We’ve all heard that it’s difficult to break into the music biz, but these days, finding a job in any line of work can be challenging. Employment for music professionals is out there, however, if you know where to look and are willing to learn about the business side of the entertainment industry.
Before you seek employment for music professionals, keep these things in mind:
1. Network with other musicians to learn how they broke into the biz. Get as many contacts as you can – you never know which one will help you find music employment.
2. Take classes on the business and marketing side of the entertainment industry. The tips you learn will be invaluable when selling yourself and your music.
3. Open yourself up to all types of music employment. You may think your skills lie in composing but maybe producing, for example, is a hidden talent.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Search online for music employment
The Internet has become an indispensable tool for linking employers to employees in all industries, and this includes music industry employment.
I recommend: MusicJobsCentral posts more than 600 music job openings each week and averages more than 4,000 musician job postings on its site at a time. You can also sign up for daily email alerts of new musician job openings.
Market your skills to the industry
If you want music industry employment, then obviously you must connect with music professionals, both those who have already made it and those who are just starting out.
I recommend: The Biz, courtesy of Variety magazine, provides a forum for you to set up a personal profile and make contacts in the entertainment industry toward finding employment in music. It’s also a great place to connect with peers to see how they broke into the business. Best of all, posting a profile and receiving music job openings is free.
Artists House Music is a one-stop shop for those seeking musician employment, with tips on the music business, how to market yourself and more.
Hone your business skills
While your musical abilities may be top of the pops, you may be struggling with the business side of things. Bottom line: Finding musician employment without some industry know-how can be difficult.
I recommend: Full Sail offers an online program for a bachelor of science degree in its School of Entertainment Business. Financial aid and career development assistance is available.
The Art Institutes also has an Electronic Music program that incorporates marketing and business skills into its class schedule.
Get your music heard
Sometimes the best way to get noticed is to get out and play. Signing up with a music booking agent can provide more exposure for your music and may help you find steady musical employment.
I recommend: GigMasters is a music booking agent for all kinds of talent and for all kinds of music gigs. Sign up with one of the 3 memberships offered.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you're struggling to get your music heard, consider your location. Maybe it's time to hit the road and see if people in other parts of the country respond better to your musical talents.
- One great - and often lucrative - music industry employment path is children's music. The audience may be younger but they're no less enthusiastic.
The official source of Employment for Music Professionals is
the Employment for Music Professionals page at Business.com
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