BY: LIAM PENDERGRASS
Passion for music extends far beyond passion for live performance. Many interweaving non-performance roles in the music industry make live performances and music releases possible. There are vital music industry jobs that don’t involve performing on stage, but still immerse the music lover into the center of the bustling music business. This blog will explore several of the most common non-performance jobs in the music industry that do not require music engineering knowledge or musical ability, and what those careers entail.
10 Jobs in the Music Industry Not Related to Live Performance
Artist Manager
As a performer’s career grows and they become more successful, the work between performances becomes more involved and chaotic, and ultimately may hinder the musician’s ability to practice and perform while making optimal career decisions. In this case, an artist manager is typically hired to take on many of these non-performance responsibilities. Artist managers handle the daily tasks of a musician’s career, including scheduling, business transactions, public relations, and even a marketing strategy. Artists managers typically work for record labels and management firms or may work as freelancers.
Tour Manager
Virtually every successful musician in the industry spends part of their year performing on a tour. The planning and implementation of a tour schedule is overseen by tour managers. These individuals are hired by artists or record/management labels to prepare a tour and travel schedule with the artist. They coordinate everything from sound checks and media appointments to finances, hotel rooms, and the before-show lunch spot.
Concert Promoter
Live music performances come in many shapes and sizes, and each of those performances requires a unique brand of concert promotion. Concert promoters work to organize, produce, and market live music events. They often work with a network of venues, musician representatives, or even musicians themselves to conceptualize a performance and market that performance to the public. Scale events often require the oversight of a promotion team. This is a competitive career path that requires great organizational and time management skills, strong financial understanding, and great attention to current trends in the live music industry.
Music Journalist
Music journalists spread news and stories about the music industry and keep the public updated on their favorite musicians via print, video, and audio mediums. Music journalists may work for blogs, magazines, podcasts, websites, or TV and online broadcast entities. They review live performances or newly-released music, report on music industry trends, interview artists and bands, and provide biographical content. A background in music and writing offers numerous freelance and organizational opportunities in the music industry through music journalism.
Music Publicist
As an artist’s success rises, their outward image becomes increasingly important. Music publicists are hired to work with artists to develop a brand image, as well as oversee all public and media relations. They create plans to advertise releases and tours and manage an artist’s online presence. Publicists work to maintain a positive and enticing image for the artists that will excite and grow their particular fan base. This work is done by freelancers or individuals who work for record or management labels and is vital in helping a music career maintain success.
Music Licensing Representatives
Most music we hear as we go about our day is music that is owned and copyrighted. These copyrights are handled by licensing representatives with an understanding of the different types of licenses needed for both large and small-scale projects. Due to the expansive nature of projects that require copyright-protected music, individuals who specialize in music licensing may find themselves in a variety of roles and companies.
Instrument Luthier/Repair Technician
Musicians’ instruments are in constant need of repair work and maintenance. Guitar luthiers, piano repair technicians/tuners, and electronic music component specialists are often busy with repairs for touring musicians and hobbyists alike. This work can require special training and certification and may result in a successful freelance business or a position at an instrument company.
Music Broadcast Curator
Music curators find themselves in both radio broadcast and online streaming roles in the modern music industry. A radio station’s curator often maintains and curates a music library, choosing a backlog of songs that fit the interests of their target audience and aligns with the taste of the radio DJ. A curator for a streaming service often creates and oversees playlists, adjusting to listener trends and algorithm behavior. Sorting through music as a curator presents an opportunity for the organized and knowledgeable music lover.
Music Attorney
A music attorney is a specialized entertainment lawyer who tackles legal dealings in the music industry. They may work with artists or labels to review contracts and deals or work on royalty-related lawsuits. The help of a music attorney who has a keen understanding of entertainment law and the music industry is needed at all levels.
Booking Agent
A music venue relies heavily on a booking agent to operate live performances. Booking agents communicate with artists or artist management to arrange performances for their venue or festival. They handle the negotiation of contracts, scheduling of sound checks and performances, and providing all necessary information regarding the logistics of a performance. Booking agents are often part of a larger promotional team with a crucial role in arranging live performances at all scales.
Getting Started in a New Job in the Music Industry
Starting down your career path in the music industry begins with applying to and getting accepted into a top music school of your choice. We at Inside Music Schools believe every music student should have the guidance they need to put their best foot forward at every stage of college music admissions. We understand how time-consuming it is to research music schools and make the right selections and decisions. That’s why for 15 years, we’ve helped hundreds of parents and students navigate college and graduate music school admissions. With our knowledge of universities, conservatories, their faculty, and music programs, we’re able to recommend the right schools and improve students’ probability of acceptance and success.
Reach Out to Start Your Journey in the Music Industry
Learn more about what we do as music admissions consultants, and reach out to us to talk about what you’re looking for in a music school. We’ll help you find the best path to kick off your music industry career.
Liam Pendergrass
Liam Pendergrass is a professional multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and educator from central North Carolina. He currently performs as a touring solo artist, band leader for blues/funk trio “Liam & The Nerdy Blues”, and lead guitarist for indie rock band “Swim in the Wild.” Liam is a Catawba College alumni and former adjunct that has performed and recorded with many noteworthy musicians during his career. Aside from performance, Liam specializes in private guitar, bass, and music theory instruction and works as a writer and researcher for Inside Music Schools.