
Music Industry Job Sites: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding a Career in Music
The music industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities extending far beyond performing artists and producers. Whether you're looking to work at a record label, in music publishing, concert promotion, artist management, or in the digital music space, finding the right job can be challenging without knowing where to look.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the best music industry job sites and resources to help you launch or advance your music career. From specialized music job boards to networking platforms, we'll cover everything you need to know to find your dream job in the music business.
Top Dedicated Music Industry Job Sites
These platforms focus specifically on music industry positions, making them ideal starting points for your job search.
1. Entertainment Careers
Entertainment Careers is one of the most comprehensive job boards for the entertainment industry, with a substantial section dedicated to music industry positions. You'll find opportunities ranging from entry-level to executive positions at record labels, music publishers, artist management companies, and more.
Key features include:
Searchable job database with music-specific filters
Internship listings for those just starting out
Career resources and industry insights
Job alert functionality
2. Music Business Association Job Board
The Music Business Association maintains a job board specifically for the music industry. What makes this resource valuable is the quality of the listings, as they come directly from association members who represent significant players in the music business.
Their job board includes positions in:
Digital music services
Music retail
Distribution companies
Industry associations
Technology providers serving the music industry
3. Music Jobs
Music Jobs is a global platform dedicated exclusively to music industry employment opportunities. The site covers positions across multiple countries, making it particularly useful for those open to relocation or remote work.
Benefits of Music Jobs include:
International job listings
Freelance opportunities
User-friendly interface with detailed search options
Resume database for employers to find you
General Job Platforms with Strong Music Industry Presence
While not exclusively focused on music, these platforms host numerous music industry positions and should be part of your job search strategy.
1. LinkedIn
LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools for finding music industry jobs. Beyond job listings, it offers networking opportunities that are crucial in this relationship-driven industry.
To maximize LinkedIn for music industry jobs:
Follow major music companies (Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Live Nation, etc.)
Join music industry groups like "Music Industry Network" or "Women in Music"
Set up job alerts with relevant keywords
Connect with music industry professionals
Showcase your music industry experience and skills on your profile
2. Indeed
Indeed aggregates job listings from across the web, including many music industry positions. Its powerful search features make it easy to find relevant opportunities.
Search tips for finding music jobs on Indeed:
Use specific keywords like "A&R," "music publishing," "tour manager," or "music licensing"
Filter by location, salary range, and job type
Set up email alerts for new postings
Research company reviews before applying
3. Glassdoor
Glassdoor not only lists music industry jobs but also provides valuable insights into company cultures, salaries, and interview processes. This information can be invaluable when preparing applications and negotiating offers.
Valuable Glassdoor features for music job seekers:
Company reviews from current and former employees
Salary information for specific roles and companies
Interview questions and experiences
Company ratings on factors like work-life balance and career opportunities
Record Label and Music Company Career Pages
Going directly to company career pages often reveals positions that aren't listed on job boards. Here are some essential company sites to monitor:
Major Label Career Pages
These major labels frequently post openings across departments like A&R, marketing, digital, finance, legal, and more. They also offer internship programs that can be excellent entry points into the industry.
Music Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms hire for roles spanning music curation, artist relations, product development, marketing, and analytics. These positions often combine music industry knowledge with technical skills.
Live Music and Events Companies
The live music sector offers opportunities in event production, venue management, ticketing, sponsorship, and marketing. This sector is especially strong for those interested in the experiential side of the music industry.
Industry-Specific Recruitment Agencies
Specialized recruitment agencies can provide access to unadvertised positions and valuable guidance throughout your job search.
1. Ties Creative Search
Ties Creative Search specializes in placing talent in the music and entertainment industries. Their recruiters understand the nuances of music industry roles and can match candidates with appropriate opportunities.
2. Creative Heads
Creative Heads focuses on creative industries including music, with job listings spanning record labels, music publishing, and music technology companies.
3. Handle Recruitment
Handle Recruitment works with major music companies and rights holders to fill positions across all levels and departments. They have a particularly strong presence in the UK music industry.
