Music promotions manager

Within the music business, the responsibility of boosting sales falls on the shoulders of promotions managers. Plugger, music agent, and promoter are a few examples of other job titles that may be employed. They could work for individual artists or bands, a record label, or a venue, among other possible employers.

The Work Being Done

Within the realm of music promotions and publishing, there are several sub-fields to choose from, such as artists and repertoire (also known as A&R, which refers to the process of signing and promoting musical performers), copyright and legal issues, production, sales and marketing, and accounting. It's possible that:

evaluating upcoming artists by seeing them perform and selecting whether or not to book them.

drafting contracts and providing advice to customers about legal issues such as copyright

"plugging" refers to the process of making arrangements with radio stations and television networks like MTV to broadcast the music of your customers.

generating promotional CDs and DVDs, in addition to composing press releases

putting together public relations activities such as interviews for the press or the television

collaboration with graphic artists and printers in the production of promotional materials such as posters and brochures

arranging one-off performances or whole tours for your customers, either locally or internationally.

maintaining the books and remaining within the allotted budget

Making connections with other people who work in the entertainment business via various forms of networking.

In most cases, you would focus on one topic exclusively. At instance, if you work for a venue as a concert producer, some of the roles you may play are as follows:

Attending events with the intention of finding artists suitable for your venue

making contact with artists or the agency representing them, and scheduling performances

maintaining a full schedule for the venue for the next weeks while avoiding duplicate bookings

making preparations for the production and distribution of promotional material

obtaining a license to perform entertainment

arranging the technical apparatus and the safety measures

locating a substitute act in the event that one of the performers has to cancel.

Pay

The pay for this sort of employment varies significantly from job to job. The following numbers should only be used as a reference.

You may potentially make between £13,000 and £16,000 per year as a newcomer while you build up your network of connections.

After establishing yourself in the role of promotions manager, you have the potential to earn between 20,000 and 40,000 pounds per year.

If you have an extraordinary amount of success, your annual income may approach or even surpass £70,000.

Your revenue may come fully or in part through commissions, which are calculated as a proportion of the profits of your customers (often between 15 and 20 percent), or on the basis of the number of times a certain track is played. There is a possibility that you may get benefits such as complimentary CDs, DVDs, downloads, concert tickets, and other promotional goodies.

Conditions

The hours vary, may be rather lengthy at times, and can extend into the nights and weekends.

The position requires frequent travel and overnight stays, sometimes even beyond the country.

Promotions managers often work in an office setting, but they also spend time in loud venues.

The work may be on a short-term contract basis or on a freelance (self-employed) basis.

Getting In

The market is very competitive, and gaining entry relies heavily on one's ability to network inside the sector.

It is more important to have knowledge and expertise in the music industry as opposed to educational degrees.

It is helpful if you have previous experience working on events, such as from a job you had over the summer or from organizing social gatherings when you were in college or university.

Popular music, marketing, communications, the mass media, accounting, and contract law are all disciplines that are beneficial to study, whether you do it at college or from the comfort of your own home. There are classes offered at a variety of levels, including: National Certificate (NC), National Qualification (NQ), Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND), or degree level. National Qualification (NQ). Higher National Certificate (HNC). Higher National Diploma (HND).

A variety of educational institutions in Scotland, including the University of the Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh College, Glasgow Kelvin College, Perth College UHI, and West College Scotland, all provide high school, national diploma, and degree programs in music business.

Typically, you'll need 1-2 Highers or its equivalent in order to enroll in an HNC or HND program, but the admission requirements for a degree call for 4-5 Highers.

It is possible that you may begin your career as an unpaid intern, via voluntary work, or in a subordinate role doing broad responsibilities.

A valid driver's license is not only helpful but also required in specific situations.

Certifications in health and safety as well as first aid are beneficial.

The United Kingdom is not only the second biggest source of repertory in the world (after the United States), but it is also the third largest market in the world for sales of music.

You may begin your career in an entry-level administrative position or as a runner (for more information on the Runner job description, click here), either in a radio, television, or record firm, and then keep an eye out for openings in appropriate departments, such as marketing.

What are the Prerequisites?

You were supposed to have:

excellent business sense

good abilities in both negotiating and networking

a keen sense of hearing for music

initiative

A combination of self-assurance and forcefulness

the capacity to continue working despite adverse conditions

superior familiarity with either contemporary music or a certain sub-genre of music

strong organization skills.

Additionally, you should be:

devoted to the study of music

creative

vibrant, self-motivated, and goal-oriented

resilient and persistent.

Training

The majority of training takes place on the job.

The Music Managers' Forum (MMF) provides those working in the industry with guidance, chances to network, seminars, and a variety of short courses via their MMF Training division.

Getting a Grip

Building a vast network of connections within the music business is essential to achieving success. After you have accomplished this, you may consider working alone.

You can decide to pursue more education and become an expert in a certain profession, such as providing legal counsel.