Is becoming a music promoter right for me?
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How to become a Music Promoter
Becoming a music promoter typically requires a combination of education, experience, and networking. Here are a few steps to consider:
- Education: While there is no specific degree or certification required to become a music promoter, a background in business, business administration, marketing, music business, or music management can be beneficial. Pursuing a degree or taking courses in these areas can provide a strong foundation for the skills needed in this field.
- Gain Experience: Starting out in the music industry, either as an intern, assistant, or in a related role, can provide valuable experience and exposure to the industry. Working for a record label, concert venue, or music festival can also provide valuable experience.
- Networking: Networking is a vital part of the music industry, and the same is true for becoming a music promoter. Attend concerts and events, reach out to industry professionals, and join professional organizations to make connections and build relationships.
- Build a Portfolio: As a promoter, it's important to have a portfolio that showcases your past events, the artists you have worked with, and the outcomes of those events. This can be a valuable tool when seeking new opportunities and promoting yourself to potential clients.
- Get Started: Start by promoting small events and gradually build your reputation and portfolio. Seek out opportunities to promote local artists and work your way up to larger events and more established artists.
Associations
There are a number of associations for music promoters depending on the type of music they promote. Here are a few examples:
- Concert Promoters Association (CPA): This is a non-profit organization for concert promoters that focuses on networking, education, and advocacy for the live music industry. CPA provides a platform for promoters to share knowledge and best practices, and advocates for policies that benefit the industry as a whole.
- National Independent Venue Association (NIVA): NIVA is an association of independent music venues and promoters. It aims to promote and support the interests of independent music venues, including lobbying for policy changes and providing resources for venue operators.
- International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA): IEBA is an organization that represents live entertainment industry professionals, including promoters, agents, and talent buyers. It provides networking opportunities, education, and advocacy for the industry.
- Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP): APAP is an organization that serves the performing arts industry, including music promoters. It provides networking, education, and professional development opportunities for industry professionals, and advocates for policies that support the performing arts.
- Music Business Association (Music Biz): Music Biz is an organization that represents the music industry as a whole, including music promoters. It provides education, networking, and advocacy for the industry, and promotes best practices and standards for music business professionals.
Online Resources
There are many online resources available for music promoters to help them stay informed, connect with other industry professionals, and access tools and resources to help them promote their events. Here are some examples:
- Pollstar: Pollstar is an online trade publication for the live entertainment industry. It covers news and trends in the industry, provides data on ticket sales and tours, and offers resources for professionals in the industry.
- Billboard: Billboard is a music industry news source that covers music trends, artists, and events. It offers resources for promoters, including information on tours and ticket sales.
- Ticketmaster: Ticketmaster is a popular online ticketing platform that many music promoters use to sell tickets to their events. It also provides tools and resources for promoters, including event promotion and marketing services.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite is another online ticketing platform that many promoters use to sell tickets to their events. It offers tools and resources for event promotion and marketing, as well as analytics and reporting tools.
- The Association of Independent Promoters (AIP): AIP is a UK-based association of independent music promoters, but they offer a range of resources and information that can be useful to promoters around the world. Their website offers advice on promoting events, information on industry news and trends, and resources for networking and professional development.
- Music Ally: Music Ally is a digital music business information and strategy company that offers resources and information for music industry professionals, including promoters. They offer news, research, and insights into the latest music industry trends and developments.