Music Business Courses.
Designed by industry practitioners, our music business courses will give you the opportunity to develop your networks, knowledge and reputation within the industry. Whether you want to go into the world of artist management, live music events organisation, or music marketing, we’ll help you forge your own path.
Browse Courses
What is music business?
The music business is an umbrella term for all the various companies, organisations and individuals which exist within the music industry who support bands, artists and musicians. They provide professional guidance, legal and contractual supervision, and assist in generating revenue streams.
For example, in the process of releasing an album and going on tour playing live events, an artist needs to engage with people in roles such as; entertainment law, artist management, music publishing, a&r, record label and distribution, marketing, press & PR, social media management, bookings and tour management. Working behind the scenes, you’ll help musicians achieve their goals, to break into the live music industry.
Why study music business at Spirit Studios?
Our unique music business course has been designed to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s music industry. You’ll be provided with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to kickstart your future in an exciting and fast-paced business. Created and taught by leading music professionals, the course explores the multi-faceted roles you’ll find when entering the world of work. Whether you want to be an entrepreneur, or join well-established businesses, we’ll help you get there.
From artist management and development, live event organisation and promotion, tour management, to digital marketing, social media marketing, PR, music synchronisation and law. Your learning is limitless. As a student on our music business course, you’ll benefit from bespoke tuition that’s tailored towards your personal goals, as well as integrated work placements and trips.
What is the importance of the music business?
The music business provides a clear infrastructure in order for bands, artists and musicians to successfully reach an audience with their material. Through the support of the music business, and the various associated companies within it, artists, songwriters and performers are able to engage with a range of valuable opportunities to support their development. You’ll learn all this and more during your music business course.
Our music business courses
We offer a range of music business courses to suit your entry requirements and study preferences, including a Music Business and Event Management degree and one-to-one tuition. You can filter by course level below:
BA (Hons) Music Business and Event Management
Duration:
3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
Start date:
16 September 2024
Entry requirements:
A minimum of 64 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent
Key areas:
Managing, promoting, branding and publishing
Sample into Sound
Duration:
5 days (non residential)
Start date:
14 August 2023
Entry requirements:
No formal qualifications required
Key areas:
Sound engineering, music production and music business
In-Person One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as DJ skills, mixing techniques, building a personal brand and more.
Online One-to-one Tuition
Duration:
2+ hours
Entry requirements:
No formal entry requirements
Key areas:
Previous students have studied areas such as post production techniques, DAW familiarisation, mixing techniques and more.
Features and benefits
Based in the heart of Manchester's music industry
The UK’s music capital, there’s no better place to learn and find work in the industry. Home to some of the UK’s greatest live venues, event enterprises and an ever-growing empire of media production and tech companies, our city offers endless opportunities for you to launch your career.
Versatile career paths
Whether you want to join an established brand, or create your own path through a start-up enterprise, the music business offers varied and exciting work opportunities.
Industry links
We have a number of connections with local venues and artists to help you build your networks. It’s these links that have helped so many of our music business graduates secure placements, internships and full-time work.
Build transferable skills
You’ll leave us with an impressive portfolio demonstrating a broad range of industry-relevant skills; ready to take the industry by storm.
What careers will a music business course prepare me for?
- A&R
- Artist Liaison
- Artist/Band Manager
- Booking Agent
- Digital Content Creator
- Distributor
- DIY Label Manager
- Educator
- Event Manager
- Festival Site Manager
- Marketing Executive
- Music Journalist
- Music Publisher
- Promotor
- Publicist
- Radio DJ
- Radio Plugger
- Record Label Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Stage Manager
- Tour Manager
- Venue Manager
What to expect
As you progress through one of our music business courses, you can expect to move to a state of independence that is essential when forging your own career path. Our courses are designed to give you hands-on experience to ensure you leave us industry-ready.
Whether you want to own a record label, improve your brand as an artist or work for some of the biggest festivals in the world, our courses give you the freedom to explore these areas of interest within these creative industries. With a variety of specialist modules, you’ll graduate equipped with the core practical skills needed to succeed in the music industry.
How music business taught?
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 skills, all so you’ll leave us as a confident, independent professional.
You'll cover topics and core modules such as
- Artist management
- Project management
- Events planning
- Music business management
- Marketing and PR
- Publishing and synchronisation
Music business student successes
James Watson
Beth Gowland
Chris Brearley
Your music business tutors
Our tutors are all experts in their field, each with their own specialisms and industry experience. Whether you’re looking to work behind the scenes at your favourite festivals or start your own record label, our music business tutors will get you to where you want to be.
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.
Liam Peacock
Tutor
Liam is a soundtrack composer who has worked on creating music for film, television, games and animation.
He has previously worked with:
- Orb Soundwerx
- The BBC
Real opportunities
Our creative partnerships benefit our music business students by providing work placements, field trips, guest lectures, educational discounts and, of course, job opportunities.
Why study with Spirit Studios?
Outstanding facilities
Our facilities are designed to meet the needs of tomorrow’s music industry, ensuring you feel confident in every studio or live venue you encounter.
Industry connections
You’ll have a range of exciting creative and collaborative opportunities, including hands-on work experience at legendary venues in Manchester and beyond.
Proven results
Our career focused attitude means that from day one, everything we do is designed with your future in mind.
Spirit +
We prepare our music business students for a bright future. Through our Spirit+ programme, we provide extracurricular masterclasses and workshops from leading industry figures.
Taught by industry-active experts
Our tutors have not only had years of experience in the creative industries, but share a commitment to helping you on your journey as well.
Community spirit
We’re a supportive community that takes pride in our small size. We’ll get to know you as an individual and tailor mentorship to your personal development.
Interested in studying music business with us?
Click below to start your application, register for an open day or get in touch with any questions
News stories
-
FeaturedSpirit Studio 2.0
This summer we've been revamping our studios, starting with our biggest and most advanced, Spirit.
Read more about Spirit Studio 2.0
