4 answers
emily
Student
Castroville, CA
10
Questions
Updated
341 views
What classes would you recommend for someone interested in the music industry?
this question is important to know because i don't want to be stuck with taking classes i'm not gonna need the career i'm going to want in the future.
4 answers
Stephen Bradley
Consulting on technology and startups
8
Answers
Norwalk, Connecticut
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
The music industry isn't entirely different from any other industry that sells product to consumers... it still needs strong marketers, sales people, accountants, designers (and, of course... artists). I'm not sure what point you're at in your education, but if you are really serious about music there are specific colleges you can go to that focus almost exclusively on music and/or entertainment. If you're a musician and you want to pursue that professionally, then you should look at Berklee College of Music in Boston. If you're more interested in the business side of music... or any other part of the entertainment industry... then I'd recommend Emerson College (also, as it happens, in Boston). Those schools are world-class and widely known in the industry - they will give you an awesome, directly relevant education, AND a leg up on everyone else in the industry because of their prestige and alumni base.
Beyond that - if you want to be an artist, take all the best music classes you can find. If you want to be on the business side of music, then take all the best business classes you can find. They will all be valuable to you. But most importantly, try to gain some experience in the music business somehow - this will be critical. In music, especially, many industry people come up through the system... they start in the proverbial (or actual) "mail room." They start at the bottom and they put in their time. In the process, they make valuable connections and they learn the business through osmosis... but simply being around it and in the middle of it. It's not easy to get an internship in the music business, but if you know what you want and you go after it with hard work and focus, then you have a good chance! There is really no reliable "fast track" that I know of.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Beyond that - if you want to be an artist, take all the best music classes you can find. If you want to be on the business side of music, then take all the best business classes you can find. They will all be valuable to you. But most importantly, try to gain some experience in the music business somehow - this will be critical. In music, especially, many industry people come up through the system... they start in the proverbial (or actual) "mail room." They start at the bottom and they put in their time. In the process, they make valuable connections and they learn the business through osmosis... but simply being around it and in the middle of it. It's not easy to get an internship in the music business, but if you know what you want and you go after it with hard work and focus, then you have a good chance! There is really no reliable "fast track" that I know of.
GOOD LUCK!!!
Temitayo Otemoye
Educationist
11
Answers
Owode, OG
Updated
Temitayo’s Answer
To provide recommendations on classes for your future career, it would be helpful to know which career you are interested in pursuing. Please provide more information about the field or industry you are interested in, and I'll be glad to suggest relevant classes or subjects to consider.
Paul Bordenkircher
Audio Engineer
76
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Paul’s Answer
For a career in music, I can’t emphasize enough learning about the business side of the industry. It’s the place where most people are taken advantage of, because they don’t understand how it works. That can include song publishing, production contracts, even employment issues like unions.
Beyond that it will depend on your specialty within the industry - producing, performing, working at a label or managers office etc.
Beyond that it will depend on your specialty within the industry - producing, performing, working at a label or managers office etc.
Conrad Askland
Music Director and Audio producer
11
Answers
Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania
Updated
Conrad’s Answer
Hello Emily, thank you for asking such an insightful question! I can definitely understand your concern regarding the Music Business classes and their potential usefulness. I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in these courses, as the business side of the industry is an area where many musicians tend to experience challenges.
Embarking on a journey to gain a solid understanding of the music business can prove to be both extremely practical and lucrative in the long run. However, determining which specific classes to take and worrying about their immediate applicability could potentially set you up for unnecessary anxiety. Instead, try approaching your educational journey with a broader perspective.
Remember that every experience and piece of knowledge you acquire contributes to shaping you as a versatile individual in the future. Oftentimes, the most valuable lessons and skills come from courses that are not part of our "prescribed" learning path.
With that in mind, I encourage you to explore various subjects that pique your curiosity and spark your interest. By following your passions, you are more likely to discover new perspectives and opportunities that you may not have been aware of otherwise. Moreover, even if some of your chosen subjects do not appear to be immediately useful, they may act as foundational knowledge upon which you will build upon later.
In summary, approach your education with an open mind and focus on classes and experiences that truly intrigue you. Ultimately, it's not about determining if the knowledge will be useful right away, but rather, understanding that expertise acquired now can lead to unforeseen benefits down the line as you continue to grow in your career and personal development.
Embarking on a journey to gain a solid understanding of the music business can prove to be both extremely practical and lucrative in the long run. However, determining which specific classes to take and worrying about their immediate applicability could potentially set you up for unnecessary anxiety. Instead, try approaching your educational journey with a broader perspective.
Remember that every experience and piece of knowledge you acquire contributes to shaping you as a versatile individual in the future. Oftentimes, the most valuable lessons and skills come from courses that are not part of our "prescribed" learning path.
With that in mind, I encourage you to explore various subjects that pique your curiosity and spark your interest. By following your passions, you are more likely to discover new perspectives and opportunities that you may not have been aware of otherwise. Moreover, even if some of your chosen subjects do not appear to be immediately useful, they may act as foundational knowledge upon which you will build upon later.
In summary, approach your education with an open mind and focus on classes and experiences that truly intrigue you. Ultimately, it's not about determining if the knowledge will be useful right away, but rather, understanding that expertise acquired now can lead to unforeseen benefits down the line as you continue to grow in your career and personal development.
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