How to Search for a Music Career

Careers in the Music Business

In your search for a music career, there are many different jobs opportunities and paths to choose. Artists and songwriters make up only a small percentage of careers, with live and broadcast performance support, recording, administrative, management, education, legal and many others completing the list. Many of the better-paying professional jobs require college degrees and there are many entry- and mid-level positions available if you are new to the industry. Always remember that professionalism and business protocol are just as important as talent or skill.

Instructions

1. Assess your skills. Write them down in a notebook. There are many skills that can be applied from your current career or schoolwork to the music business. Organizational, computer, writing, public speaking, teaching and technical skills are desirable in every type of business and may be used to narrow your music career job search. Stick to skills that you enjoy and at which you excel.

2. Prepare your resume, featuring skills and experiences that are related to the music career or job that interests you. List any special awards, performances and recordings you have been a part of, either as a participant or assistant. If you are an artist, prepare a promotional package, also called a "press kit" or "promo kit". Your promo package should accompany your resume which should include a CD and photographs.

3. Search for job openings through trade publications such as Variety magazine. Music business careers are often advertised through music business-specific media in order to attract talented job seekers within the industry. If a company in your field of interest is not advertising for open positions, keep a record of the name and contact information--not all jobs are always advertised.

4. Place calls to companies that have open positions or those in which you are interested. Obtain the name of the recruiter or hiring manager and ask for their mailing address, direct phone number and any specific information or materials they require to be submitted with your resume or promotional package. Never send out unsolicited resumes or promo kits; they are likely to be discarded.

5. Send resumes and promo kits, after placing calls. Always include a personalized cover letter which includes the name of the recruiter or manager.

6. Attend trade shows, conferences and music business events. Every major city has one or more music business-related events each year. These events are often advertised in Variety magazine and other trade publications. Although you may have to buy tickets or pay entrance fees, these events attract music business people of every type.

7. Make up professional-quality business cards. Distribute the cards at trade shows and be sure to collect cards from the people you meet. A quick follow-up call or note to the people in your card collection will remind them of your meeting and will show that you are motivated. You should send your full promo kits to people that you meet.

8. Volunteer at concert venues, trade shows, radio stations, events, performances and fundraisers. If your goal is to land a job in the live music circuit, getting involved with your local live music scene is an excellent way to get to know active music business professionals, prove your work ethic and circulate your name around.

Tips & Warnings

• Music business people are just like any other people. Professionalism, manners and a positive attitude count.

• Accepting an entry- or mid-level job at a major music company or organization can help you to "get your foot in the door" and can sometimes lead to better jobs. Hard work, continuing education and establishing a good personal reputation are as valid and important in the music business as in any other field.

• Passing out full promo kits at shows is expensive and cumbersome. Ask permission to mail one to those you meet.

• If you are not an actual rock star or high-paid executive, acting as though you are will quickly ruin your credibility.

• Avoid being "black-balled" by treating your music career seriously. Bad reputations travel fast in any industry. Showing up on time, doing a good job and treating co-workers with respect are a few of the positive actions expected of everyone in the music business.

References

• American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers: Careers in the Music Business
• The Music Trades Online
• Berklee College of Music: Careers in Music Business

Resources

• Indiana University School of Music: Music Journals and Magazines, Newspapers and Periodicals
• Variety: Official Site