, collecting all your royalties, and understanding the basics—split sheets, neighboring rights, and more—are non-negotiables for the modern musician. The challenge? Most artists neglect these basics until it’s too late.
Networking Gold: Associations & Volunteerism
Ever wondered how to land those coveted private gigs? Amani Roberts reveals his own journey: volunteering with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) ultimately led to his professorship at Cal State Fullerton. And the possibilities don’t end there.
Associations like MPI, Site, PCMA, and even your local chamber of commerce are incredible resources for musicians looking to break into events beyond the bar and club scene. Offer your skills, ask for opportunities, and you’ll discover a network that can supercharge your gig calendar with higher-paying, more rewarding performances.
Don’t sleep on other groups, either—women’s organizations, mothers’ networks, and specialty associations can all open doors if you know where to look.
Trivia, History, & Amani Roberts’s Book: The Quiet Storm
Ready for a trip through R&B history? Amani Roberts shares stories and surprising trivia from his latest book, “The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion and Pain of R&B Groups,” which began as his thesis at Berklee.
From the rise and fall of iconic groups like TLC and Boyz II Men, to Gladys Knight and the Pips’ classic “Midnight Train to Georgia,” this segment is a music history lover’s dream. And, there’s a fascinating exploration of why R&B groups faded from the charts—with thoughts on the cyclical nature of music (hello, K-pop!).
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance your career, this episode is packed with practical steps, inspiration, and a nudge to get your business foundation solid. Amani Roberts practices what he preaches—don’t miss his resources to help you level up.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
- The Quiet Storm: A Historical and Cultural Analysis of the Power, Passion and Pain of R&B Groups on Amazon
- Amani Experience Website
- [Text “NEWS” to 301-638-8749 to get music business news and book info]
- Meeting Professionals International – Southern California Chapter
- All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald Passman
- How To Make It in the New Music Business by Ari Herstand
- SoundExchange
- SongTrust
- The MLC (Mechanical Licensing Collective)
What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Have you used associations to find gigs? Let us know in the comments!
Want more? Subscribe to the Female Entrepreneur Musician Podcast for more interviews and industry strategies.