Whether you want to become a leading music producer or help manage an up-and-coming musician, landing a job in the music industry goes beyond getting good grades. It takes confidence and a strong personality to make it in the rough-and-tumble world of music.
Don’t take this the wrong way–collegiate experience makes a huge difference in how a graduate’s future plays out. However, recognizing the traits a good music producer or manager should exhibit can help make entering the music industry a little easier.
Qualities of a Good Music Professional
Music industry students should understand some personality traits to have when getting into the music business. If you struggle in public situations or lack confident communication skills, improving some of these traits may be something to look into.
1. Creative thinking
Those who enter the music field are often seen as artistic, creative types. Students who seek out a music industry degree may think outside the box easily or have a wild imagination. These traits help when organizing performances or working one-on-one with musical talent. Since music industry graduates often hope to work behind the scenes, thinking creatively can benefit the musical team as a whole in the long run.
2. Understanding of trends
There are specific trends to understand, follow, and keep up with in every industry–especially the music business. Knowing these trends means staying up-to-date on social media platforms and creating connections with other professionals in the music world. Though classes and continuing education help hone these skills, it also takes passion and dedication to stay on top of trends. You’ll need a willingness to collaborate with others and pay attention to details.
3. Financial responsibility
A big part of the college experience–and adulthood–is learning how to appropriately budget and organize your finances. The same goes when entering the workforce as a music manager, producer, or another asset to the music industry. Responsibly managing business finances is key when working with musicians or professionals in the field. Since music industry graduates often work behind the scenes, organizing finances may be a major part of the gig. Having a handle on budgeting skills can take you a long way as a music industry professional.
4. Leadership
Though musicians are “the talent” in the public eye, it’s usually the music producers and managers who lead the way. Students studying how to get into the music business must learn to be confident in their decision making skills and forward with their opinions. You will be the voice behind the voice–meaning you may advocate for the talent and make sure all is smooth for everyone involved. It isn’t always easy taking on a leadership role. Being a leader means facing difficult personalities and busy schedules on a regular basis. Breaking into the music business means breaking down walls that get in the way, but doing it in a diplomatic, sophisticated way.
5. Time management
Whether you’re a part of the team at a restaurant, retail store, venue, or tour, time management skills can make or break the business you’re in. To manage time effectively, you must be detail-oriented and organized. Though music industry classes at Villa help prepare you for this line of work in many necessary ways, traits such as time management are hard to learn quickly. Over your college experience, practicing time management in real time will help better prepare you for your career ahead.
