7 answers
Ainsley
Student
Evergreen, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
494 views
What can I do in highschool to prepare for a career in business/music management?
I’m a current freshman in hs who has interest in both owning my own business as well as helping music artists as they are my idols (haha), and I’ve found that I just have too much free time on weekends like I watched mvs until 1:00 today ;-; and I want to channel that energy into building a career, but I don’t plan to even live in the same country when I graduate, so it seems kind of pointless to try and start anything now if any connections I make here are gonna be useless, so I was hoping for advice on the things that I can work on now in order to be able to create my ideal career without risk in the future. Ideally it would be stuff that takes a lot of work lol
Or does anyone have a way that I would be able to build a career in these areas in a way that would allow me to continue even though college/moving out of country?
For context, I have no money or job experience, no free time during weekdays except past my curfew, and live in an area with no industry so idk where I would even start, but I’m too impatient to wait until I get a degree or move out or any of that….
Thanks :)
Login to comment
7 answers
Craig Bartock
Music producer, songwriter, musician, teacher
1
Answer
San Rafael, California
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Hi Ainsley.
There's many different paths you can take if you want to have a career in music. The first step is to ask yourself "what is it that REALLY interests me" and then think of options from there. For example, when you say that you want to help artists, there's lots of ways to do that. There's the creative side and then there's the business side and both can help any artist. If you play an instrument and want to learn about recording, you can help artists with making their music better. Music producers, songwriters, musicians, recording engineers all do that. Now if it's more of the business side that interests you, there's personal management, booking agents, tour coordinators, working at a record company, etc.
So you see that there's tons of options. just take a piece of paper and write down everything that really interests you with music no matter how difficult it may seem, and narrow down some choices. After you've done that, the sky's the limit!
There's many different paths you can take if you want to have a career in music. The first step is to ask yourself "what is it that REALLY interests me" and then think of options from there. For example, when you say that you want to help artists, there's lots of ways to do that. There's the creative side and then there's the business side and both can help any artist. If you play an instrument and want to learn about recording, you can help artists with making their music better. Music producers, songwriters, musicians, recording engineers all do that. Now if it's more of the business side that interests you, there's personal management, booking agents, tour coordinators, working at a record company, etc.
So you see that there's tons of options. just take a piece of paper and write down everything that really interests you with music no matter how difficult it may seem, and narrow down some choices. After you've done that, the sky's the limit!
Thank you so much!
Ainsley
Noah Davis
Music performance/ College music theory
1
Answer
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Noah’s Answer
Ainsley, does your school offer a dual enrollment with a nearby college or academy? Because that may be a very good start. You can earn credits towards a music diploma or maybe even go for an associates. There is always some opportunities involved in getting credits and most of that don't before you may earn a diploma or degree. If you aren't really thinking a college, you could always look for academies nearby as well to get a start. Always keep an open mind and don't always go for the first option as there may be many. I hope this helps you, and good luck to you!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Ainsley
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ainsley,
Response:
To set yourself up for a successful career in business or music management while you're still in high school, you can take several proactive steps. Here are some suggestions:
Acquire Knowledge and Skills: Use online resources and courses to understand the basics of business, marketing, finance, and the music industry. Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, or even free classes from places like Berklee College of Music can offer valuable knowledge.
Internships and Volunteering: Seek out internships or volunteer positions at local businesses, music studios, or event management firms. This real-world experience will give you practical skills and help you build industry connections.
Networking: Go to music events, workshops, and seminars to meet professionals in your field. Establishing these relationships early can lead to future partnerships and mentorship opportunities.
Start a Music Blog or Podcast: Show your love for music by creating online content. A blog or podcast discussing music trends, artist profiles, or industry news can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to potential employers.
Cultivate Leadership Skills: Participate in school clubs or organizations where you can take on leadership roles. Managing projects, organizing events, or leading teams will help you develop crucial skills needed in business and management roles.
Understand International Business: As you plan to move abroad after graduation, it's helpful to learn about international business practices, cultural differences, and global market trends.
Language Skills: Try learning a foreign language spoken in the country you plan to move to. Being multilingual can give you an advantage in the global business world.
