22
Jan
Music Business.
Gain a competitive edge in the music industry with our focused three-month course. You'll explore key industry functions, develop essential business skills, and learn proven strategies for building a successful career as an artist, producer, event organizer, DJ, composer, or any music professional. Learn how to monetise your talent and navigate the industry landscape.
Overview
Our music business course provides a foundational understanding of the inner workings of the music industry, equipping you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate this dynamic landscape. This introductory programme explores key concepts such as music copyright, explaining the legal framework that protects musical works and the rights of creators. You’ll explore the roles and functions of record labels, from artist development and production to marketing and promotion.
The course also delves into the crucial aspects of music distribution, covering both physical and digital channels and how music reaches its audience in today’s market. We’ll explore the strategies and tactics used in music marketing, from traditional methods to cutting-edge digital campaigns, teaching you how to effectively promote artists and their music. Finally, you’ll gain a solid grasp of music publishing, understanding the intricacies of song ownership, royalties, and licensing, and how these elements contribute to an artist’s revenue streams.
This course explores the importance of live music within the music industry. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how live performances contribute to artist development and career growth, explore diverse revenue streams generated through ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and other avenues. By examining these key aspects, students will gain valuable insights into the intricate workings of the live music ecosystem.
Whether you aspire to be an artist manager, music marketer, event promoter, tour manager, label executive, or simply want to understand the business side of music to support your own music career, this course provides the perfect starting point. Through engaging lectures, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises, you’ll gain practical insights into the music industry and build a solid foundation for future success.
Key info
- Qualification: Spirit Studios Certificate
- Duration: 3 Months
- Mode of study: Part-time
- Hours of study: Wednesdays 7-10pm
- Start date: 7 September 2026
- Fees: £175 per month or £472.50 if paid in full
- Entry Requirements: No formal entry requirements. Find out more
Get in touch
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this course, your application or if you'd like to arrange a tour of Spirit Studios, please get in touch on:
0161 276 2100 OR Contact usFeatures and Benefits
Real-world skills:
Developing industry-relevant knowledge, such as music marketing, artist management, digital distribution, and music licensing
Networking opportunities
The course often provides opportunity to network with industry professionals, guest speakers, and fellow students, which can be invaluable for career advancement.
1-to-1 mentorship
Tailored sessions throughout the course, where you can get personalised advice and guidance from industry experts.
Ideal for career development
This course is perfect for individuals looking to gain specific skills to enhance their existing role in the music industry
22
Jan
Course details
All of our courses are constantly evolving to ensure teaching and learning remain relevant and up to date. Here is the latest example of the curriculum for Music Business:
Your Course
Gain a deep understanding of the modern music ecosystem. This course examines the structure of the current music industry, from record labels and publishers to streaming platforms and social media. You’ll learn how revenue flows through the industry, including streaming royalties, licensing, and merchandise. We will also analyse current developments and disruptions impacting the industry.
This course provides a comprehensive overview on the role of record labels in the modern music industry. Gain a comprehensive understanding of record label operations, including the structure of labels, the role of A&R in artist discovery and development, effective marketing and promotion strategies, essential legal considerations for the music industry, and the financial management of label resources.
Learn the practical steps involved in releasing music to the world. This course covers distribution strategies, exploring both physical formats like vinyl records and the essential digital platforms of streaming services and downloads, ensuring your music reaches its target audience.
Discover how to build a fanbase and launch successful music releases through effective music marketing. This crucial aspect of the industry involves promoting and selling music using a variety of tools, including advertising, public relations, and social media, all of which will be explored in depth.
Students will examine the interconnectedness of live music within the music industry. You will learn about the live industries crucial role in artist growth, revenue generation, fan engagement, community building, and the development of successful promotional and marketing strategies.
Students will learn about music publishing, which is essentially the business of managing the songwriting copyrights of musical compositions. You’ll also learn how publishers administer their catalogues, which includes licensing compositions for various uses (such as in films, TV shows, or advertisements) and tracking those uses to ensure proper payment.
Teaching and learning
Teaching takes place in a variety of formats including lectures, workshops, demonstrations, peer reviews and one-to-one tutorial support. Our aim throughout is to encourage your creative exploration and hone your technical skills, all so you’ll leave us as a confident, independent professional.
What careers will Music Business prepare me for?
- A&R
- Artist
- Artist Liaison
- Artist/Band Manager
- Booking Agent
- Composer
- Digital Content Creator
- Distributor
- DIY Label Manager
- DJ
- Educator
- Event Manager
- Festival Site Manager
- Marketing Executive
- Music Journalist
- Music Producer
- Music Production Coordinator
- Music Publisher
- Music Therapist
- Promotor
- Publicist
- Recording Studio Manager
- Session Musician
- Songwriter
- Stage Manager
- Tour Manager
- Venue Manager
Your tutors
Jonathan Radford
Programme Leader
Jon is a producer, label manager, DJ and promoter who has over a decade of experience within the industry and has released five albums under the alias Diesler.
Dan Crowther
Tutor
Utilising his broad reaching music industry experience, Dan teaches across multiple degree courses here at Spirit Studios.
Entry requirements
- 16 Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
- Basic Literacy and IT skills
Non-native English speakers should have good spoken and written English. As a guide, we require English to be of a standard similar to IELTS 6.0.
Fees and funding
- £175 Per month for 3 months
- £472.50 Paid in full
If paid in full, you will receive a 10% discount on the total cost of the course.
Any questions? Speak to one of our course advisors
If you have any questions about this course, your application or if you'd like to arrange a tour of Spirit Studios, please get in touch on:
Related courses
You may also be interested in these courses
Undergraduate Degree
View course
BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management
Duration:
3 years full-time
Start date:
14 September 2026
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Managing, promoting, branding and publishing
Summer School Course
View course
The Music Business
Duration:
5 days ( non residential)
Start date:
18 August 2025
Entry requirements:
No formal qualifications required
Key areas:
Releasing music, marketing, branding, artist management
Summer School Course
View course
Sample into Sound
Duration:
5 days (non residential)
Start date:
3 August 2026
Entry requirements:
Aged between 14 and 18 years old
Key areas:
Sound engineering, music production and music business