Music management degree overview

A music management degree is a program designed to teach students how to manage the business side of the music industry. It covers areas like artist management, marketing, promotion, touring, and contract negotiation. Students learn how to guide musicians’ careers, organize events, and navigate the legal and financial aspects of the industry.

Throughout the program, students gain a strong understanding of how the music business operates. They often take courses in business, law, communications, and entertainment management while learning how to build and maintain relationships with artists, producers, venues, and record labels. Some programs also offer internships or hands-on projects that give students real-world experience working with artists and music companies.

Music management degrees offer a variety of program options to fit different career goals and educational backgrounds. Here are some common program options:

• Certificate in Music Management: A short program that introduces students to the basics of managing artists, promoting music, and understanding the music business. Ideal for beginners or those looking to enhance their skills quickly.
• Associate Degree in Music Management: A two-year undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in artist management, marketing, event planning, and music business law. Often used as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree or entry-level industry roles.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music Management: A four-year program that offers a comprehensive education in the business aspects of the music industry, including courses in management, finance, marketing, and entertainment law. It prepares students for a range of roles within music companies, record labels, or artist management firms.

A music management degree helps students develop a broad set of business, communication, and industry-specific skills needed to succeed in the music world. Here are some key skills learned:

• Artist Management: Learn how to guide and support the careers of musicians, including contract negotiation, branding, and career planning.
• Music Marketing and Promotion: Understand how to market artists, albums, and events through traditional and digital media channels, including social media campaigns and public relations.
• Business and Financial Management: Gain skills in budgeting, financial planning, revenue management, and the legal aspects of the music industry, such as copyright and royalties.
• Event Planning and Tour Management: Learn how to organize live performances, tours, and promotional events, managing logistics and ensuring successful execution.

A music management degree can open the door to a variety of careers in the music and entertainment industries. Here are some career options for graduates:

• Music/Artist Manager: Oversee the overall career development of musicians and bands, including managing bookings, negotiating opportunities, coordinating marketing efforts, and guiding long-term career strategy.
• Music Business Manager: Manage the financial and legal affairs of an artist’s career, including budgeting, tax planning, royalty management, investments, and overseeing contract negotiations.
• Music Executive: Hold leadership roles at record labels, publishing companies, or entertainment firms, overseeing departments like A&R, marketing, or business development.
• Music Promoter: Organize and promote live music events, working with venues, artists, and sponsors to ensure successful concerts, festivals, or tours.
• Music Producer: With additional technical training, manage the recording process, collaborate with artists, and help shape the sound of albums and singles.
• Music Publisher: Work with songwriters and composers to promote their music, manage copyrights, and ensure they receive payment when their music is used commercially.
• A&R Representative: Scout new musical talent, help artists develop their careers, and act as a bridge between musicians and record labels.
• Road/Tour Manager: Plan and coordinate the logistics of concert tours, including travel, accommodations, scheduling, and financial management.
• Booking Agent: Secure live performance opportunities for artists by negotiating deals with venues, promoters, and event organizers.
• Music Publicist: Manage the public image of musicians and music groups by coordinating media coverage, interviews, press releases, and promotional campaigns.
• Music Studio Owner: Operate and manage a recording studio, providing services for artists and producers, and handling the business operations of the studio.