The Enterprising Musician's Legal Toolkit is a guide for navigating the foundational decisions to effectively launch and successfully operate a creative enterprise. Using accessible language, the book demystifies business and legal jargon and empowers entrepreneurial musicians through step-by-step instructions. Expanding upon The Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performer Contracts, David R. Williams addresses: For-profit legal structures including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporationsAlternative business models such as nonprofit organizations and newer, hybrid structures (B Corps, L3Cs, and Social Purpose Corporations)Compliance mattersHow to protect your interests in artistic collaborationsMusic licensing income streamsCopyright basics including steps for federal registration The book also contains annotated samples of commonly-used music industry contracts including independent contractor agreements, non-disclosure (confidentiality) agreements, commission agreements, releases, and more.

David R. Williams, founding principal of Enterprising Artist Consulting, is a former professional musician with a doctorate in music and in law. An active guest lecturer, he has delivered talks on music industry law at Yale University, Tanglewood, Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among others. He is a faculty member at the College of Performing Arts at The New School in New York City. For more information, visit https://theenterprisingmusician.com/

Part I: Getting Started

Chapter 1-Choosing the Business Structure That's Right for You

Part II: Traditional For-Profit Legal Structures

Chapter 2-Sole Proprietorships
Chapter 3-Partnerships
Chapter 4-Limited Liability Companies
Chapter 5-Corporations

Part III: Nonprofit and Hybrid Legal Structures

Chapter 6-Nonprofit Organizations
Chapter 7-Hybrid Business Models

Part IV: Compliance Topics

Chapter 8-Startup Compliance
Chapter 9-Help Wanted: Employees or Independent Contractors?

Part V: Protecting Your Business and Protecting Yourself

Chapter 10-Collaborating with Others
Chapter 11-Understanding Copyright
Chapter 12-Music Licensing Basics
Chapter 13-Other Contracts Useful for Musicians

Appendix A: Business Structures Comparison Chart
Appendix B: Copyright Quiz Analysis
Appendix C: Quick Reference Music Licensing Chart