4.1: OVERVIEW MODEL

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Part 2: Overview Model

"It's not what you know, it's who you know." Or is it?

The model below is intended for newcomers to the study of the music industry and people wishing to make sense of their current interests. More experienced people will probably already realise much of what's in the model. However, they may still find it useful.

A 3 Way Split Model of the Music Industry

Its possible to divide the music industry into 3 sectors for the purpose of looking at the roles available: Music Centred Occupations, Technology Centred Occupations, and Business.

This is a very introductory and simplified model of the possibilities for gainful employ in the music industry. Details about many of them are on the site under the various headings down the left hand side of the screen. None of the categories you will see below are necessarily mutually exclusive. It is certainly possible, for example, to promote live shows and be a songwriter/guitarist trying to get a record deal. In this case a person will need to learn more than one set of skills. And of course skills for one will be picked up while doing the other if attention is paid to what goes on. A live performer should begin to notice what fair payment and good venue management is as they carry out their routines of playing around town. They will perhaps also notice what is and isn't a good sound system or recording studio.

1. Music Centred Occupations.

These are mostly associated with players, singers and writers. Most band members will fall into this category although some of the roles found in the other categories will be needed from time to time.

This category would usually involve making up your own songs and then going out and playing them live, trying to build a live fanbase and perhaps get a recording or some other type of deal. In my experience this is what most young people start with when beginning an active interest in the music industry.

In addition to the above is the thriving 'covers circuit', in which there is a great deal of money to be made. Pretty much the same skills are needed in terms of actually playing - in fact you may have to be an even better player to do this than originals. It is also a good training ground for learning stage skills, and taking notice of how good songs are constructed.

Abilities/Skills

Playing/singing ability, composition, arrangement, performance skills (stage craft), communication skills, networking and promotion, organisation skills. You may need to get to know where other musicians hang out, make friends with people in bands, who run studios, managers, etc, etc.

The skills needed for this are generally centred around learning to play an instrument or two, or singing - with the addition of learning how to compose music, write lyrics, and arrange songs. A flair for stylistic vision and appropriate presentation techniques are also very useful.

Advanced Skills

Understanding various contracts and Agreements. Understanding copyright laws and collection agencies.

2. Business.

This direction relates to management and promotional activities with respect to artistes, events, and other projects. In my model it is generally a combination of business and legal, so some knowledge of contracts will also be needed for success in this area.

Abilities/skills

Skills needed here are similar to those for doing any sort of business activity - marketing, presentation, risk-taking ability, budgeting and financial management, etc. Skills will inevitably vary with the role taken; for example artiste management will demand knowledge of the range of activities the artiste will need for career development; record label or studio management will need different skills.

Advanced Skills

In depth knowledge of the industry at a local, national and international level; a good understanding of the law relating to the industry, eg, copyright and contract law.

3. Technical.

Generally these are to do with either working in studios or live situations where expertise with equipment such as desks, recorders, effects, computers, etc, are prevalent. Again, some of the skills from other categories will need to be employed from time to time. This could also involve personal technical assistance for musicians on the road, e.g., guitar tech, drum tech etc.

Abilities/skills

Skills needed here are usually gained from a few years experience. Some can be gained in college, but even then they need to be tested by the unique and different situations which crop up 'out there'. These are mainly to do with the equipment necessary for recording, production and reproduction of sound - mixing desks, PA systems, recording studios, computer hardware and software (hard disk recording, wave editing, sampling, sequencing, etc.). In these cases it would be beneficial to have some knowledge of the instruments involved.

This also involves the ability to use various pieces of equipment creatively and at the request of musicians. This means skills such as patience and tactfulness may be needed when working with sometimes very sensitive people (musicians can be a funny lot sometimes, believe me!!).

As mentioned elsewhere, these roles are not always mutually exclusive. The above model is just a guide to the role areas. The Career Development page tries to explain some of the methods of getting on once you've decided.