Book excerpt: (Music Pro Guide Books & DVDs). Containing everything you ever wanted to know about being a musician on a tour with a signed recording group or performer, the Touring Musician's Handbook answers the questions every musician has about moving up to the big-time world of concerts, clubs, and live shows. Among the topics covered are: * how to become a touring musician * Getting a gig with a touring act * The kind of chops and gear needed * How the audition process works * Different types of tours and pay scales * What to expect in production rehearsals * How to prep for a tour * Proper tour etiquette * What to look for in a tech The book also looks into the unique challenges facing touring players according to their instruments, including drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals, percussion, horns, and strings. As a bonus, interviews with veteran touring musicians and techs provide an overview of touring with some of the biggest acts in the world. A DVD that covers tour preparation based on both personal and equipment needs accompanies the book.