How to Be Music Business Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 14, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The music business manager is a crucial role in the music industry. By managing the finances of an artist, they are able to ensure that their career is financially successful. In turn, this can lead to better contracts, opportunities, and recognition for the artist.

The manager must be able to handle everything from negotiating contracts to promoting their client's work. They must also be savvy in regards to the ever-changing music industry landscape and be able to adapt to new trends and technologies. As a result of their expertise and guidance, artists have been able to achieve their goals and remain competitive in a difficult marketplace.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Music business managers typically need a bachelor's degree in business, music, or a related field. Coursework should include classes in business management, music, marketing, finance and accounting.
Develop Your People Skills. Because music business managers are responsible for supervising staff, they must have excellent people skills. They also need to be able to motivate and inspire staff members.
Get Experience. Many music business managers get their start by interning with an artist, record label or music production company. Internships provide valuable experience and can lead to job opportunities.
Network. Networking is an important part of the music industry. Music business managers should attend industry events, join professional organizations and build relationships with other industry professionals.
Earn Certification. Some music business managers choose to become certified. The Music Managers Forum offers a certification program for music managers who meet certain criteria.
Consider Working as a Freelancer. Some music business managers choose to work as freelancers, working with multiple artists or labels on a contractual basis. This can be a good way to gain experience and build a client base.

The music business has become increasingly competitive and complex, making it increasingly important for music business managers to be skilled and efficient. To do this, they must possess an in-depth knowledge of the music industry, including how to leverage digital marketing, how to create a successful music release strategy, and how to manage the financial aspects of the business. Additionally, they must be adept at networking and building relationships with industry contacts, as well as understanding the legal aspects of the industry. Ultimately, having the right skills and expertise will enable music business managers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the music industry and create successful projects.

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Job Description

Develop and manage artist budgets
Negotiate contracts with record labels, venues, and sponsors
Secure licensing deals for recordings and other media
Track and collect royalties for artists
Manage artist tour bookings and travel arrangements
Manage artist publicity and promotion campaigns
Develop marketing plans and campaigns for artists
Develop relationships with music industry professionals
Oversee day-to-day business operations of the music business
Advise artists on career decisions and strategies
Research the latest music industry trends and developments
Manage artists digital presence, including website and social media accounts
Create and maintain a network of contacts in the music industry
Develop and execute innovative strategies to generate revenue

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strategic planning and budgeting
Contract negotiation and execution
Client relations and customer service
Ability to work with different legal structures
Understanding of copyright and royalty laws
Understanding of industry trends and developments
Knowledge of digital marketing and social media
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Strong financial management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Team collaboration and leadership skills
Knowledge of music publishing, recording, and distribution
Knowledge of music technology and software applications
Networking abilities
Time management and organizational skills

A Music Business Manager is an essential role in the music industry, and the most important skill they need to have is an understanding of the music industry landscape. This includes knowledge of the different players, such as record labels, publishers, and artist managers, and how they work together. Knowing who to contact and when is key to being a successful manager, as is having an understanding of the legal and financial aspects of the industry.

A Music Business Manager also needs strong business acumen, including the ability to negotiate deals and manage budgets. strong communication skills are essential for dealing with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders in the industry. a Music Business Manager must be a leader who can effectively manage all aspects of the business and guide artists, labels, and other entities to success.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in managing music businesses?
How would you handle a difficult client?
What strategies do you use to maximize revenue from recorded music?
How would you go about developing and managing relationships with labels, distributors, and other industry partners?
What strategies can you implement to market and promote music releases?
Do you have any experience with digital streaming and distribution platforms?
How do you handle the financial management of music businesses?
What strategies do you use to monitor and measure the success of music releases?
How do you handle conflicts between artist and label interests?
What do you think are the most important skills for a successful music business manager?

Common Tools in Industry

Music Contract Software. Allows users to easily create, manage and negotiate music contracts. (Eg: TuneCore)
Music Royalties Tracking Software. Tracks the royalties earned by a musician or label in real-time. (Eg: Songtrust)
Music Distribution Platforms. Platforms that distribute music to streaming services. (Eg: CD Baby)
Music Copyright Protection Software. Software that helps protect music copyright. (Eg: Audible Magic)
Music Licensing Platforms. Platforms that help connect musicians with license holders. (Eg: Artlist)
Music Promotion Platforms. Platforms that help promote music throughout the world. (Eg: Symphonic Distribution)
Music Accounting Software. Software that helps to manage music business finances. (Eg: Avid Bookkeeper)
Music Scheduling Software. Software that helps to schedule promotional activities. (Eg: Gigwell)
Music Analytics Platforms. Platforms that provide insights into music trends, audiences and listening behaviors. (Eg: Next Big Sound)
Music Streaming Services. Platforms that allow users to stream and download music on-demand. (Eg: Spotify)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Independent Music (A2IM)
Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)
National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP)
Association for Independent Music (AFIM)
Music Managers Forum (MMF)
Music Business Association (Music Biz)
National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS)
International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
The Harry Fox Agency (HFA)

We also have Songwriter, Music Teacher, and Orchestrator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Artist Manager. Person responsible for the career of a recording artist, typically in charge of the artist's day-to-day activities, such as booking shows, handling publicity, and negotiating contracts.
Artist Development. A strategy used by music business managers to help plan the career of a recording artist. This involves activities such as creating a brand image, developing an audience, and marketing the artists music.
Music Publishing. The business of securing and administering copyrights for a song or composition. Music publishers work with songwriters to license and protect their music.
Music Licensing. The process of obtaining permission to use copyrighted music in various media. This may include TV, radio, film, video game, advertising, and other projects.
Record Label. A company that manufactures, distributes, and promotes recorded music. Record labels are responsible for signing artists and releasing their albums.
Marketing. The process of creating awareness and interest in an artist or product. Music business managers create marketing plans to reach potential fans and increase sales.
Distribution. The process of making music available for purchase and streaming. Music business managers work with distribution companies to make sure their artists music is available in stores and online.
Publishing Administration. The management of a songwriters catalog and royalties. Music business managers handle publishing administration to ensure that their artists songs are properly registered, and that they receive their fair share of royalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Music Business Manager?

A Music Business Manager is a professional who helps musicians navigate the music industry. They are responsible for managing career objectives, contracts, tour logistics, financial planning, marketing, and other business-related tasks.

What qualifications do I need to become a Music Business Manager?

To become a Music Business Manager, you will need a combination of experience in the music industry, knowledge of the legal and financial aspects of the business, and excellent organizational and communication skills.

How much does a Music Business Manager typically earn?

The salary of a Music Business Manager can vary greatly depending on experience and geographical location, but according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Music Business Manager in the United States is around $70,000 per year.

What other services do Music Business Managers provide?

Music Business Managers provide a range of services including career advice, contract negotiations, tour booking, financial planning, marketing and promotion, and royalty collection.

What is the difference between a Music Business Manager and an Artist Manager?

While both roles are involved in managing an artists career, a Music Business Manager typically focuses on the more business-related tasks such as contracts, tour logistics, financial planning, marketing and promotion, while an Artist Manager handles the more artistic aspects such as branding, image development, and songwriting.

Web Resources

Music Business/Management | Berklee College of college.berklee.edu
Careers in Music Business/Management - Berklee College of Music college.berklee.edu
Music Business: Undergraduate Programs | Hofstra University www.hofstra.edu