The music business is a great industry to be in but to be a music business person requires focus and determination which is driven by a passion for music. It's very competitive but once you've made it, the music industry can be one of the most fulfilling and often financially rewarding careers.
If you're thinking of making MUSIC PROMOTION or MANAGEMENT your thing, here's the FEE FREE training just right for you in 2023. This course is delivered virtually with teachers and other students online.
NEWCASTLE
Certificate III Music (Music Business) - Byron Bay Certificate III Music (Music Business) - Murwillumbah
Certificate III Music (Music Business) - Nambucca Heads Certificate III Music (Music Business) - Scone
If you just want a taste of the music industry before you get serious, then there's a great way to start. You may want to start with the following:
To be a good music business manager you need to be organised, excellent with people and have a good understanding of the industry as it stands today. Your basic role is to bring together the people and projects which meet the goals of the artist.
That goal could be anything from generating a good release or getting good gigs. Either way, you have to co-ordinate all aspects of the project, work with individuals and organisations such as event promoters, publicists and booking agencies – as well as the artists.
It's down to you to ensure all projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and shows come together. Each party will be obsessing about their individual task, so it's critical for a manager to remain focused on the bigger picture and end goal.
It's important to research the music business you're in – or want to enter – and identify the key influencers, from the big promoters and to media. Get to know the structure of the companies you're dealing with too – be clear about how business is conducted, who is responsible for what and who the decision-makers are. Then go out and grab their attention and command their respect. Having an influential network helps, so always be professional but friendly and approachable to maintain and create new contacts.
You will also need to be able to cope well under pressure. Dealing with a range of different characters and organisations, all with their own pressures, can be challenging. When someone loses their cool you have to make sure you don't – it's your job to keep calm, see the strategic picture and put out the fires that other people start.
Most managers start as promoters, assistants, engineers or even artists. Putting time in at different levels of the industry will arm you well in the future. The best way to start is to get experience in different departments and work your way up.
Starting your own operation is a great way to break into management and will gain you some real experience. It may feel like you're at the bottom of a mountain, but it won't be long until you find yourself half way to the top.