Hi, I am a high school senior that would like to work in the music industry in the future.
I do not plan on being a performer or working in a studio. I would like to work behind the scenes, perhaps at a record label or for bands. For example, I would be interested in artist management, merchandise management, tour work, etc. However, I’m uncertain as to what I should major in.
Should I get a Music Business/Music Industry Degree? Many people say this degree is useless. Would a Business or Management Degree be more applicable in this situation? I understand that internships and networking are also major factors in getting a job in this field.
I’m having a hard time figuring this out, I would appreciate any and all contributions.
Thanks!
The most successful people I know in the music industry got their degrees in accounting. The contemporary music industry THRIVES on creative accounting. The other growth industry in the music business is intellectual property law. So become an accountant or a lawyer.
A good music industry or music business program will help with those connections and internships. Look at the course requirements to see what is covered in the degree program. And go ahead and get some performing and recording experience so you understand that side of it a little better.
Curious—why do people say that music business degrees aren’t helpful? I’m hoping to get a duel degree with performance and performing arts management. Is this not wise?
The music industry usually encompasses music as a business that creates and sells music, while performing arts management usually encompasses the management of live performance organizations and venues. (YMMV) Both business models are in an incredible state of flux right now and it’s difficult to envision exactly what either industry will look like in the foreseeable future. No sort of degree ,especially a music business degree,is any guarantee for work. So make sure that the program you are studying has great post graduate opportunities and placement. And by that I mean actual paying work. It seems that here in Los Angeles there are thousands of unpaid interns in every aspect of the music industry.
Though it gets more difficult every year, people are still working and making money in both, so study performing arts management if it is a real passion for you.