Good Music Management courses?/Advice on Music management

[lovers_spit]

hey I'll be leaving school in almost a years time and music management seems to be a field id be really interested in.

i was just wondering if anyone knew of any helpful legitimate university courses involving it?

also, it would be helpful to have advice on how to break into this line of career, or advice on managing bands in general if you're involved in that.


thanks.

Craig.

[Old Gold]

A more general business course would probably be more valuable than any concentrating solely on music.

[RockAustin]

Originally Posted by Old Gold

A more general business course would probably be more valuable than any concentrating solely on music.

On top of this you'd probably want to do your course somewhere you could get work experience in relating to your interest. Your interests may change as you get older as well (even within the next year).

[black_matter]

I'm currently sitting the HNC music course in Aberdeen which had a section called industries and infrastructures which would really be for you, more business inclined with the music.

[Twojoe]

Visit Amazon and search 'music management' in books. There are a few books out there that are worth getting and will help give an insight into the many aspects of music management and the various types of manager that exist. Firstly though you would want to learn the music industry and the jargon and core business knowledge is also a key. Once learned(ish) you can probably throw the rule book out the window when dealing direct with an artist/band. Diplomacy skills may be handy too

pm me for further info if you want.

[jester1470]

The best way to learn music management would probably be to try managing a band. Most people who do it for a living dont come from a background training to be a music manager but do it through managing a band or two and getting the experience that way. The only way you can really learn something like that is to go out and do it. Though please be aware it is the most thankless task in music (possibly next to sound engineer), if a band do well its the band that are perceived to have made theright decisions etc, if a band doesnt do so well the blame is often laid on the manager. I've done it off and on and have loved it, I've travelled Europe, sat backstage at the Paradiso whilst my favourite band is on, had a blast, but its generally been off the back of a series of contacts,t hats the important thing networking.

Cheers

Stuart

[The Byre]

Most music management companies seem to be run by lawyers, with a few MBAs thrown in.

If you are not into law, I would suggest (as has been stated above) you work towards an ordinary business degree, finishing up with an MBA. A proper business degree will allow you to work in any industry, including music.

There are some courses on music management, but they are VERY Mickey Mouse and to be avoided at all costs.

[Twojoe]

I have toyed with the idea of setting up music management business in Aberdeen but the main stopping point is having to work with musicians...

[Sam L4]

Originally Posted by The Byre

Most music management companies seem to be run by lawyers, with a few MBAs thrown in.

If you are not into law, I would suggest (as has been stated above) you work towards an ordinary business degree, finishing up with an MBA. A proper business degree will allow you to work in any industry, including music.

There are some courses on music management, but they are VERY Mickey Mouse and to be avoided at all costs.

I agree with The Byre. Mainly because i got to college to do a music course, and am friendly with some of the Business students. We all agree it's a big waste of time.

I would look into a Business degree, but on the side try and get involved with as many musical projects as you can. Try managing a band, promote your own gig nights, apply for work experience at Music Management firms, speak to other music managers and ask how they got into it ect. Just a bit of advice from my perspective.

[lovers_spit]

Cheers guys, this is all good stuff


How would I go about asking bands if i could manage them though, without sounding like an arrogant prick or a pretentious wannabe child?