How to get started in Artist Management

Starting a career in artist management doesn’t have to be as difficult as detangling studio cables.

Artist management involves representing and working with artists, musicians and other music industry professionals to help them further their careers. As an artist manager, you are responsible for helping your clients with a range of tasks, such as booking gigs, negotiating contracts, managing finances, and developing their brand.

To begin a career in music artist management there are a few basic steps you can take before you graduate to build an initial foundation to give yourself the best chance of being able to move into the industry after college.

1. Gain Industry Experience

The most obvious and clear step is to start by interning in the music industry in a related role, such as at a record label, talent agency, or music venue. This will give you valuable experience and knowledge of how the industry works.

2. Build a Network

Attend industry events and meet as many people as possible in the industry during your internship, and at industry events. This will help you to build a network of contacts that you can draw on when you begin your career in artist management. BeatBrdg has an alumni career development group where jobs, contacts and introductions

3. Learn About the Business

Gain a deep understanding of the music industry, including how to negotiate contracts, manage finances, and develop a brand. There are many resources available online, such as industry publications and online courses, that can help you learn these skills, and we will be launching ouro wn range of online resources in 2024 that will compliment the internship programs.

4. Find a Mentor

Look for an experienced artist manager who can mentor you and help you to develop your skills. BeatBrdg alumni are encouraged to continue being mentored by their internship manager while doing their internship, continuing that relationship after they return home, which can lead to further job opportunities and support. This can be also be a valuable way to gain further practical experience and learn from someone who has already achieved success in the industry.

5. Start Small, Think Big

Once you have some experience via a Beatbrdg internship or elsewhere you can begin by managing local or independent artists to gain experience and build a track record independently or with an agency. As you gain experience and build your network, you can work your way up to representing more high-profile artists, independently or via a more established agency.

BeatBrdg has great relationships with artist management agencies, and builds dedicated internship experiences that provide applicants with access to the companies, networks, mentors, and knowledge that will help you develop the skills required to take you closer to achieving a career in artist management.

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