how to become a music manager degree course

by Jesse Schiller I 7 min read

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Music Manager
  1. Step One: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (Four Years) ...
  2. Step Two: Gain Early Work Experience and Build a Network (Timeline Varies) ...
  3. Step Three: Earn a Master's Degree (Optional, One to Three Years) ...
  4. Step Four: Join a Professional Association (Optional, Timeline Varies)

Full Answer

Would I make a good music business manager?

  • Realize who you are as a band/solo artist. A manager does not have the time to try to figure out who you are as a musician. ...
  • Create a set list of around 7-14 good songs. You want to have at least 1 hour of material just incase a gig comes up that requires you to play ...
  • Play at least 7-9 gigs at places with big audiences. ...

Do I need to hire a music manager?

Do You Need a Music Manager? First, you should know that there are things a manager can bring to the table even very early on in your career. In the beginning stages of your music career, the biggest thing an artist manager can offer you is the chance to focus on your music.

What are the duties of a music manager?

  • “Get [an entry-level] job in the industry.”
  • “Be open to learning and always look for ways to improve. ...
  • Stay up-to-date on new instruments and gear by checking out instrument-related publications and blogs.

More items...

What is the best music manager?

Jeyapradhap was bestowed with ‘Best General Manager of the Year ‘by USA Business World International ... my international hotel work experience in UAE and also launched two music videos highlighting their hotel and some social issues which were the ...

What degree do I need to be a music manager?

bachelor's degreeA music manager should have at least a bachelor's degree and may also benefit from an advanced business or law degree, according to iSeek.org. You might study music business or music management to gain a deep knowledge of the entertainment industry.

How do you become a manager in the music industry?

What Skills Do You Need to Become a Music Manager?Honesty.The ability to multitask.Financial literacy.A DIY spirit to create opportunities for your clients.Relentless drive.Some fluency in the artistic language of music.Connections within the entertainment industry.A passion for artist management.

How long does it take to get a music management degree?

approximately four yearsMost music management degrees are bachelor's degree programs, which take approximately four years of full-time study.

What qualifications do you need to be an artist manager?

Knowledge and Skills Requirements Good artist managers do everything they can to make their clients successful. They possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, public relations skills, marketing and advertising skills, negotiation skills, leadership skills and basic computer skills.

What do music managers get paid?

While there is no set typical payment or commission rate for a manager, most managers earn anywhere from 10-25% of the artist's total income, typically the rate is between 15-20%.

How do you start an artist manager?

Briefly, some of the tasks involved when managing a music artist:Assess talent to find artists who have potential.Negotiate deals and contracts.Draft business plans.Coordinate marketing and advertising.Book and develop strategies for tours.Manage budgets and cash flow.Support the artist's creative vision.More items...•

Is music manager a good career?

The music business is a great industry to work in, but to be a manager requires drive and determination which is driven by a passion for music. It's fiercely competitive but, once you've made it, it can be one of the most fulfilling and often financially rewarding careers.

Do I need a degree to be an artist manager?

Even though most Artist Managers have a college degree, it's possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED. Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become an Artist Manager.

What degree is in the music industry?

A Bachelor in Music Business encompasses the many facets of the music industry. Those who enroll in these courses learn a wide variety of subjects related to music and business, such as marketing, management, budgeting, legal issues, and digital media. Relevant history of the music business is also taught.

What is an artist manager called?

An artist manager (also known as an talent manager, band manager or music manager) is an individual who guides the professional career of artists in the entertainment industry.

How much do artist managers earn?

And their income is tied to their artist's success. The typical fixed commission rate is 15 to 20 percent of gross income, but some managers work with a variable rate: For instance, 10 percent on income to $100,000, 15 percent on income to $500,000 and 20 percent above that.

What is a music manager?

A music manager is a person (or group of people) who oversees the business affairs of a musician or band. Although music managers aren’t as well known as legendary singers like Rihanna, Aretha Franklin, and Celine Dion, some of them are quite legendary in their own right. Famous music managers include:

Do music managers work with clients?

Music managers occasionally work on handshake agreements, but ideally, you should have a management contract with your clients that specifies the percentage of their earnings that go to you. Music managers and management companies rarely commission on the entirety of a client’s gross revenue.

Do you have to play an instrument to be a music instructor?

Instructors. You don’t have to have an amazing voice, perfect pitch, funky rhythm, or incredible guitar shredding skills to have a career in music. In fact, you don’t have to play an instrument at all. If you’re interested in the music industry but have a better knack for business than you do for musical performance, ...

What degree do I need to become a music manager?

A music manager should have at least a bachelor's degree and may also benefit from an advanced business or law degree, according to iSeek.org. You might study music business or music management to gain a deep knowledge of the entertainment industry.

What is a music manager?

A music manager directs the careers of musicians and musical groups, guiding them in business matters and planning their path to success. Music managers typically handle an act's business affairs while agents provide legal advice when signing contracts, but you may need to play the roles of both agent and manager.

Why do musicians need managers?

Music managers use their communication and organizational skills to help musical acts make important business, legal and financial decisions. That way, artists can focus on their craft and allow managers to help them effectively navigate the media industry and achieve professional success.

What is a music business program?

A music business program would focus on the managerial, commercial, promotional and legal aspects of the industry. Similarly, a music management program provides you with training in music, business and the performing arts.

Do I need a degree to become a musician?

While a postsecondary degree can help musicians hone their craft, no formal education is necessary for a professional career as a musical artist.

Why is it important to get hands on experience in the music industry?

In order to do the best job possible for the artists you will represent, it's important for you to get hands on experience in the music industry. You need to have some kind of track record or experience for you to build upon so you can seem attractive to artists.

Is the music industry competitive?

The music industry is highly competitive and always evolving, you need to keep on your toes. Figure out how to network with those that are in a position to help you, then execute a well-thought plan with a chance to deliver some solid results.

Is music manager a good job?

Being a music manager can be a heavy amount of work, but if you like music and marketing, it's the perfect job for you! The main takeaway is to NEVER stop learning. When there's someone out there having more success than you don't get sour or arrogant and think there's something wrong with rest of the world.

The Steps To Start Your Career As A Music Manager

So you want to know how to become a music manager or often referred to as an artist manager? That’s great! Artist managers are the connection between artists and the world, guiding them into the career they seek. A music manager has many roles; especially when starting out.

1. Passion

Like any career in a creative field, you need to have a passion for what you are doing. Being passionate will exponentially increase your chances of becoming successful in anything you do. Without it, you will often ask yourself, why am I doing this and your music management career will be over before it even starts.

2. Building Relationships

As many know, relationships are extremely important in the music business. Many successful artist managers have started their careers through the contacts they have already established through personal connections.

3. Get Involve In The Scene

One way to break through the barrier to entry of becoming an artist manager is simply to surround yourself with your local music scene. Going to shows, meeting artists and becoming familiar with your city’s venues is half the battle.

1. Education

With certificate and degree programs becoming more diverse as the years go on, there are a plethora of options and most likely a program of some sort in your home state. Institutions like Dark Horse Institute, offer certificates in specific areas such as music business.

2. Internships

Internships are one of the most important avenues you can take to get a foot in the door of this thing we call the music business. While internships are usually unpaid, internships at a management company can be the introduction you need to understand what being a manager requires.

3. Apply and Network

After completing an internship is when the real work starts. Building a network is a crucial step to continuing your career. By studying at an institution or university you will have established a network of like-minded individuals who are all in the same place in their career as you are.

Is becoming a music manager right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

How to become a Music Manager

According to the 'Artist Management Resource', there are several ways to go about getting educated, including:

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