ALT-1 How to get a Job in the Music Industry
The music industry is made up of many different professions that work together for the common goal of creating and selling records. Finding the correct job depends on what it is you want to do within the industry. This is divided into two categories – the creative side and the business side. On the creative side, one might want to enter the music industry as an artist, songwriter, recording engineer, producer, studio musician, arranger or composer. On the business side, there are equally numerous options from artist manager, tour manager, marketing and promotions, advertising, technology, accounting, and A&R to name a few.
Once you have narrowed down a focus for your career, it is time to research. First, figure out whom in the industry does what you want to do. Try to figure out how they achieved their goals and the path they took to get there. While it is commendable to forge your own path, it is wise to first see if those ahead of you have left a trail. The next step is to create a five-year plan. Within this plan, list your career goals and life goals. Remember that a career in the music industry requires a significant time commitment, especially when getting your foot in the door. You should make sure that your career goals do not interfere with personal goals, like starting a family.
Now that you have weighed your ambitions and are ready to press onward in your pursuit of music industry career, let’s look at how to get your foot in the door.
The options for beginning a career in the music industry vary depending on the career in question; so let’s begin with business side of things. Many people who are leaders in the music industry began their careers as students. What does this mean exactly? Education, education, education. If you are interested in pursuing a degree that directly pertains to music business there are some excellent programs that focus on just that. New York University has one of the finest undergraduate music business programs in the United States. It is so good, in fact, that it is endorsed by Clive Davis and produces many music industry leaders. Two other fine programs are housed at Belmont University in Nashville, TN and The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, located in Miami, FL. These undergraduate programs do require auditions; so if you are not musically inclined, do not be discouraged! There are other options.
As many music industry professionals can attest to, they did not go to school for music business. Rather they hold degrees in general business or a specialized degree in marketing, management, etc. For those with a strong desire to enter a music business program, there are two options for individuals wishing to obtain a master’s degree. Both NYU and the University of Miami offer graduate programs in music business and entertainment industry. The great thing about these programs is that they do not require an audition of any kind. In fact, a business degree is not even necessary. Rather, they admit individuals with excellent grades, GRE scores and proven determination.
You may be thinking at this point, OK, but how will a degree in music business (or college degree, in general) help me gain access to the music industry. One word - INTERNSHIPS. While completing your education, look for summer, fall or spring internships at record labels, music publishing companies or artist management firms. A quick browse of the major label web sites will reveal a multitude of internship experiences. This type of hands-on experience is vital to being viewed as a viable candidate for a job in the music industry. Even more important, however, are your opportunities to network during an internship. In the music industry,it is truly all about your contacts. When meeting anyone that works in the music industry, introduce yourself and try to make a great first impression. These people could be your co-workers or even your boss some day, so never think anyone is below you.
While internships offer the best way to meet people and gain experience, they are usually unpaid, but do offer college credit. You will be amazed at the job opportunities that open up when you excel at an internship. Impress the right people and you may walk away with a job at graduation.
So music business isn’t for you? Well if you musically or technically inclined there are many options available. On the creative side of the fence, we often find very talented musicians and highly trained audio engineers and producers. If you are pursuing a career as a studio musician, here are some things you will want to do. First off, practice, practice, practice. If you are able to, try to earn a degree in music from a music school or take lessons if you do not plan on attending college. Professional musicians are the cream of the crop, the cat’s pajamas, or in other words – the best of the best. If you are talented, keep working hard and you can surely find work in studios, live performances or writing circles.
Let’s look at the prized careers audio engineers and producers. To set something straight, it is important to note that a great audio engineer is to a producer as a great actor is to a director. If you want to be producer, you have to first learn the technical side of things. Remember, we have to walk before you run. You can attain the skills necessary to enter the music industry as a recording engineer in number of different ways. If you have the time, money and energy, you can build your own home studio and begin recording for any band you can. Find acts that you enjoy, invite them over to record for free and you build your list of contacts as well as your creative portfolio.
If you are interested in formal training, you may consider a technical school like Full Sail. These schools offer associate and bachelors degrees in audio engineering, music business, and film. Before applying to a technical school be sure to weigh the cost with the value of the skills you will attain. These schools are extremely expensive and do not guarantee success, but do offer the necessary equipment, instruction and experiences to launch a motivated person into the music/recording industry.
Careers in the music industry are some of the most glamorized and difficult professions to gain entry into. The industry is comprised of a number of different professions requiring different skill sets, depending on one’s desired field. By planning your career, gaining valuable experience through internships, or building a creative portfolio, you can begin to scale the mountain that is the music industry. An executive at the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) once told me… “The music industry is the size of Delta Airlines, but it receives more attention than any other industry in the world. It is sexy and everyone wants to be apart of it. The problem is, because it is so small, one job gained is equal to one job loss. These are people’s livelihoods. If you want it, you have to fight for it”
