Everyday Extraordinary: Amber Dundee

I went to Los Angeles College of Music in Pasadena and became the first and only student to complete their experimental music business program. Since I grew up as a singer/songwriter, this program was perfect for me because it combined music theory and performance classes with business. None of the other people I’d signed up with had the music background, so they all dropped out. 

As scary as it was being the only student, it ended up working in my favor. Since most of my teachers worked in the music industry, they had me shadow them at work instead of going to class. For two years, I went with my teachers to record labels and publishing houses and made connections that enabled me to get a job right out of school. Having really specialized interests and combining them in unique ways can give you a real competitive advantage. If you're passionate about a lot of things, I encourage you to dream about how you might combine them. You never know where that path will lead!

In my current role as a tour manager, I go on the road with different artists to ensure everything goes smoothly. Something unexpected always happens: sprinter vans break down, bags get left in hotels with wardrobe that’s needed for the night — and there’s a lot of problem solving. But, when you get to the end of a tour and everyone’s happy, healthy, and successful, it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world.

I absolutely love my job, but before it was offered to me, it wasn’t even on my radar. I got the gig because of the time I spent working as a music video producer; they liked the way I worked and gave me an opportunity. Even though I wasn’t sure I could do it, I felt a surge of excitement and knew I had to give it a try. 

If you’re in the process of honing in on what interests you or making a big career shift, my advice is to always say yes. Try as many things as possible to really figure out what you like and where you fit in, especially if your interests are diverse, and never let your perceived lack of experience hold you back. If I had second guessed myself, I wouldn’t have landed my dream job.

I always go back to this quote: “Everything you need is already within you.” And it’s true! Every person you work with — your boss, a mentor — has their own way of doing things, but it doesn’t mean that their way is always right. You may have an approach that works just as well, or your instincts may be better than someone who’s more seasoned. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing our journey against the traditional path, but I think we too often discount all the things we’ve already learned and experienced. You know more than you think!

Of course, I haven’t always recognized the value of my voice. Before I got into tour management, I worked at a small company where I was the only woman. A few of the artists on their roster were women, and I was often shocked at the things my colleagues said about them. For the first year, I didn’t feel like I could speak up because I was alone. As I grew more comfortable and confident, I began to push back and challenge them. One thing I’ve learned is that a lot of men in power may think they’re right, but they actually love and respect when you push back. Remember, you have amazing thoughts and a unique perspective. We know what we’re doing! It may be different from what other people are doing, but it does NOT mean it’s wrong. 

Because I’ve been in positions where I’ve been able to use my voice to advocate for women, I’ve learned you don’t have to be an activist to make a difference. As you advance in your career and gain power, you can inspire change by becoming a protector of the other women in your industry. We all underestimate the impact we make on each other and how much we can make each others’ days with small acts of kindness, patience, or attention. If you’re in a job that doesn’t inspire you, find the ways you can positively influence and impact others around you, and make that the reason you get up in the morning.