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

Why the liberal arts can help prepare graduates for the era of AI

The advent of artificial intelligence is giving a new shine to a liberal arts education, which career experts say nurtures the skills valued by employers as AI increasingly changes the workplace. Read more!

By Alane De Luca
Alane De Luca Director of Corporate Development and Engagement
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Liberal Arts Teaches The Business Skills AI Can’t Replace

AI can write the report, run the numbers, even draft the pitch. What it can’t do is read the room, navigate ambiguity, or make sense of why people behave the way they do. Those are the skills a liberal arts …

By Alane De Luca
Alane De Luca Director of Corporate Development and Engagement
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How AI may reshape career pathways to better jobs – The Brookings Institute – Authored By: Justin Heck, Senior Director, Research and Data Production – Opportunity@Work, Mark Muro, Shriya Methkupally, and Joseph Siegmund

By Alane De Luca
Alane De Luca Director of Corporate Development and Engagement
Read more

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Resources and Tools

Industry Guides

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 …

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

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Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Learn more about 1:1 advising appointments here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(585) 275-2366
Address

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

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