How to Get Into Music Industry Management

The music industry is a dynamic, exciting field, offering various rewarding career opportunities throughout every phase and facet of the business. Although artists, bands, and composers are the proverbial face of the industry, turning an artistic concept into a reality requires countless additional individuals. 

Music industry managers play a pivotal role in the business. Broadly speaking, music industry management involves overseeing the business and administrative aspects of an artist’s career, as well as facilitating various music-related projects. Because music is a multifaceted business, several managerial and supervisory roles exist under the umbrella of music industry management. This means candidates can work in production, law, marketing, and other areas of focus. 

People with a passion for musical artistry who want to know how to get into the music industry can explore what music industry management entails and some specific careers in the field. They can also examine the typical path to becoming a music industry manager; this may include a formal education in music industry administration. 
 

What Is Music Industry Management?

Music industry management encompasses a broad range of responsibilities, including managing artists, overseeing marketing campaigns, handling legal and financial matters, and coordinating production efforts. 

Managers work behind the scenes to ensure that artists and projects achieve their full potential, from developing marketing strategies to negotiating contracts. The goal is to create a supportive environment in which artists can focus on their creative work while managers handle the logistical and business aspects. 
 

Careers in Music Industry Management

A candidate can pursue numerous career paths in music industry management. Some consist of overseeing artists and musicians while others are geared toward managing the production process or how the final product is marketed. 

Music Business Manager

A music business manager oversees the financial and business aspects of an artist’s career. They manage finances, including budgeting, accounting, and tax planning, ensuring that expenditures are controlled while maximizing the artist’s revenue stream. 

Music business managers also negotiate contracts, including recording, publishing, and endorsement deals, to secure favorable terms for the artist. Additionally, a music business manager coordinates with other members of the artist’s team, such as agents, lawyers, and publicists, to streamline operations and ensure cohesive career management. 

Marketing Manager

A music marketing manager is responsible for promoting an artist’s work and enhancing their public image. This role involves developing and executing comprehensive marketing strategies to increase awareness of an artist’s projects, including music releases and concerts. 

Their responsibilities include managing social media campaigns, creating promotional content, coordinating with media outlets for interviews and features, and organizing marketing events and tours. 

Music Supervisor

A music supervisor is responsible for selecting and licensing music for various media projects, including films, television shows, commercials, and video games. They work closely with directors, producers, and editors to understand the creative vision of a project and determine how music can enhance the storytelling and emotional impact. 

Music supervisors source songs, negotiate licensing deals, and ensure that all legal and financial aspects of music use are properly managed. 

Music Production Manager

A music production manager oversees the entire production process of music projects, including recording sessions, music videos, and live performances. They coordinate schedules; manage budgets; and handle all logistical aspects, such as booking studios and hiring technical staff. 

The music production manager works closely with artists, producers, and engineers to ensure that the project stays on track, meets its creative goals, and meets the highest standards of quality. 
 

How to Get Into the Music Industry as a Manager

Music is one of the rare businesses in which no singular blueprint for success exists. For some individuals, having the right industry connections can be impactful, while others find the greatest success by obtaining a formal education in the business. 

Keeping that in mind, aspiring managers can use the steps below as an outline for how to get into the music industry. 

Step 1: Earn a Relevant Degree

Music industry managers are responsible for several business, marketing, and financial aspects of an artist’s career, so a formal education covering these areas is essential. At a minimum, candidates should earn a bachelor’s degree in business, economics, marketing, or a related field. 

By building upon their foundational knowledge with a master’s degree in a field such as music industry management, candidates can enhance their skill set and leadership abilities. This can potentially expand a candidate’s job prospects when they’re applying for managerial positions.

Step 2: Gain Industry Experience

Candidates must first learn the ropes of the industry before ascending to management. Entry-level jobs and internships are a great way to earn professional experience while immersing yourself in the culture of the music business. Record labels, radio stations, and music-oriented public relations firms are excellent starting points for job seekers.

Step 3: Network and Make Business Connections

The music industry is one of constant collaboration, making it essential to make meaningful business connections with artists, promotors, executives, and other industry professionals. 

Forming these connections early can help create a name for yourself in the industry and facilitate professional opportunities. Some music industry degree programs offer networking opportunities as part of their curriculum.

Step 4: Consider Joining Professional Organizations

Making business connections is an essential part of how to get into music industry management, but it’s important to explore beyond who you meet at work, at school, or on social media. Candidates can further boost their career profiles and resumes by joining professional organizations.

In addition to expanding your networking reach, many organizations offer continuous learning opportunities, host seminars, and feature mentorship programs.

Step 5: Discover Artists to Represent

Eventually, music managers must put their education, experience, and networking abilities to the test by representing a band or an artist or by signing on to a new production project. New music managers may start by working with up-and-coming artists or undiscovered bands with mainstream potential. By helping artists get to the next level in their careers, it helps establish a client base and track record of success.

Step 6: Build On Upward Momentum

After a music manager has proven their administrative abilities, it can organically lead to higher profile opportunities. For example, they may work with an artist who already has an established following but wants a fresh take on how they’re marketed and promoted. 

As a music manager creates a reputation of success and innovation, their name will be top of mind in the industry when big projects contending for major awards are discussed.
 

Salary and Job Outlook for Music Industry Managers

Success is a broad spectrum in the music industry for managers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes made a median annual salary of $84,900 in May 2023. The lowest 10% of earners made approximately $47,000 per year while the top 10% made $239,000 or more. 

The BLS projects that employment of agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes will increase by 8% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations (3%). The highest employment levels of these agents and business managers are found in California and New York.
 

Turn Your Passion for Music Into a Profession

Entering the field of music industry management requires a combination of education, practical experience, and a strong professional network. By following the steps outlined above, aspiring music managers can build the necessary skills and connections to help them succeed in this dynamic industry. 

Now that you have a general understanding of how to get into the music industry, the next step is to find the educational resource that supports your career path, such as the online Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration program offered by the Tseng College at California State University, Northridge. Developed for career-driven individuals who aspire to become leaders in their field, the program covers every essential aspect of the business, including production, promotion, distribution, and management.

Learn more about how the master’s degree in music industry administration program can help you develop the skills and knowledge to establish a successful career as a music industry manager.