Promotions Manager

A music industry promotions manager finds publicity opportunities for solo instrumentalists, singers and bands, or for live music venues. Their role may involve:

• building a network of contacts in the music industry to help them promote clients
• publicising client's work - for example, new CDs and videos, or tour dates
• arranging publicity events such as press, TV and radio interviews
• promoting clients' work to the broadcast media
• organising tours
• advising clients on the best timing for releasing a new single or album
• listening to new performers and deciding whether they have the right sound.

There are no fixed hours for promotions managers. The job may involve early morning, evening and weekend working. Although promotions managers are based in offices, they may travel to accompany clients to promotional events. They also spend time in music venues which are likely to be noisy. A driving licence is useful.

Salaries may range from £10,000 to as much as £100,000 a year.

A promotions manager should:

• know a lot about music, and have a talent for spotting forthcoming trends
• have excellent communication skills
• be able to work under pressure and on their own initiative
• be interested in the media and marketing.

The UK music industry employs around 125,000 people, and there is keen competition for vacancies in all fields. Most opportunities to work for record companies and performers are in London, or in large cities like Manchester.

There is no formal entry route into this career. Work in a junior administrative position for a record company, live music venue, TV or radio station may be a good way of learning about the industry and starting to build a list of contacts. Networking is essential for success in this career. There are also a number of full-time degree and HND courses in music industry management available. Experience in sales, marketing or events organising is very useful for adult entry.

Most training is given on the job. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) provides lists of all courses relating to management in the music industry and also offers one-day 'Music - it's the Business' seminars, which cover the recording industry, distribution, merchandising and marketing techniques that are unique to the industry. MMF Training also offers a range of relevant short courses.

There is no formal promotion structure for promotions managers. With experience, it may be possible to move to a larger organisation for more pay and responsibility. It is possible to specialise in a particular field, such as legal advice. It may also be possible to work freelance, or to move into a related career such as artists' agent or manager.

Information from Connexions Jobs4U Career Database http://www.connexions-direct.com

More Information

Music Managers Forum

www.musicmanagersforum.co.uk 

Send to a friend | Digg this! | Del.icio.us | Added by: Kate Tucker (15/01/2008)