Careers & Marketing
So many musicians can write and play life-altering music, but nobody hears it. Don’t condemn your songs to obscurity. Use the articles below to help spread the good word about your own or your client’s records. In combination with our other columns, you and your artists are on their way to the top of the charts.
What's the Difference Between an EP & LP Album in Music?
What’s an EP? And how is it different from an LP? This is a question that comes up all the time from aspiring musicians and fans alike, and the answer is not quite as simple as you might think! Let’s explore some of the differing qualities between EPs and LPs, the history behind these two album formats, and how they might help you if you’re […]
ASCAP vs. BMI: Which PRO Is Right for You?
Performing rights organizations (PROs) exist to help musicians manage the licensing and rights to their work, so they get the royalties they are entitled to. Two of the biggest in North America are the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). If you’re a musician and looking for a PRO to license your work, how do you know which […]
What Do Ethnomusicologists Do? (Jobs, Salary, Degrees, & More)
In this article, we’ll discuss everything there is to know about ethnomusicology and what kinds of jobs are available to those with a background in this area of study. We'll also cover the salaries and wages as well as everything involved in education to get you ready. What is Ethnomusicology? Ethnomusicology is the academic study of the socio-cultural aspects of music. In other words, ethnomusicologists […]
What Does a Music Librarian Do? (Jobs, Salary, Degree, & More)
Here we’ll explore what music librarians do and what types of jobs are available. We'll also cover the average salary and how you can begin a career in this area of study in terms of education requirements. What is a Music Librarian? A music librarian is a person who has a broad understanding of both music and librarianship. The same way that a regular librarian […]
What Does a Music Therapist Do? (Jobs, Salary, Degree, & More)
Unlike other careers in music, music therapy doesn’t involve recording soundtracks for films or perfecting the acoustics in a theater. Instead, music therapy requires you to work one-on-one or in small groups to facilitate therapy that helps people heal and recover. Ready to learn more about music therapy, including how to become a music therapist and what degree you need to make it happen? Read […]
What is a Sound Technician? (Jobs, Salary, Degrees, & More)
While the job title of sound technician sounds a bit stuffy, it’s a more colorful career than you might assume with plenty of challenges, creativity, technical know-how, and opportunity for advancement. Many sound tech job duties are similar to those of the one-man recording artist, making this career path a desirable and lucrative one for many music enthusiasts. Here we’ll cover what a sound technician […]
What Does an Audio Engineer Do, Make, & How Do I Become One?
Don’t worry; we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll explain in detail what an audio engineers is, how much their skills net on the market, and how you could take the first steps in becoming an audio engineer as a career. What is an Audio Engineer? Audio engineers and sound engineers are the masters of audio hardware and software that is used during the […]
The Types Of Music Majors, Degrees, & Programs in College
The problem is that some students get confused about which types of music majors or degrees to pick and which one will best prepare them for their desired career. Music majors and degree options vary from one university or college to the next. While some are quite general, others are highly specialized. You should only choose the specialized ones when you are sure of your […]
The Best Music Production Schools & Colleges to Gain True Skills
A recording artist can only do so much to create an inspiring sound, but it’s the music producer who brings it all together and makes it harmonious. And they're skills are largely gained at one of the best music production schools in the nation. Music production is one of the most exciting career fields you can enter. The creativity and thought process involved with engineering […]
The Best Audio Engineering Schools & Colleges to Learn & Network
Although it can be challenging to choose the best audio engineering school or college for you, given the plethora of options available to you, don’t let the options overwhelm you. Instead, let yourself be excited about the multiple choices — you’re that much closer to achieving your sound engineering or music producing dreams than you realize. Before you make a decision, make sure you have […]
What is a Session Musician? Their Tasks, Earnings, & More
Being a session musician is still in-demand in today’s music industry. It's a common belief that the need for a stand-in studio musician in recording sessions has decreased over the last ten years, in large due to the effects of technological advancements and shift to sample-based productions. On the other hand, the need for session musicians in musical performances has increased, compensating for reduction in studio […]
How to Start a Band - 9 Steps to Stardom (Hard Work Required!)
It's time and you're committed. After kicking the idea around for too long, you're finally ready to start your own band. Now what? You know you want to treat this like a real business and not a bunch of buddies hanging out casually. You don't want to join a band. You don't want to form a cover band and build someone else's brand for them. […]
Songs for Sale: How the Music Industry Creates Pop Stars From Thin Air
This isn't news to the old-timers. We remember the days when artists all covered each other's songs and wrote for one another. The thing is, they were all capable and proved it time and again. That's not the case today. And it seems the big wigs would like to sweep that little secret under the rug. People are becoming wise to the game though. There's […]
How to Create a Music Marketing Plan Like a Pro
I won't sugarcoat it, not even a little bit: the music business is hard. Exceptionally hard. But since the rewards for those who make it to the top are stupendous, it's only fitting that climb itself be difficult. This, of course, isn't news to you. Even the most starry-eyed musicians understand that making it as a professional artist requires talent, dedication, and more than a […]
How to Build Your Reputation as a Beat Producer
There are as many worthless lyricists out there as there are people pumping out horrid beats in their bedrooms and filling up SoundCloud and YouTube. Let them work together. You are the one high quality producer out of the thousand that has any lick of musical talent. The problem is that nobody knows you're there. They don't make their way to your music profiles to […]
Go Global! Distribute Your Music Online
Most musicians want an audience, and many people would love to hear their music (if only they knew it existed). Classically, that's where music distribution came into play, but in the new millennium, that means digital distribution across the internet. Let's look at reasons every musician should be distributing music online. Online distribution is easy to do: It's shockingly affordable It can make you money […]
The Best Music Business Schools & Colleges to Launch Your Career
Lots of musicians take a strange path through this life of musical hardship. While they work their craft and attempt to gain exposure they fund their low income lifestyle by waiting tables and other measly day jobs. That's not a judgement statement. You've got to do what you've got to do and are willing to do. But why not play on easy mode and work […]
Music Business Jobs & Careers - Get Paid Doing What You Love!
Just because other people sell out to some corporation and are willing to hate their life for the off-chance they might retire one day doesn't mean we have to live like that. You can put off what you love until you're too old to do it, or you can live for the present. Of course you'll need to be responsible enough to consider the future […]
Music Business Degree - Major & Masters to Industry Career
Have you ever wondered why musicians will hit the big time and immediately start their own record label? They begin to arrange and market their own tours, hire a team to run their merchandise booths, and focus on the business itself as opposed to the art. Why? Because trends come and go within the industry, but the industry stays the same. And if you want […]
Anticipate Success: Make Marketing Easier With These 8 Music Production Tips
Imagine this scenario. You or your band release an EP of six tracks and three of them are awesome. You've printed CD labels and slip covers into those thin jewel cases and started handing them out to friends. One of your friends went the corporate route and ended up playing your music in the car with a wealthy businessman on their lunch break. It just […]
Useful Articles
Popular Posts
Essential Reviews