Create a Long-Term Plan: While it might seem overwhelming now, creating a long-term plan with specific goals and milestones can guide your steps towards building your dream career.
In terms of building a career that remains consistent despite college or moving abroad:
Online Business Ventures: Look into starting an online business related to music management or services that can be run from anywhere in the world.
Freelancing: Think about freelancing as a music manager or consultant, where you can work with artists virtually without being limited by location.
Build an Online Presence: A strong online presence through social media platforms or personal websites can attract clients worldwide and maintain your career no matter where you move.
By concentrating on these areas early and taking initiative in gaining experience and knowledge, you can prepare for success in both business and music management while maintaining flexibility for future changes.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Responding to this Question:
Coursera
Khan Academy
Berklee College of Music
These sources were used for their reputation in offering online courses related to business basics, marketing, finance, music industry knowledge, and educational resources for high school students interested in careers in business/music management.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Response:
To set yourself up for a successful career in business or music management while you're still in high school, you can take several proactive steps. Here are some suggestions:
Acquire Knowledge and Skills: Use online resources and courses to understand the basics of business, marketing, finance, and the music industry. Websites like Coursera, Khan Academy, or even free classes from places like Berklee College of Music can offer valuable knowledge.
Internships and Volunteering: Seek out internships or volunteer positions at local businesses, music studios, or event management firms. This real-world experience will give you practical skills and help you build industry connections.
Networking: Go to music events, workshops, and seminars to meet professionals in your field. Establishing these relationships early can lead to future partnerships and mentorship opportunities.
Start a Music Blog or Podcast: Show your love for music by creating online content. A blog or podcast discussing music trends, artist profiles, or industry news can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to potential employers.
Cultivate Leadership Skills: Participate in school clubs or organizations where you can take on leadership roles. Managing projects, organizing events, or leading teams will help you develop crucial skills needed in business and management roles.
Understand International Business: As you plan to move abroad after graduation, it's helpful to learn about international business practices, cultural differences, and global market trends.
Language Skills: Try learning a foreign language spoken in the country you plan to move to. Being multilingual can give you an advantage in the global business world.
Create a Long-Term Plan: While it might seem overwhelming now, creating a long-term plan with specific goals and milestones can guide your steps towards building your dream career.
In terms of building a career that remains consistent despite college or moving abroad:
Online Business Ventures: Look into starting an online business related to music management or services that can be run from anywhere in the world.
Freelancing: Think about freelancing as a music manager or consultant, where you can work with artists virtually without being limited by location.
Build an Online Presence: A strong online presence through social media platforms or personal websites can attract clients worldwide and maintain your career no matter where you move.
By concentrating on these areas early and taking initiative in gaining experience and knowledge, you can prepare for success in both business and music management while maintaining flexibility for future changes.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Responding to this Question:
Coursera
Khan Academy
Berklee College of Music
These sources were used for their reputation in offering online courses related to business basics, marketing, finance, music industry knowledge, and educational resources for high school students interested in careers in business/music management.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Thanks for the help.
Ainsley
John Mills, CTS
Low voltage integration as a CTS
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
John’s Answer
There are so many opportunities within this ever-changing field of music and entertainment. The music industry is unlike any other "career path". There are positions and opportunities within this industry that some of us would have never considered.
Attend your favorite live music performance and focus on the amount of jobs for most events. Food, service, stagehands, ushers, managers, camer operator, sound engineer, lighting operators, and many more.
These positions will not only provide financial compensation but, now your foot is in the door. Once these opportunities present themselves, listen very closely to those involved in the specific career path. Above all, ask questions! We are more than happy to help! Be patient and continue to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. You may find a career path that you never expected. Don not give up. This is a very satisfying career and this journey is fun and exciting!
Attend your favorite live music performance and focus on the amount of jobs for most events. Food, service, stagehands, ushers, managers, camer operator, sound engineer, lighting operators, and many more.
These positions will not only provide financial compensation but, now your foot is in the door. Once these opportunities present themselves, listen very closely to those involved in the specific career path. Above all, ask questions! We are more than happy to help! Be patient and continue to surround yourself with like-minded individuals. You may find a career path that you never expected. Don not give up. This is a very satisfying career and this journey is fun and exciting!
