Features : Breaking into the music industry

Sourced by Rachel Shepherd, Editor, Graduate Prospects, December 2012

The UK's music industry is one of the most successful in the world. It's dynamic, innovative and fast-moving, and the range of jobs available follows suit

Getting a job isn't easy - strong competition means that employers can take their pick from a long list of highly qualified individuals.

Research conducted by sector skills council Creative and Cultural Skills  has demonstrated the difficulties involved for those aspiring to forge a career in the music industry.

'Despite the fact that 42% of the music sector is qualified to degree level or higher, employers continually tell us that new entrants are not equipped with the right skills. At the same time, we see a shortage of skilled technical workers in the live music sector,' says Pauline Tambling, joint-CEO, Creative & Cultural Skills.

The music industry is always evolving, with demands for new skills and fresh ideas, and if you're thinking about getting into the industry, this can only be good news.

Breaking in

You need to plan how you're going to make yourself stand out from the competition. What skills are you going to need? How are you going to build the required knowledge and experience?

One way to get ahead is through gaining experience. Apprenticeships are set to take on a bigger role in the industry, and this will have a direct effect on anyone looking to be involved. Your awareness of these changes can only increase your chances of being recognised as having the essential drive and commitment.

'Paid internships and apprenticeships allow employers to have a direct impact on the training of its employees. We believe that this model is essential to the long-term success of the music industry,' says Pauline.     

You should also be looking at the main trade press - Music Week, Record of the Day and CMU Daily are essential resources. 

Social media is another great tool - make sure you're following everyone who's anyone in the business on Twitter; use LinkedIn to build your online presence and network with people inside the industry; and build your knowledge of the different labels you want to work with by researching and engaging with them online.  

Who's who

• A&R (Artists and Repertoire) - act as a link between the artist and the label. You'll need to be highly organised and committed, as well as having your ear to the ground for the next big act. 
• Marketing and PR - responsible for the promotion of an artist's output; they devise campaigns that propel their artists into the consciousness of the consumer.
• Booking agents - take care of an artist's live commitments. You'll need to be a great negotiator, and someone the venues and publishers want to do business with.
• Publishing - where the money really is in this business - they retrieve money owed to an artist from radio, TV, pubs, clubs and shops.
• Managers - have eyes on every aspect of an act's schedule and career development. You'll have to be part of the band and fully committed to their success.
• Producers - the creative partners, handling song arrangements and getting the best performances from artists.
• Engineers - involved in the technical aspects of a recording, including directing mics and adjusting sound levels. You'll need to have specialist technical knowledge of how to get the best results out of your equipment and your act.