Career Options

This is only a few of the career options available within the music industry. It would be impossible to list them all!

Artist Manager - An Artist Manager works on behalf of groups or artists to promote the artists' careers and run their business affairs. Their job is to secure the best work for their clients, for the best fee. The job may include: negotiating contracts and fees, finding and booking events and venues that match the artist's career strategy, advising on career decisions, publicity and promotion, helping them on career decisions such as which record producer to work with, or which songs to perform, and managing media relations on their behalf. The Artist Manager's work is very competitive and can be intense and sometimes stressful with long hours.

Booking Agent - An Artist Booker, or Booking Agent, works in the music industry to book performers for concerts, gigs and other live music performances. They often schedule performances and negotiate with the artists directly or with booking representatives or producers to arrange terms of contract, dates, and fees. An Artist Booker or Booking They are responsible for developing the musicians' or artists' career with regard to their live performance. A Booking Agent, or Artist Booker, will work closely with the artists' management, promoter and record company. Sometimes, especially with new and emerging artists the manager will combine their role with that of Booking Agent. They will usually work on a whole tour rather than just one gig. They will often require an exclusive contract on touring activity, especially if the artist is signed. The Agent will be responsible for negotiating and issuing contracts, collecting deposits and sending out promotional material.

Box Office Manager - A Box Office Manager is responsible for managing the box office. They have overall responsibility for making sure customers are well looked after and happy with the service. The job of Box Officer Manager is often part of the marketing department of the venue and the Box Office Manager may be responsible for maximizing revenue from the sale of tickets. They may be expected to provide comprehensive database analysis and other information to support the marketing objectives of the venue or promoter, such as sales information, audience profiling and identifying audience trends.

Concert Promoter - The Concert Promoter puts concerts and tours together, but really has many other duties as well. First and foremost, the Promoter needs to secure required venture money either by raising and investing money, becoming the backer him or herself. In other cases, the promoter seeks out others who will share in the expenses and subsequent profits.

Composer - Music Composers create works of music that can be performed by orchestras, voices, groups of musicians and soloists. The compositions may be in any style, such as classical, rock, soul, rhythm and blues, opera, pop, jazz, funk, blues, big band, country or folk. As well as music for live performance, Composers create music for film, radio, computer, hand held games and other media.

Equipment Manufacturer - The Musical Instrument Builder/Designer is a creative person, transforming materials into functioning instruments. They get their knowledge and ideas by watching other instrument builders work, reading books, and visiting museum's collections of instruments from other eras. He or she usually knows how to play at least one instrument, and sometimes they know how to play an entire family of instruments.

Equipment Technician - Because they are around instruments so much, Instrument Repair and Restoration Specialists usually thoroughly enjoy instruments - he or she likes to hear instruments and play instruments. When an instrument is damaged or broken, it is the Instrument Repair and Restoration specialists' main responsibility to restore them. He or she usually specializes in a particular type of instruments like strings, pianos, organs, brass, or percussion instruments. Sometimes, the Specialist will find they need a part for an older instrument that isn't even made anymore, in which case they need to create and build new parts

Graphic Artist - A graphic artist or designer will work with the artist and/or management team to create the graphics for the artists. These graphics will primarily be used for published, printed, or electronic media.

Venue Manager - As the name suggests, a Venue Manager oversees all activities that occur in the facility. Their responsibilities include a wide range of things, including supervising all employees including electricians, ticket sellers, ushers, security, and those people who deal with lighting and sound, among others. Sometimes, the Concert Hall Manager might also hire a publicist or advertising agency to strategize and implement promotions for the Concert Hall.

Loader/Stage Hand - Loaders and stagehands are responsible for loading all stage properties, such as equipment, sets, instruments, etc. They will assist with the set up and strike of the performances on stage.

Merchandiser – A merchandiser is responsible for all merchandise for an artist, whether it is CDs, t-shirts, posters, stickers, etc. They may also be the person selling the merchandise during the performance.

Music Accountant - A Qualified Accountant in the music industry is a chartered Accountant with financial expertise within a music industry organization, record label or related music company. Professional qualifications in accountancy are essential for this role. An Accountant may be employed in different roles — as a management Accountant, as a specialized Account in a particular field or as an auditor. They will work on behalf of distributors, artists, writers, copyright societies and record companies. Some Accountants specialize in copyright, royalties or licensing. They may be employed by a music or music related company or they may work for a firm of accounts that specializes in the music industry. Some Accountants work independently or have their own practice.

Music Journalist - Music Journalists have the opportunity to work in a variety of different situations, including working on staff at a local weekly newspaper, where they might write a daily, biweekly, or weekly column about what is going on in the music business. He or she might also be responsible for writing reviews on concerts, shows, and artists who might be performing locally. With the emergence of online publications, the Music Journalist can also find plenty of opportunities on the internet. As Music Journalists move out of the smaller, local market, and into positions with larger papers or magazines, their jobs become more specialized – meaning they might become a rock music writer or a jazz music reviewer.

Music and Entertainment Lawyer - Music and Entertainment Lawyers are responsible for handling the legal needs of those in the music and entertainment industries. Like all other Attorneys, Music Industry Attorneys graduate from law school and pass a bar exam. Those Attorneys who specialize in music and entertainment law need to have a thorough understanding of the music industry and all of the issues that impact it.

Music Publisher - Acquiring song copyrights and publishing them is the main responsibility of the Music Publisher. This task can be performed in a variety of job situations including working within a music publishing company or working for a relatively small firm, performing a variety of functions. The individual can also become an Independent Music Publisher, running his or her own publishing firm.

