Music Industry Studies – Albright College

Music Industry Studies

What is Music Industry Studies?

Building on its successful co-major in Music Business, the Department of Music now also offers a full major in Music Industry Studies that weaves together artistry, industry, and technology in a full, structured, and integrated curriculum. The world of commercial music has undergone a seismic shift in identity and purpose as young, entrepreneurial artists have increasingly taken control of both the content and delivery of their artistic material to the mass market, thanks to advances in digital technology and user-friendly online distribution systems. This is not a trend but the new face of doing business in a digital world, assuming one has harnessed skill sets and problem solving abilities in both the world of artistry and of industry. The Music Industry Studies major will prepare students’ artistic talents along with their business talents, so that they can more fully enter the industry with vision and momentum.

What Are the Career Opportunities for a Music Industry Studies Major? (from Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, 9th ed.)

“Music related occupations run an extremely wide gamut offering a diverse array of choices to individuals with equally diverse talents, training, and interests. When you consider the many points at which music intersects with the wider entertainment industry – from films to tv shows to radio to video games to the internet – the potential opportunities expand still further. There are careers to be made both on stage and back stage, in the spotlight and behind the scenes, in big city offices and small town schools. Some offer steady paychecks and structured work weeks, while others hold out the promise of rich rewards without providing any guarantees of making next month’s rent… Most successful people in the business have a strong spirit of drive and entrepreneurship…Reflecting the border-crossing nature of the entertainment industry, many jobs (such as songwriter, music supervisor or composer) will have value in multiple industry sectors.”

Related Career Titles (Some may require education beyond bachelor’s degree.)

Advance Person (aka Roadie) Market Analyst Record Industry Advertising Account Executive
A& R Administrator Marketing Representative Record Producer
A & R Coordinator Music Director (Radio or TV) Recording Engineer
Arranger Music Editor Recording Studio Manager
Artist Manager Music Journalist Recording Studio Scheduler
Assistant Publicist Music Librarian Recording Artist Web Site
Attorney, Music Industry Music Licensing and Clearance Specialist Royalties Broadcast Monitor
Booking Agent Musician Singer/Vocalist
Brand Manager Music Supervisor Songwriter
Business Manager Music Publishing Specialist Sound Designer
Composer Music Reporter Sound Editor
Concert Promoter Music Supervisor Sound Technician
Copyist Program Director Sales Representative
Copyright Specialist Promotion Manager Staff Publicist
Director of Publicity Promotion Staffer Tour Assistant
Disc Jockey Public Relations Specialist Tour Coordinator/Manager
eCommerce Manager Publicist Venue Marketing Director
Event Technology Specialist & Technician Product Development Writer
Executive Assistant/Assistant Production Assistant/Coordinator Foley Artist
Lyricist Project Manager/Producer  

How do you get ready? (from http://career.utk.edu/students/majors/pdf/music.pdf )

  • Finding positions in the music industry requires a combination of talent, training, connections and some luck. Perseverance is required!
  • Develop competencies in business management, computers, marketing or other areas to broaden range of employment possibilities.
  • Must be comfortable working as part of a team.
  • Develop a variety of skills. Become “multitalented.”
  • Confidence, personality, a positive attitude and a love of music are important to success.
  • Need basic tools of self-promotion.
  • Some jobs may require you to join unions or guilds.
  • Must be flexible regarding their work schedules.
  • Consider entrepreneurial opportunities in the music industry including those online.
  • Comfort using music industry lingo (being able to” talk the talk”).
  • Gain experience working part-time, volunteering or interning within the music industry including on-campus opportunities (radio station, sound/light technical experiences, etc.).
  • Take business courses to work in management oradministration.
  • Journalism, public relations, and communication classes helpful for work in areas of publicity.
  • Gain sales experience for marketing.
  • Must interact well with people and develop persuasion tools.
  • Join organizations involved with bringing events and entertainment to campus.

Related Major Skills/Characteristics

Theory/aural skills Composition Music history
Music management Marketing/promotion Music law
Audio Technology Studio engineering and editing Creativity
Organizational skills Adaptability and flexibility  Verbal communication skills
Ability to work with a team People skills Critical listening
Observation skills Self-discipline Reading, writing, editing skills
Perseverance Financial acuity Versatility
Technical skills Responsibly completing assignments Integrity
Computer: word processing, spreadsheet and database Internet navigation and research Decision making
Understanding and following instructions Observational skills Problem solving ability

What about the future?

“Like all industries, the music industry adheres to the law of job supply and demand – a basic rule of all economic systems. When it comes to jobs and opportunities, the supply of [music] industry jobs falls well below the demand of those wishing to enter the industry.” – (from How to Get a Job in the Music, 2nd ed.)

Available at Albright College Career Development Center’s Resource Library

  • Career Opportunities in the Music Industry, Shelly Field
  • Careers for Competitive Spirits and Other Peak Performers, by Jan Goldberg
  • Careers for Culture Lovers and Other Artsy Types, by Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler
  • Careers for Extroverts and Other Gregarious Types, Jan Goldberg
  • Careers for High – Energy People and Other Go – Getters, by Marjorie Eberts, Margaret Gisler, and Maria Gisler
  • Careers for Music Lovers and Other Tuneful Types, by Jeff Johnson
  • Careers for Self – Starters and Other Entrepreneurial Types, by Blythe Camenson
  • Great Jobs for Music Majors, by Jan Goldberg
  • Opportunities in Entertainment Careers, by Jan Goldberg
  • Opportunities in Music Careers, by Robert Gerardi

Disclaimer
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by Albright College or the Experiential Learning and Career Development Center.

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