The music industry is a massive umbrella, and you don’t need to be a talented artist to get involved. If you’ve got a creative streak, you can get involved in album design, the tech-savvy people can make their way into sound engineering, and those who love to lead can manage artists. No matter what your skill base, there is bound to be a place for you in the music industry. If you want to chase down a career in music, continue reading to find out more.
Recording Engineer
During the recording process, the sound engineer is responsible for capturing and manipulating music. Much of their work involves using microphones, compressors, mixers, and any other tech involved in the recording process. As well as capturing sound properly, you will need to deal with any technical problems. Unfortunately, given the nature of the music industry, if something goes wrong in the recording process, you will take the hit.
To become a recording engineer, you need to practice your craft by visiting a recording studio near you. You need to learn how to use all of the technology and keep updated on new software releases, which you can do at studios like PIRATE. Then, when you hit that recording studio near you, you can practice your craft 24/7. If you’ve got mates in a band, bring them along for a rehearsal session at a Pirate studio where they can borrow all the professional equipment they need.
Producer
Producers walk a fine line between creativity and the business side of the industry. They are responsible for building bridges between record labels and artists. When an artist needs to record, the producer weighs in on chosen material, how it’s arranged, and what the budget is.
If this is the path you wish to follow, you should start by learning the fundamentals of great-sounding audio. Also, you should start learning how to use music software and tech. To set yourself apart as an amazing producer, you need to dive into the engineering side of the recording process. If you need inspiration, check out your favorite albums and see who produced them. Then, you can follow their other work and see if there are any interviews out there.
Tour Manager
Artists rely heavily on the touring side of their work. Without live shows, artists wouldn’t be anywhere near as wealthy as they are. The tour manager’s job is to manage all parts of life on the road. You will pull strings with booking agents, book flights, arrange accommodation, build a workable schedule, and ensure bands’ budgets are met.
To become a thriving tour manager, you will need to understand the entire music industry and all the moving parts that come with that. To get a head start, you should teach yourself music logistics before studying music business management. Alongside study, you will need to gain as much experience as you can in all aspects of the touring lifecycle.
Booking Agent
Booking agents are responsible for getting the bands on the stage. You will navigate music venues and secure deals. You will work closely with the management of venues and artists to help create a band’s schedule.
To be a booking agent, you should get a degree in musical management. Further, you will need to learn about the laws governing the music industry, including copyright. To gain experience, you can start in roles such as event promotion and administration.
Artist Manager
Artist management is perfect for people who love to take control. Working with artists, your job will be to advance their position in the music world. You will always be looking at the big picture and planning for the future. To be an artist manager, you need to be completely invested in the artists you work with. After all, you will put in a lot of work and won’t always get that much recognition, since you won’t be the star of the show.
Managing artists calls for strong leadership skills. You would need to be extremely organized, making constant connections between artists, booking agents, publishers, record companies, and any other moving parts. Further, you will need to give your artists constructive criticism, be able to negotiate and make sales pitches.
Sessions Musician
Session musicians support artists on stage and albums. For example, if a solo artist comes down to the recording studio, they may not be able to play a part. This is where the sessions musician steps in. Becoming a session musician is a great route to go down if you want to explore different genres because you’re free to work with a range of different artists. Just because you start as a session musician, doesn’t mean you can’t break out into being an established musician once you’ve built up connections.
To become a session musician, you need to be a master of your chosen craft. Typically, you should choose one instrument and sell that as your niche. Becoming an expert in one area gives you more authority. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t explore other instruments. No matter what the genre or arrangement is, you need to be able to step in and fill the spot. As well as musical talent, you need to learn how to network and build relationships.
Music Teacher
Those who play music have to learn somewhere. Teaching music covers a broad spectrum of jobs. You can teach general music in school and inspire young minds to follow their dreams. Further, you can become a private instructor and teach a specific instrument to those who need it. Teaching music is extremely flexible because of how many instruments are – and you can also choose the age range you teach.
To become a music teacher, you will need to have expert subject knowledge, and the ability to break it down and educate people. If you decide to teach through schools, you will likely need to gain qualifications and study at university. However, if you operate self-employed, your journey won’t be as academic-orientated.
A music career is incredibly rewarding, and you don’t need to be an artist to do it. All you need is passion, subject knowledge, and a path.
