The Enterprising Musicians 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 uponThe Enterprising Musicians 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 registrationThe 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, visithttps://theenterprisingmusician.com/

Part I: Getting StartedChapter 1Choosing the Business Structure Thats Right for YouPart II: Traditional For-Profit Legal StructuresChapter 2Sole ProprietorshipsChapter 3PartnershipsChapter 4Limited Liability CompaniesChapter 5CorporationsPart III: Nonprofit and Hybrid Legal StructuresChapter 6Nonprofit OrganizationsChapter 7Hybrid Business ModelsPart IV: Compliance TopicsChapter 8Startup ComplianceChapter 9Help Wanted: Employees or Independent Contractors?Part V: Protecting Your Business and Protecting YourselfChapter 10Collaborating with OthersChapter 11Understanding CopyrightChapter 12Music Licensing BasicsChapter 13Other Contracts Useful for MusiciansAppendix A: Business Structures Comparison ChartAppendix B: Copyright Quiz AnalysisAppendix C: Quick Reference Music Licensing Chart