All you need to know about a career in the music business, from education to employment
Music business careers are built around connecting creativity to commerce. From A&R executives to entertainment lawyers, marketing directors, data analysts and live event producers, the industry is animated by those fluent in both music and business.
“People typically enter the music and entertainment industry on the business side because they have a deep love for music and a genuine appreciation for the impact it has on people’s lives,” said Dr. Amy Smith, chair of music business and associate professor of music business at Belmont University. “That passion is the starting point, but entering the industry requires understanding that it is, at its core, a collection of businesses.”
While some people start with internships, others transition from adjacent fields. Many find their first real opportunity through a single conversation with the right person at the right time.
Read on to learn more about music business careers.
A Career in the Music Business
The music business, at its core, is all about connecting artists to fans, supporting the careers of creatives in the industry and making sure their work is protected through copyright. This is a broad field, shaped by creatives and businesspeople of all disciplines.
“From publishing and recording music to live events, management, legal services and data, every area depends on professionals who can think strategically and operate effectively,” said Smith. “Artists and songs may be the product, but it takes strong business minds to bring that product to market and sustain careers.”
A career in the music business is perfect for those who love music but are more drawn to the behind-the-scenes work than the stage. From discovering talent to cultivating fan experiences, the music business touches every part of musical creativity and keeps the industry alive.
How to Get into the Music Business
“People enter the industry in a few key ways,” said Smith. “Many begin with internships or entry-level roles, while others transition from different business fields. But one of the most important paths is through relationships.”
Breaking into the music business can seem intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to the industry.
“The thing to remember when talking to people in the business is that, while they may have more experience than you, everyone remembers what it was like to get started,” said Dr. Sarita Stewart, professor of media and entertainment industries at Belmont University. “Everyone has to start somewhere, and often all it takes is one conversation.”
“The music industry is highly relationship-driven, and many opportunities come not from job postings, but from connections and trust built over time,” added Smith.
What Can I Do with a Music Business Degree?
A music business degree gives you the power to work in the music business by opening doors through both career connections and practical experience. Music business students graduate with four years of training in business, marketing, analytics, management and more. With these tools, and the real-world connections forged through internships and guest events, students enter the industry prepared for careers in:
- A&R
- Artist Management
- Content Creation
- Entertainment Law
- Live Event Promotion
- Merchandising
- Music Journalism
- Music Production
Grammy award winning artist and producer FYÜTCH studied music business before graduating in 2011 and going on to craft a highly successful career in the music business as a musician and educator.
How Can I Find Music Industry Jobs?
You can find music industry jobs by building industry relationships through internships, networking events and real-world experience while developing expertise in your chosen field.
Most music business careers rest on who you know, not what you know. While competence in your particular discipline is non-negotiable, it’s usually the step of bringing that skill to life through internships, industry events and real-world connections that helps candidates find music industry jobs.
Smith continues, “Ultimately, most people enter the music industry by combining passion, preparation and relationships. Belmont’s Music Business program is designed to bring those three elements together, helping students move from interest to opportunity and into lasting careers.
The combination of business expertise, real-world context and a strong network gives graduates a clearer and more direct path into the industry. Belmont graduates don’t just understand how the business works; they are prepared to step into it with both the skills and relationships needed to succeed.”
How Much is the Music Business Expanding?
The music business is expanding rapidly, with global music revenue projected to reach $200 billion by 2035, according to a report from Goldman Sachs, driven by new factors in streaming, business models and fan engagement.
Understanding the shifting landscape of how consumers engage with music and the business delivers it is crucial to learning how to survive in the music business. Disruptors such as streaming, social media and artificial intelligence have caused major change in the traditional structure of the music business, and the industry belongs to those who can adapt.
Though many factors affect the success and expansion of the music industry (according to this report by Billboard magazine), one thing remains clear: the demand for music and live entertainment isn’t going anywhere.
How to Survive in the Music Business
Survival in the music business is contingent on building relationships and navigating change. This level of stamina and patience can take years to develop, but will boost a career in this ever-changing industry more than any other factors.
Over time, you’ll learn more and more of what they don’t tell you about the music business; continually replacing preconceived notions about the industry with practical knowledge. In this business, it’s a marathon. Not a sprint.
Music Business Major Salary
Holding a degree in music business opens doors to lucrative careers otherwise unreachable. Here are some of the top options:
- Marketing Director — median annual salary: $194,799
- Artist Relations Manager — median annual salary: $107,241
- A&R Manager — median annual salary: $72,365
- Talent Buyer — median annual salary: $54,771
Music business alumni have carved out careers in the industry ranging from entry-level positions to Forbes-recognized powerhouses such as Blair Miller. After finishing school, Miller founded Chaos Creators: a marketing agency focused on personalized strategy and out of the box thinking. In an industry as competitive as music business, Miller’s creativity is what makes her stand apart from the rest.
Is a Career in the Music Business Right for You?
A career in the music business is ideal for people who are passionate about music and energized by the work that happens behind the scenes. Whether you're interested in artist development, marketing, live events, publishing, analytics or management, the industry offers a wide range of opportunities to combine creativity with business strategy.
Success in the music industry takes business knowledge, adaptability and a willingness to build meaningful professional relationships over time. For students looking to develop those skills, a music business degree can provide both the practical foundation and industry connections needed to launch a career.
At Belmont University, students learn in the heart of Nashville's music industry while gaining hands-on experience, mentorship and access to one of the nation's most established music business programs. The result is a degree designed to help students move from a passion for music to a lasting career in the industry.
Learn More
Discover music business at Belmont