The Team
Musicians Tip Jar was created to help artists better understand and manage the financial side of a life in music. Most musicians spend years developing their craft, but receive very little guidance on the realities of a creative career. Irregular income, multiple revenue streams, and the real costs of recording, touring, and everyday life can make the financial side of music feel confusing or overwhelming.
Our goal is to make that side of the industry clearer and more approachable. Through practical education and simple tools, the platform helps artists track income, organize expenses, and build financial systems that support long-term creative careers. The focus is not on complicated financial theory but on straightforward strategies that actually fit the way creative professionals work.
Musicians Tip Jar was founded by working musicians and educators Chris Webb and Dave Tamkin. Between them, they bring decades of experience performing, recording, and teaching the next generation of artists. The mission is simple: help musicians build financial stability so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time creating the music they care about.
Chris Webb
With over 26yrs of music business experience, Chris creates music for moments and messages. He averages over 200 shows per year and is always in demand for special events and projects. Some of his accomplishments include; releasing 6 albums of original material (including a record label release), composing and recording the fight song for Elgin College, Composing the anthem for the Colorado Department of Public Health, commercial placements and touring the country playing from city to city.
Chris earned a Music degree from the University of Colorado and is now on the faculty at the University of Colorado Denver. He has played with many talented musicians, from Sister Hazel to Louden Wainwright and to sold out crowds at the Hard Rock Chicago to the Boulder theater. Recently he has begun selling his music for television and film placements.
Dave Tamkin
Dave Tamkin is a seasoned music industry professional with over three decades of experience, combining the heart of an artist with the mind of an entrepreneur. He began his journey as a touring singer-songwriter, making his mark in the acoustic music scene with high-energy performances and heartfelt songwriting. Originally from Chicago, he spent years in Boulder, Colorado, and now calls Madison, Wisconsin, home. Over the years, he has assumed various roles, such as performer, touring songwriter, marketing supervisor, and business leader, consistently infusing his work with creativity and passion.
Today, Dave channels that experience into empowering others behind the scenes. As the founder of Head Above Branding and a sought-after digital strategist, he has worked with brands and musicians alike to craft authentic stories and successful marketing campaigns. He’s also a tireless advocate for independent artists — championing financial literacy as co-host and founder of the Musicians Tip Jar podcast, where he helps fellow musicians demystify the business side of their craft and build sustainable careers. Warm, engaging, and endlessly passionate, Dave Tamkin thrives on helping creators blend the soul of a musician with the savvy of an industry leader.