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Music Manager

If you are a music lover who is fascinated by business operations, a career in music management could be a great fit. Career options run the gamut from artist manager, whose work is almost exclusively centered around representing artists, to music publisher, who work in an office environment and oversee the administration of rights and other matters for musical works.

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If you are a music lover who is fascinated by business operations, a career in music management could be a great fit. Career options run the gamut from artist manager, whose work is almost exclusively centered around representing artists, to music publisher, who work in an office environment and oversee the administration of rights and other matters for musical works.

Educational Background

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to education if you want to become a music manager. There are many different undergraduate and graduate degree programs that can prepare you for this career. Some of the most common majors include:

  • Music Business
  • Music Management
  • Entertainment Industry Studies
  • Business Administration with a concentration in Music
  • Law

In addition to a formal education, there are many other ways to learn about the music industry. You can read books and articles, attend industry events, and network with people working in the field. There are also a number of online courses that can teach you about the music business.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in music management, you will need a strong foundation in both music and business. You will also need to be able to think creatively and solve problems. Other important skills include:

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Project management
  • Networking

Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have some experience in the music industry. This experience can be gained through internships, volunteer work, or even just attending industry events.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for music managers is expected to be good over the next few years. As the music industry continues to grow, so too will the demand for people who can manage the business side of things. However, competition for jobs can be fierce, so it is important to have a strong resume and a solid network of contacts.

Projects

Music managers work on a variety of projects, including:

  • Developing and executing marketing campaigns
  • Negotiating contracts
  • Booking tours
  • Managing finances
  • Providing artist development

The day-to-day work of a music manager can be very varied. One day you might be working on a marketing campaign for a new album, and the next day you might be negotiating a contract for a tour. No two days are ever the same.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges that music managers face on a daily basis. These challenges include:

  • The music industry is constantly changing, so music managers need to be able to adapt quickly to new trends.
  • Competition for jobs can be fierce, so music managers need to have a strong resume and a solid network of contacts.
  • The work can be demanding, and music managers often have to work long hours.

Despite these challenges, a career in music management can be very rewarding. Music managers have the opportunity to work with talented artists and help them achieve their goals. They also play a vital role in the success of the music industry.

Online Courses

There are many online courses that can help you learn about the music industry and prepare for a career in music management. These courses can teach you about everything from the basics of music publishing to the latest trends in artist development. Online courses are a convenient and flexible way to learn about the music industry, and they can be a great way to supplement your formal education or gain new skills.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or you are looking to make a change, online courses can be a helpful way to learn about the music industry and prepare for a career in music management. Online courses can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this competitive field.

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Salaries for Music Manager

City
Median
New York
$83,000
San Francisco
$157,000
Seattle
$164,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$83,000
San Francisco
$157,000
Seattle
$164,000
Austin
$103,000
Toronto
$86,000
London
£60,000
Paris
€12,000
Berlin
€40,000
Tel Aviv
₪253,000
Singapore
S$76,000
Beijing
¥42,000
Shanghai
¥284,000
Shenzhen
¥146,000
Bengalaru
₹497,000
Delhi
₹153,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to Music Manager

Take the first step.
We've curated 13 courses to help you on your path to Music Manager. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Covers all aspects of band management, from forming a band to booking gigs to promoting your music. It's written by Peter Spellman, a veteran music manager who has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.
This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of the music industry, covering everything from songwriting and recording to marketing and distribution. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the business of music.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about managing a band, from legal issues to financial planning to marketing and promotion.
Comprehensive guide to the music business. It covers everything from the different types of music contracts to the different ways to make money in the music industry.
Must-read for any musician who wants to protect their rights in the music industry. It covers everything from contracts to royalties to touring.
Provides a comprehensive guide to the Berklee College of Music experience, including information on the school's history, curriculum, faculty, and student life.
Must-read for any musician who wants to understand the music business. It covers everything from the history of the music industry to the different roles that people play in it.
Comprehensive guide to the music business. It covers everything from the different types of music contracts to the different ways to make money in the music industry.
Must-read for any band that wants to make it in the music industry. It provides practical advice on everything from songwriting to touring to marketing your music.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, from the creative process to the business side. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how the music industry works.
Must-read for any musician who wants to build a successful career in the music industry. It covers everything from marketing and promotion to business planning and finance.
Must-read for any musician who wants to understand the legal side of the music business. It covers everything from copyright law to trademark law to contract law.
Comprehensive guide to marketing your music. It covers everything from creating a marketing plan to using different marketing channels to reach your target audience.
Is written specifically for musicians who want to learn how to manage their own band. It covers everything from finding the right band members to booking gigs to negotiating contracts.
Must-read for any band that wants to use social media to promote their music. It covers everything from creating a social media strategy to using the right tools to track your results.
This user-friendly guide is perfect for bands who are just starting out. It covers all the basics of band management, in a clear and concise way.
Provides a comprehensive guide to practicing music, with a focus on the techniques used by Berklee students.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, from the creative process to the business side. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how the music industry works.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the music industry, from the creative process to the business side. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how the music industry works.
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