What do Music Managers do?

A Music Manager would typically need to:

• Bring together the individuals and projects that can impact their client’s daily and long-term careers as a representative and advisor.
• With the client, brainstorm successful career ideas; provide appropriate professional and personal guidance that will positively impact the client’s career.
• Create and maintain a strong network of major industry connections; stay current on relevant music business events.
• Assist the customer in obtaining major label record deals.
• Locate and plan concerts, promotional events, and interviews that correspond to your chosen career tactics.
• Negotiate contracts and collect payments on behalf of the customer; uphold all contract requirements.
• Maintain a record of the client’s schedule and activities; guarantee that the client arrives on time for interviews, recording sessions, meet and greets, and live performances.
• Collaborate with booking/tour agencies to arrange appropriate touring schedules; when needed, advocate for the client’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Manage media relations in the client’s best interests; choose dependable lawyers, publicists, image stylists, and accountants.
• Handle interpersonal problems among band members if you manage a band; make sure they attend band practice sessions on a regular basis.

Standard Work Environment

Music Managers typically spend a significant amount of time at their office, interacting with people by email, phone, or in person. They may frequently go out to meet with customers or accompany them to promotional and networking events on a domestic and worldwide scale, as well as live performances and tours.

Work Schedule

Work schedules might be extremely unpredictable because they are determined by their client’s formal calendars as well as their professional obligations. Music managers are prepared to be at their customers’ beck and call.

Employers

Finding a new job may appear difficult. Music Managers can improve their job search by soliciting referrals from their network, contacting firms directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Music Managers are generally employed by: 

• Talent Agencies
• Record Labels 
• Tour Companies
• Music Venues
• Bands 
• Individual Artists

Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Artist Managers’ Association (IAMA), Music Managers Forum (MMF), and Women in Music, are essential for Music Managers who want to further their professional development or connect with other professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more of these organisations adds value to your CV while strengthening your credentials and qualifications.

Workplace Challenges

• It might be difficult to ensure that creative clientele adhere to more basic deadlines and contractual obligations.

• Getting critical figures in the music industry to recognise the untapped potential of a client can be frustrating

• Multiple clients or a new client who needs extra attention can negatively impact the work-life balance

• Playing peace-keeper between the client and significant others in the industry may prove exhausting

Suggested Work Experience

Work experience is essential in this subject since it allows you to grasp how the music industry operates behind the scenes while also establishing your professional reputation and networks.

Internships provide hands-on learning opportunities. Talent and music agencies offer a variety of internship programmes ranging in length from two weeks to six months or more. Personal references, speculative applications to agencies, agency websites, and industry employment pages will help you narrow down your options; but, paid internships are extremely unusual.

You can also work in promotion, marketing, and event management with local music venues. As you work your way up to the position of Music Manager, two to six years of previous job experience as a promoter, assistant, engineer, or even artist can help you gain a solid understanding of the music industry and create contacts with potential clients.

To demonstrate your devotion to course providers and future employers, read about the profession and interview/shadow specialists in music management. When more experienced workers manage to turn seemingly ordinary occurrences into unique learning experiences, you may be able to hear endless stories from them and gain significant hands-on experience.

After your internship, you may be eligible to work as a Music Manager in specific areas, particularly if you work independently of an agency. Entry-level junior or associate music manager positions may be available in very large corporations.

Recommended Qualifications

A regular four-year BBA/BMus in Music Business, a BA in Music Industry Management, or a BSc/BPS in Music Marketing are all options for aspiring Music Managers.

Music administration, music publishing, music marketing/advertising, legal aspects of the music industry, business communication, and accounting are all ideal courses to take.

Some of the programmes are offered online and can be finished in as little as three years. While the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) and BMus (Bachelor of Music) programmes are more traditional, the BPS (Bachelor of Professional Studies) programme is more flexible, combining theory and practice to train students in appropriate standards and services within the profession.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

Music Managers are not typically required to be certified. However, precise standards should be confirmed with local professional associations.

It should be mentioned that even if certification is not required, you can enrol in a variety of courses to improve your application and self-confidence. Communication and presentation skills, negotiating, organisation and self-management, and computer literacy courses are all beneficial.

Projected Career Map

Successful Music Managers advance their careers by taking on several clients and increasing responsibilities as they develop a solid foundation in the market.

Those who demonstrate their worth by guiding their clients’ careers in the right direction have an excellent opportunity of creating their own agency, thanks to the enormous industry expertise and connections they will have gained.

Job Prospects

Music Managers with experience, qualifications, connections, and a strong enthusiasm for their craft have the best job possibilities.

Beneficial Professional Development

CPD will assist an active Music Manager in developing personal skills and competency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.

While formal CPD chances are scarce in the sector, Music Managers must continue to sharpen their understanding of the music industry, which is rapidly evolving thanks to the internet and various streaming platforms. Furthermore, they can be updated and schooled in new trends and abilities through a variety of professional associations.

A master’s degree in business administration or music management may be advantageous.

Conclusion

Music managers work hard to ensure that their artist clients collaborate with recording companies and other crucial music business allies. When they succeed, such dedication helps the artist to develop and the public to enjoy high-quality music.

Advice from the Wise

A personal relationship with your artist is essential in this position. Open and meaningful communication between you and the artist guarantees that everyone is on the same page in terms of artistic and professional goals.

Explore Also: How to Become Medical Secretary