It seems like a simple question that should have a simple answer. If I want to be a manager, producer, songwriter, or executive in the music business how do I get started? The advice that is given time and time again from executives at every level in the business is to take the path of Sean "Puffy" Combs and begin as an intern. The fact is, as an aspiring music executive you should try to gain some experience in a few major areas of the business: Recording, Marketing & Promotions, Distribution, Retail, and Performance.
As a high school or college student in New York or Los Angeles that might be easy, but what if you live in Philadelphia or St. Louis. How do you find out about internships in the music business? Your first call should be to the area radio stations. Every major city has a radio station and they are always looking for interns to work in the office or as a part of the promotions team. Don’t just contact the major radio stations, but also call the community and college radio stations about opportunities. Your objective is to get your foot in the door and learn as much as possible.
Obtaining an internship at a local studio might be a little more difficult. Try working at a store that sells production equipment. This will help to get you up to speed on the latest technology, and ultimately make you an asset to any producer or engineer.
Working at a record store can give you some insight on how music distribution and retail sales works. As a future recording artist or executive it is important to know how to get your music to consumers. As music sales begin to shift with legal downloading and online record stores, it is important to study the trends and new developments in technology.
Now once you secure your internship there are 4 key things to remember:
BE PROFESSIONAL – This is your opportunity to learn and to make an impression. As an intern you are often asked to do small and seemingly unimportant tasks. Make sure that you do whatever task you are given 110% so that when more important tasks are provided you will be asked.
YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING – Don’t expect to meet celebrities, get free tickets to concerts, or even to be hired after your internship. Although those can be some of the perks of hard work, it is not promised. Always be appreciative if you receive gifts, but don’t expect them.
STAY FOCUSED – Your goal is to learn and make a good impression. You want people to remember you as a dependable, hard-working, and self-motivated intern.
ASK FOR FEEDBACK – At the end of your internship request a brief meeting with your supervisor. Begin the meeting by saying thank you for the opportunity. Ask for specific feedback on what you did well and what you can improve. Don’t take any feedback personal, but use it to your advantage.
BE PROFESSIONAL – This is your opportunity to learn and to make an impression. As an intern you are often asked to do small and seemingly unimportant tasks. Make sure that you do whatever task you are given 110% so that when more important tasks are provided you will be asked.
YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANYTHING – Don’t expect to meet celebrities, get free tickets to concerts, or even to be hired after your internship. Although those can be some of the perks of hard work, it is not promised. Always be appreciative if you receive gifts, but don’t expect them.
STAY FOCUSED – Your goal is to learn and make a good impression. You want people to remember you as a dependable, hard-working, and self-motivated intern.
ASK FOR FEEDBACK – At the end of your internship request a brief meeting with your supervisor. Begin the meeting by saying thank you for the opportunity. Ask for specific feedback on what you did well and what you can improve. Don’t take any feedback personal, but use it to your advantage.
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What's your take... leave your comments below.
I understand the logic in this advice but i am not buying it. Living here in atlanta at some studios and record labels they say you have to be in college to do an internship!!!! that is not fair to the hundreds of non college people who have a desire and ability to work for and in the music industry! Can you all please stop feeding us the normal lines and be honest. you are not letting anyone in that you don't want to let in point blank.... And as far as keep it fresh and that may be why you let the college kids come in the problem is that is the problem... too many inexperienced people who young and impressionable are getting in and that's it no one else.. that is whack to me! Be fair about it... and intern should be anyone who has the passion and drive and willingness to do all that is required of them for free!!! cause that is basically what intern means...... but at the same time they learn priceless information as well help to introduce new material and artist as well.. so i feel you on this wonderful info but it is a bit biased... it is not a fair source of how to get some where.....
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