MUSICAL DIRECTION & LIVE SHOW DEVELOPMENT
Turn the material into a coherent show.
Jack Bowman provides musical direction for artists, bands and production teams in rehearsals, recording sessions and live performance.
The role can begin with the music itself and continue through arrangements, band preparation, playback integration, rehearsals and, where required, the wider personnel and practical coordination needed to deliver the project consistently.
Based in the UK and France, Jack undertakes musical-direction projects internationally, from remote preparation to on-site rehearsals, sessions and live production.
A clear musical point of contact
Musical direction creates a shared understanding between the artist, musicians, production team and technical departments. Jack can lead that process for a single performance, a recording project, a run of shows or a longer campaign.
• Developing the musical identity of the live set
• Preparing and leading band rehearsals
• Directing musicians and performances
• Creating or refining arrangements
• Adapting recorded material for a live line-up
• Building intros, endings, transitions and medleys
• Preparing charts, notes and reference materials where required
• Communicating musical and artistic decisions across the team
From individual songs to a complete set
A strong live show is more than a collection of songs. Jack can help shape the pace, dynamics, transitions and practical running of the set so that the music feels intentional from beginning to end.
• Set structure and flow
• Tempos, keys and transitions
• Live versions and alternative arrangements
• Rehearsal planning
• Musical cues and count-ins
• Integration of playback, clicks and cues
• Coordination with front-of-house, monitors, playback and stage teams
• Contingency and backup planning
Supporting the project beyond the rehearsal room
For tours and larger live projects, Jack can support the practical planning around the music as well as the show itself. His involvement can be tailored to the project, from helping organise logistics and backline to assembling and coordinating the musicians, technicians and other personnel required.
• Tour and rehearsal logistics
• Backline planning and coordination
• Building and coordinating teams of musicians, technicians and other project personnel
• Liaison between artists, management, venues, suppliers and production departments
• Coordination of schedules, information and practical requirements across the team
• Support with artist, tour and project promotion
Jack can also support the promotion of an artist, tour or project, working alongside the artist, management and wider team to keep the creative, practical and public-facing elements moving in the same direction.
Musical direction wherever the project needs it
Live performance
Preparation and direction for concerts, tours, showcases, broadcast performances and other live settings.
Rehearsals
Structured rehearsals that focus on musical priorities, efficient communication and the decisions the wider production needs.
Studio sessions
Direction for bands and musicians during recording or pre-production, helping performances and arrangements remain consistent with the project’s intention.
Connecting the music and the system
Where a show uses backing tracks, stems, clicks, cues or MIDI automation, Jack can work across both the musical and technical preparation. That makes it easier to solve arrangement and playback decisions together rather than treating them as separate problems.
Detailed playback programming, redundant systems and equipment configuration are covered on the dedicated Playback, Show Programming & Technical Preparation page.
Built around the scale of the project
Musical-direction projects vary from a focused rehearsal or arrangement day to ongoing preparation and on-site delivery. Jack will quote after reviewing the material, schedule, line-up, technical setup and level of responsibility required.
The quotation will confirm the preparation time, rehearsals, attendance, deliverables, travel requirements and any playback or technical work included.
Where a project requires equipment hire, transport, accommodation, additional personnel, advertising or other third-party services, those costs are agreed separately and are not included unless stated in the quotation.
What to send
• A private link to the current music or live material
• The artist, band or project
• The proposed line-up
• The type and number of performances
• The proposed tour route or locations, where relevant
• Rehearsal and show dates
• The current set list
• Existing arrangements, charts or playback sessions
• The venue, studio or rehearsal location
• Existing musicians, technicians and production personnel
• Backline, transport and logistical requirements
• Any team-building or promotional support required
• The level of musical and technical responsibility you need
Planning a show, session or rehearsal period?
Send Jack the material, dates and current setup. He will review the project and suggest the most useful level of involvement.