Music Business

Explore a career in Recording, Artist Management, Venue Management, & Promotions.

The music business industry focuses on the for-profit, popular music field – supporting live concerts/event and recorded materials. Subsections of this industry include studio recording, artist management, venue and concert production, and promotions and label management. A wide understanding and enjoyment of all music is important, but depth and passion for a particular genre can be helpful in targeting specific artists, labels, or venues.

Employment Opportunities

There are many different routes one can take to get involved in the music industry depending on personal interests, preferred work patterns, and geographical location. For example, opportunities exist in music publishing, live music production, stage and tech set-up, audio production and engineering, film and video game composition, streaming and radio, copyright and legal work, and many more. NYC, Los Angeles, Nashville, and London are the main cities for music-related careers and companies.

Networking is the number-one key to achieving success in the music industry. Getting involved on campus with music organizations, concert and event productions, and broadcasting can be a great starting point before venturing out onto the local and national music scene.

  • Successful candidates have:
    • Understanding of the music industry from the artist, business, and venue perspectives
    • Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills for managing clients and contracts
    • Budget management skills
    • Ability to work well under pressure
    • Promotion and publicizing skills
    • Good communication and marketing skills in order to manage artists and engage with the public
    • Strong organizational, logistical, communication, and social media skills, as well as knowing computers and software
  • Hiring cycle:
    • Internship Cycle – Networking driven, hiring in February through May for the summer semester
    • Job Cycle – Networking driven, hiring March through summer as well as variable openings throughout the year

How to Balance Business and Creativity as a Musician

By Johnny Papan

In today’s saturated music market where anyone can upload songs to streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, etc, serious musicians must work harder to cut through the noise. Long gone are the days where managers and labels …

By Elaina McKie
Elaina McKie Career Advisor
Read more »

Career Paths in Arts Management

By Caitlin Peterkin

The field of arts management – a.k.a. arts administration, music management, and more – offers an array of opportunities for students who have a passion for music and are also interested in behind-the-scenes operations.

Click here to read more

By Elaina McKie
Elaina McKie Career Advisor
Read more »

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The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for …

The Vault Guides to Jobs series provides essential information about key careers and industries, with an emphasis on preparing for a career …

Career Service Hours

Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 9am – 5pm
Thursday 9am – 5pm
Friday 9am – 5pm

Learn more about 1:1 advising and evening appointments here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(585) 275-2366
Address

4-200 Dewey Hall
500 Wilson Blvd
Rochester, NY 14627

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