Music Teacher - A Music Teacher's responsibilities can include providing instruction in playing an instrument, teaching music theory and site reading, and training students in live performance. Music Teachers can instruct the elementary, high school or university levels, or give private music lessons. While Music Teachers usually offer students the basic principles of music, many students move on to singing or playing simple or complex instruments.

Music Video Director - Music Video Directors are responsible for storyboarding and composing a shot-by-shot vision for a music video. They must analyze a song and synchronize their video to the rhythm of its music. Music Video Directors must collaborate with the production crew and actors to create a unified video. A director is responsible for determining how the film moves, sounds and looks, as well as for the performances of the actors. On set, the director takes charge of the artistic and technical aspects of the video. They hold auditions, conduct rehearsals and approve music, costumes, scenery and locations.

New Media Manager - The Media Manager uses digital media including social, mobile, video, etc. to boost artist recognition, build relationships with consumers and affiliates, and exploit the artist in the digital world. This person will tend to the website, social media, etc. and act as lead administrator of an artist’s digital media.

Photographer – In the music industry, photographers can be responsible for capturing performances and photographing artists for CDs and promotional materials.

Publicist - A Publicist or Press Agent is responsible for creating ways to make a musical act's name, record, and video better known among the general public. Of course, the better the act and the product are known, the better the chances that more records, DVDs, and concert tickets will sell.

Radio Program Director - With one of the most important responsibilities at any radio station, the Program Director (often called the P.D.) selects each station's format and programs. He or she is also responsible for scheduling these programs, making sure they run at times of full exposure. It is not uncommon for the Program Director to also work with the Music Director to decide on playlists. The Program Director can also have their own show as an on-air personality, or even a disc jockey – most Program Directors even begin their careers as DJs. Those who don't begin their careers this way may move into a Program Director role after holding other jobs at the station.

Record Producer - The Record Producer works towards producing an album, hoping for a successful, chart-topping album. With this goal, there are many things for which the Producer is responsible. First, the Producer helps an artist select the song to be recorded, and then finds a studio, and arranges for studio or recording time. From there, the Producer chooses an Arranger and Engineer, and reaches out to a Contractor to find background vocalists for the song.

Retail Sales/Rentals Manager - Albums are sold in record stores or in department stores in the record and video department. The Record Store Manager is the person responsible for running these stores on a daily business. The Manager may be working for a private store owner, a chain, or a department store. Their daily responsibilities include employee supervision, schedule development and duty assignment.

Rockstar - A Band or Recording Group records music professionally – or has done so in the past. For the sake of simplicity, Recording Group will refer to a group or an individual artist. They be involved in any type of music including rock, pop, folk, country, jazz, R&B, rap, or etc. Many groups start out as bar bands, performing in small venues like lounges. Others begin their careers by writing music and recording nothing more but demos. A group generally does not have any reason to record until they sign a recording contract. In terms of the music they record, the Recording Group may or may not use material they have written themselves. If they are to perform songs they did not write, they need to locate these songs, which can be done more easily with the help of a good A&R person, Music Publisher, or Manager.

Security - The role of a security guard is to safeguard, patrol, and monitor any theft or violence in the premises where his duty has been assigned. The security guard is responsible for serving his employer by providing safety against any law violator, and determining any sort of disturbance that will incur losses to the client. A Bodyguard handles the personal safety of a musical artist/group or celebrity, handling entry and exit routes at venues, and regulating crowds, fans, and stalkers.

Stage Manager - The Stage Manager must be present during rehearsals and concerts to oversee everything that is happening onstage at a concert hall or venue. Of course, his or her duties depend on the type of venue, its size, and the kind of concert being performed. In a large venue, the Stage Manager might be responsible for supervising or controlling the lighting of the stage and the room, tinkering with the houselights and spotlights to light up the stage or surrounding areas. Ultimately, the lighting decision it is up to the act, so the Stage Manager must find out during rehearsal exactly when the act wants each kind of lighting. Then, he or she probably will go over the show concept with the act or its management, or lighting technician. It is common for top acts to travel with their own lighting technician.

Songwriter - As the name suggests, a Songwriter writes songs. This includes penning lyrics, coming up the melody or both. When a songwriter works with another songwriter, it is called collaboration. Songwriters go about their work in different ways. Some sound songwriters work out a routine with their schedule, and we'll sit down the same time every day in an attempt to write a winning song. Others will wait for inspiration before they write their songs. Its inspiration comes from an idea, a person, a thought, or an occasion. There are even those who may write the music first and then tried to find the perfect lyrics to match. Others write lyrics and then the music.

Sound Technician - Sound Technicians set up, operate and maintain technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound. They work from studios or on location and at live events in a variety of venues. In the music industry, experienced and well qualified Sound Technicians are an essential part of any live performance. As well as their technical knowledge and knowledge of the equipment it is important they have a good understanding of the specific requirements of the music being performed. For example, the requirements of an opera performance will be different from those of house music in a club.

Session Musician - The Session Musician is also called a Studio Musician, a Session Player, a Sideman, a Freelance Musician, or a Backup Musician. Their main responsibility is to play backup for the Group Leader of recording studio Group. Additionally, the Session Musician might play music in commercials, and at times, is the backup to the leader of the Group at a live concert.

Tour Manager - The Tour Manager, who is also called the Road Manager, is the group's management representative while the act is on the road, responsible for handling problems that may occur while an act is traveling. Their main function is to get everybody and everything where they are supposed to be and on schedule, regardless of the circumstances.