A music business degree is a unique path into the exciting world of the music industry. It can give you everything you need to navigate the complexities of the industry and help you land a successful career. If you’re interested in the creativity of music but also have a knack for business, a music management degree might be the perfect thing for you.
Whether you aspire to work directly with artists, manage business operations or explore other creative avenues, a music business degree can be your ticket to a successful career in music.
This blog post will explore the specific career paths available to music business management graduates, some of the subjects you may study and how to choose the best one for you.
What is a music business degree?
A music business degree can provide you with a deeper understanding of the music industry, guiding you through areas such as marketing, finance, law and management. The curriculum typically covers topics like music industry history, artist development, music law, digital media and event management.
Here are some of the main topics some degree programmes can cover:
- Music industry fundamentals: Exploring the history, structure and key players within the music ecosystem.
- Business management: Developing essential business skills such as finance, marketing and project management.
- Music law and contracts: Understanding the legal framework governing the music industry, including copyright, licensing and contract negotiation.
- Digital media and technology: Exploring the impact of digital platforms on the music industry and developing digital marketing strategies.
- Artist development and management: Learning the art of discovering, nurturing and promoting musical talent.
- Music production and recording: Gaining a practical understanding of the music production process.
- Live events and concert promotion: Developing skills in planning, organising and executing live music events.
What can I do with a music business degree?
A music business degree can take you almost anywhere in the industry. Because of its broad subject exploration, you’ll be familiar with all aspects and have the opportunity to take the path that you find most interesting.
Your newfound knowledge of the business side of music can lead to opportunities in music management, where you'll not only manage day-to-day operations but also work to strategise long-term career growth for your clients.
The degree also gives you the foundation to work in music licensing, securing placements for songs in films, commercials and TV shows or in music publishing, where you can play the important role of ensuring that artists get paid for their work.
Essentially, a music business degree gives you the chance to be at the crossroads of creativity and business, making a real impact on the industry from behind the scenes.
How can a music business degree help me with my career?
A music business degree will give you a solid foundation to prepare you for various music industry jobs. With this degree, you’ll be able to know the ins and outs of everything behind the scenes, such as contracts, royalties, protecting your rights, how to maximise your earnings and more.
A music business degree will put you at the front seat of your career and help you make better decisions throughout your music journey.
Beyond that, a degree can provide you with a network of industry contacts and practical experience through internships and projects. This way, you’ll graduate already ahead of the game, giving you a head start in building relationships that are like your bread and butter in this field.
How to choose the right music business course for me?
Selecting the right music business course means taking careful consideration of your career goals and interests. Research different programmes to compare curriculum, faculty expertise, industry connections and internship opportunities.
You can also take other factors into consideration, such as location, programme length and tuition fees. If possible, try to visit some campuses to get a feel for the programme and the university environment.
What career paths are available after a music business management degree?
As mentioned earlier, a music business degree offers a diverse range of career paths. Some of the most popular jobs in the music business industry roles include:
1. Talent agent
A talent agent represents artists and negotiates contracts on their behalf. This role involves building strong relationships with clients, identifying opportunities and securing bookings for performances, endorsements and media appearances. A deep understanding of the entertainment industry and excellent communication skills are needed for this role.
2. Artist manager
An artist manager oversees the day-to-day operations of an artist's career. This includes financial management, public relations, tour planning and business development. A successful artist manager needs to be a strategic thinker and a strong leader who can guide artists towards their goals.
3. Music business manager
Music business management focuses on the financial aspects of the music industry. Managers handle accounting, budgeting and financial planning for artists, labels or other music-related businesses. You’ll need a strong understanding of business principles and financial analysis for this role.
4. Music programme coordinator
Music programme coordinators develop and manage music programmes for schools, community centres or organisations. This involves curriculum development, instructor hiring, budgeting and programme evaluation. Those interested in this role will need a passion for music education and strong organisational skills.
5. Royalties manager<h/3>
A royalties manager is responsible for tracking, collecting and distributing music royalties to artists, songwriters and publishers. This role requires a strong understanding of music copyright law, financial systems and attention to detail.
6. Record label manager
Another of the several career opportunities in music is a record label manager. This role requires overseeing the operations of a record label and is responsible for artist development, marketing, promotion and distribution. This role demands a combination of business acumen, musical knowledge and leadership skills.
7. Project manager
In the music industry, project managers coordinate various aspects of music projects, from recording studio sessions to concert production. This involves managing budgets, timelines and teams to ensure successful project delivery. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential here.
8. Public relations manager
A public relations manager builds and maintains the public image of artists, labels or music events. This involves media relations, crisis management and developing effective communication strategies. Public relations managers typically have strong writing and interpersonal skills.
9. Tour manager
Tour managers oversee the logistics and operations of music tours. This includes booking venues, coordinating transportation, managing the tour budget and providing support to the artist and their team. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills are needed for this demanding role.
As you know, the music industry is constantly evolving, so a strong foundation in the music business can help you not only keep up with the ever-changing tides but also provide the flexibility to adapt and thrive in the industry.
With a music business management degree, your choice of pathways is vast. From artist management and record label operations to music publishing and event planning, a degree can help get you on the path to a successful career in the industry.
FAQs
1. What does a music business manager do?
A music business manager handles the financial and administrative aspects of an artist or music company's operations. This includes budgeting, accounting, contract negotiations and financial planning. They ensure the business runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing artists to focus on their creative endeavours.
2. Does music business management have a future?
Absolutely. The music industry is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities for music business managers. As the industry becomes increasingly complex, the need for skilled professionals to navigate its challenges will only grow.
3. How to start a career with a music business degree?
Careers in music business management require a strong foundation. Gain practical experience through internships or volunteering. Try using online platforms and industry events to connect and network with professionals. Choose to specialise in a specific area of interest, such as artist management, music publishing or digital marketing.
4. Why study a music business management degree?
A music business degree will give you a deep understanding of the music industry and all the skills you’ll need to navigate it in the best ways. It offers career flexibility, allowing you to explore various roles within the music industry. Additionally, it develops essential business acumen, which is valuable in any field.