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Ainsley
JANLE JOHNSON
Human Resources
4
Answers
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Updated
JANLE’s Answer
You have already received a lot of great feedback. I would encourage the same. Get to reading and learning. Knowledge can travel with you to any place that you may choose to go. Once you’re at your desired location, then you can look for places to volunteer so that you can apply the knowledge learned. As you're applying your knowledge, you are now developing the required skill set for your next move. Make good connections and build your network of people because you never know who you will need to reach out to in the future for further opportunities or who it is that you may be able to help. You got this!
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Ainsley,
You could take some online courses. I left some links to free courses from Berkelee College of Music below.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
https://www.berklee.edu/academics/moocs
https://www.edx.org/school/berkleex
You could take some online courses. I left some links to free courses from Berkelee College of Music below.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Jenny Dang
Producer & Mixing Engineer
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hey Ainsley,
This is a great question: 1 because you're planning for the future and 2 because getting more perspective not this topic is super valuable! Before answering your question, I want to address that you're already ahead than most people as you're looking to use your free time towards your career and dreams- To echo a lot of the amazing advice already on here, you do have quite a bit of options when it comes to utilizing your current community such as fellow students/teachers at your school as well as limitless advice online.
Before you can take action though, I highly advise that you take the time to consider what kind of career in business/music management are you looking for? Are you aiming for something creative, technical, or a mix of both? What would your ideal career in this industry look like to you? By answering these questions, it should help give you more clarity on the path you want to take or the types of roles you'd want to pursue which will then be helpful in figuring out what to learn and study to specifically get you ahead as well as get closer to your goals.
As far as building connections, I think starting with your local community will be helpful on your journey, but be sure to mention that you're aiming to be remote/traveling. There are also plenty of online communities on Discord, Facebook groups, etc. that you can join to further network with people online so you start building a community of people who can even refer you to others for future work or even hire you. This part does take time and a lot of work so stay patient.
One of the best advice I've ever got is that building your network of people early- and by network I mean sincere relationships with people who are also in this industry as this industry is very much about relationships (this take time too). Fortunately these days this can be done online, on social media, emails, etc, but I would definitely include in-person meetings from time to time if possible too. Maybe there are conferences at a nearby city or online video conferences you can attend?
These days you don't need to live in an industry area or even need to have a lot of money- keep learning and connecting with others.
Good luck on your journey and most importantly enjoy the process as that'll give you the strength to keep going!
This is a great question: 1 because you're planning for the future and 2 because getting more perspective not this topic is super valuable! Before answering your question, I want to address that you're already ahead than most people as you're looking to use your free time towards your career and dreams- To echo a lot of the amazing advice already on here, you do have quite a bit of options when it comes to utilizing your current community such as fellow students/teachers at your school as well as limitless advice online.
Before you can take action though, I highly advise that you take the time to consider what kind of career in business/music management are you looking for? Are you aiming for something creative, technical, or a mix of both? What would your ideal career in this industry look like to you? By answering these questions, it should help give you more clarity on the path you want to take or the types of roles you'd want to pursue which will then be helpful in figuring out what to learn and study to specifically get you ahead as well as get closer to your goals.
As far as building connections, I think starting with your local community will be helpful on your journey, but be sure to mention that you're aiming to be remote/traveling. There are also plenty of online communities on Discord, Facebook groups, etc. that you can join to further network with people online so you start building a community of people who can even refer you to others for future work or even hire you. This part does take time and a lot of work so stay patient.
One of the best advice I've ever got is that building your network of people early- and by network I mean sincere relationships with people who are also in this industry as this industry is very much about relationships (this take time too). Fortunately these days this can be done online, on social media, emails, etc, but I would definitely include in-person meetings from time to time if possible too. Maybe there are conferences at a nearby city or online video conferences you can attend?
These days you don't need to live in an industry area or even need to have a lot of money- keep learning and connecting with others.
Good luck on your journey and most importantly enjoy the process as that'll give you the strength to keep going!
Thank you for the advice.
Ainsley