Music promotions manager

Though not essential, you could do a course at university that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Courses include:

• music business
• music industries and management
• business management
• marketing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You may find it useful to do a college course to get an insight into the music promotions industry, for example:

• music business
• digital promotion for business
• events management
• T Level in Marketing

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could start by doing an Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Practical experience is highly valued. To get this you could:

• find work placements with record label companies or public relations agencies, specialising in music
• organise and promote local gigs or festivals
• write gig reviews for local or student press, websites and social media
• volunteer with student or community radio

These activities will also allow you to build up a network of contacts, which can help when you look for paid work.

When applying for jobs or setting up on your own, you'll have an advantage if you can bring experience from related areas like sales and marketing, public relations or event organising.

With experience, you may be able to get into junior or assistant music promotions manager jobs.

Career Tips

This role can be wide ranging, working with a lot of different people. Good negotiating skills are key, alongside a basic knowledge of accounting, contract law and marketing.

Enthusiasm for music and different genres is essential.

Further Information

You can get more advice about working as a music promoter and promoting yourself through the Musicians' Union .

You can also find information on different roles in the music industry from UK Music .

As a music promoter, you could:

• write press releases to publicise your client's music or tour
• co-ordinate publicity events like media interviews and personal appearances
• organise tours, including travel and accommodation
• negotiate contracts
• keep track of emerging talent
• offer advice on how artists can market themselves across different media
• work closely with merchandisers, legal teams and music publishers

As a promoter for a live music, you could:

• choose and book artists and bands
• deal with agents, caterers and suppliers
• arrange a full programme of gigs
• organise marketing and publicity
• apply for entertainment licences

You could work in an office, at a recording studio or at a music venue.

Your working environment may be noisy and you'll travel often.