Do you love music and dream of having a career in the music business? The UK music industry contributes billions to the economy and British music is a leading influencer of culture and arts around the globe.
The music business offers exciting job opportunities for those who are prepared to demonstrate their passion, talent and tenacity. Careers in music go way beyond performing and span creative, business and technical areas. If you love to write you could pursue a career in music journalism and songwriting. If performing is your thing, then live music entertainment, music education, or music production could be for you. Organisational and communication skills could serve you well in artist management, concert promotion and marketing. If you have an eye for details and craftsmanship you might consider becoming an instrument maker or repairer.
It is tough to get into the music business but there are different ways to break through. Social media has opened up a route that wasn’t available ten years ago. The sheer quantity of music available means that musicians and artist have to fight harder than ever to get their music heard but the digital age has opened doors, there are singers and musicians being spotted on YouTube and getting signed without having a manager or record label.
For most of us who are not spotted online, you need to build music related experience and put yourself in front of prospective employers. Work experience and internships are a good way to get a foot in the door. Learning how to promote yourself, networking and finding like-minded friends and contacts will help build a support system and give you the heads up on possible job opportunities.
Singers, songwriters and musicians may be able to enter the music industry solely on their talent and experience while business, educational or technical roles will need a degree.
Courses will give you in-depth practical and theoretical knowledge and the chance to develop transferrable skills, make industry contacts and find industry work placements.
Universities across the UK offer a range of undergraduate and post graduate music courses in, for example, digital music, live events production, management, music and sound technology.
Jobs are competitive and the industry is fast moving so you need to be adaptable to make a living. It’s common to have 'several strings to your bow' (excuse the pun!) session musicians could also work as music teachers and DJs and recording engineers sometimes move into music production.
Yamaha Music London is excited to be part of this year’s BBC Music Introducing Live, as part of Yamaha UK’s Discovery Space, a three day live event at Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, London E1W 2SF from 31 October to 02 November. Whether you want to be agent, manager, artist, work at a label or organize some of the world’s biggest festivals, this is the place for you – whatever the stage of your career.
BBC Introducing is a great opportunity to meet industry insiders, BBC Presenters and DJs, top names from record labels, brands and streaming services plus global and new artists including Catfish and the Bottlemen, Nile Rogers, Annie Mac, Blossoms, and more to help you make it in the music industry.
The Yamaha Discovery Space is not too be missed! This will be a special chance to get up close and personal with legendary Yamaha music instruments, kit and gear PLUS talk to up and coming musicians in between live performances on the Yamaha #makeyourselfheard stage about their success and the challenges they face in the business.
The Yamaha instruments and gear will be supplied by Yamaha Music London, Yamaha’s flagship music store and the exciting lineup will include drums, synths, Line 6 pedals, the TransAcoustic and Silent Guitar. Yamaha Music London is just a DLR and tube ride away from Tobacco Dock so you will be able to get to the store easily for a must-see visit.
The BBC Introducing Live Discovery Theatre is also sponsored by Yamaha and other media partners and will host informative panels, talks and masterclasses with music industry movers and shakers.
To find out more and book your tickets visit www.introducinglive.co.uk
| Musicians & Singers, Composers, Conductor, Songwriters and lyricists | Singer/vocalist/backing singer may sing in any music genre either solo or part of a band, or an instrumental performer in any capacity including strings, brass, percussion, wind, electronic or keyboard. Songwriters, Composer or Conductor. |
| Radio, TV, Film, Musical Theatre, and Videogames | DJ, VJ, Audio Producer, Videographer, Music Editorial, Music Director, Composer |
| Music Education | Music educators for children and adults including private music instructors, band, choir, orchestra teachers, music history. Music Therapist. |
| Recorded Music | Labels, Distributors, Design & Manufacture |
| Live Music/Music Events | Festival Organisers, Music Promoters, Music Agents, Production Services for live music, Sound Technicians, Ticketing Agent, Concert Venues & Arenas, Roadies. |
| Music Publishing | |
| Music Representatives | Collecting Societies, Music Managers, Music Trade Bodies |
| Music Production & Recording | Produce, Mix and distribute music e.g. Record Label Owner, Record Producer, Record Engineer, Marketing and PR, Talent agents |
| Music Services | Retail Music Stores, Musical Instrument Manufacture, Audio Equipment & Music Software, Digital Music Services, Broadcast |
| Music Merchandising | Music Retail Store Manager/Staff/Instrument Sales, Music Buyer, Online Music outlet, Website developer or designer |
