Artist Development Manager

With all the ins and outs that go into the music business, the Artist Development Manager is the essential hub for guiding artists as they grow. These talented and experienced individuals manage every element of the artist's career, and with the right combination of knowledge, training, and talent, can make all the difference for the artists they choose to take under their wing.

What is an Artist Development Manager?

The Artist Development Manager serves as a personal guide, mentor, and coach for every aspect of an artist's career, across music and more. In fact, many of the most talented managers guide the artist's brand identity and personal trajectory, which extends far beyond what's released on the record.

In many ways, the role of an Artist Development Manager is the modern version of a producer. These highly trained professionals can be found working with musicians, actors, and celebrities of all levels, from up-and-coming local artists to major global superstars, with some even working behind the scenes for major labels.

Highly skilled Artist Development Managers understand not only the music business but the art of the brand, public relations, and marketing. They are excellent communicators and relationship builders, capable of building bridges between artists and studios, labels, and vendors, and sometimes even the media.

What does an Artist Development Manager do?

The day-to-day activities of an Artist Development Manager can vary based on the needs of their client base, but, in general, their responsibilities include:

• Choosing which artists to work with
• Assisting artists in refining and setting career goals
• Helping artists to connect with potential collaborators.
• Guiding artists as they build their brand identity
• Marketing and promoting artists and their projects
• Managing artist finances and legal matters
• Guiding artists through career milestones
• Providing emotional support and mentoring

In addition to these core responsibilities, an Artist Development Manager can sometimes find themselves responsible for royalty transactions, negotiating contracts, and providing advice on everything from recording deals to media interviews.

How to become an Artist Development Manager

A combination of education and experience is the most common preparation for the Artist Development role, but there is no single, defined career path. There are several paths that an aspiring manager can explore.

• Education: Taking online courses, attending a community college or graduating with a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as music business, marketing, public relations, or communications is a common starting point.
• Entry-level positions: Gaining hands-on experience in an entry-level position at a record label, publishing company, management firm, or booking agency can provide the foundational experience that an aspiring Artist Development Manager needs.
• Networking: Networking with people in the entertainment industry, and making an effort to build a reputation for strong work ethic and commitment, can make a significant difference in finding work as a development manager.

Many Artist Development Managers never step fully away from the world of performance themselves. They may work as musicians, producers, songwriters, or engineers, all while working to build their client list and connections.

Self-directed learning for Artist Development Managers

Online courses are an excellent way to build skills that will be useful as you pursue work in this career. Look for courses that discuss artist branding, marketing, music promotion, public relations, and contracts and royalties. Courses that focus on the music industry as a whole can also provide foundational knowledge.

Many of the skills needed for this role can be gained through experience, but online courses can provide valuable theoretical knowledge that can then be tested and expanded in the field.

Online courses can be a useful tool for individuals who are pursuing a career as an Artist Development Manager. With the right combination of courses, students can learn about the music industry, artist branding, marketing, and promotion. Online courses can also provide opportunities to network with other professionals and gain valuable insights into the field.

Online courses are a great way to prepare for a career as an Artist Development Manager. They can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this competitive field. However, it is important to remember that online courses are not a replacement for real-world experience.