Music Industry Networking Platforms
In the music business, many opportunities come through connections. These platforms facilitate networking that can lead to job opportunities.
1. Loop for Musicians
Loop is an excellent platform for musicians to build their online presence and connect with industry professionals. Even if you're seeking behind-the-scenes roles, connecting with artists can provide valuable inroads to the industry. Loop offers tools to create professional musician websites that showcase your work and can help expand your professional network in the music space.
2. Sonicbids
Sonicbids connects musicians with gig opportunities but also includes industry job postings and networking features that can benefit anyone seeking work in music.
3. Music Industry Forums
Gearslutz (now known as Gearspace) - Popular among recording professionals
Reddit's r/musicindustry - Community discussions about industry careers
Digital Music News - Industry news with job listings and career advice
Internship and Entry-Level Opportunities
For those just starting out, internships often serve as the gateway to music industry careers.
1. Internship Programs at Major Companies
Most major music companies run structured internship programs:
These programs typically run during summer, fall, and spring semesters and offer experience across various departments.
2. College and University Resources
If you're a student or recent graduate, your institution's career services may have music industry connections:
Berklee College of Music Career Center
NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program job board
Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business resources
These specialized programs often have exclusive job boards and alumni networks that can lead to industry positions.
3. Industry Organizations with Student Memberships
Grammy U - The Recording Academy's college program
Women in Music mentorship programs
Joining these organizations as a student often comes with discounted fees and access to valuable networking events and educational resources.
Remote and Freelance Music Industry Opportunities
The music industry increasingly offers remote and freelance positions, opening opportunities regardless of location.
1. Remote Music Industry Jobs
Several platforms specialize in remote work opportunities:
FlexJobs - Curated remote job listings including music industry positions
We Work Remotely - Remote jobs including music tech and digital music roles
RemoteOK - Tech-focused remote jobs, including music tech companies
2. Freelance Platforms for Music Professionals
Upwork - Freelance marketplace with music industry projects
Fiverr - Platform for offering services like music production, marketing, and more
SoundBetter - Marketplace specifically for music production professionals
Specialized Music Industry Sectors
Different sectors of the music industry have specific job boards and resources.
1. Music Publishing Jobs
For those interested in the publishing side of the business:
2. Music Technology and Startups
For tech-focused music industry roles:
AngelList - Startup job board with many music tech companies
Music Ally Jobs - Music tech industry positions
Built In NYC (also LA, SF, etc.) - Tech job boards in cities with strong music tech scenes
3. Radio and Audio Production
For broadcasting and audio production careers:
All Access - Radio industry jobs
Tips for Landing Music Industry Jobs
Finding job listings is only the first step. Here's how to increase your chances of success:
1. Tailor Your Resume and Portfolio
The music industry values creativity and relevant experience:
Create a music industry-specific resume that highlights relevant skills and experience
Develop a digital portfolio showcasing your work
Include links to projects, recordings, events, or campaigns you've worked on
Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased streaming numbers by 25%")
2. Develop Industry-Specific Skills
Depending on your target role, consider developing these in-demand skills:
Digital marketing and social media expertise
Data analysis for music streaming platforms
Music production software proficiency
Copyright and licensing knowledge
Event production experience
3. Network Effectively
In the music industry, who you know matters:
Attend industry conferences like SXSW, Billboard Live, and Midem
Participate in local music industry meetups
Follow up with contacts regularly
Offer value to your connections before asking for favors
Join professional organizations like the Recording Academy or Women in Music
Industry Conferences and Events for Job Seekers
Industry events often feature job fairs or networking opportunities:
1. Music Industry Conferences
2. Career-Focused Industry Events
Music Biz by the Music Business Association
Academic Programs and Educational Resources
Formal education can provide both knowledge and connections:
1. Music Business Programs
Berklee College of Music - Music Business/Management program
NYU Steinhardt - Music Business program
Belmont University - Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business
Full Sail University - Music Business program
2. Online Courses and Certifications
Coursera - Offers music business courses from Berklee and other institutions
Udemy - Various music industry and music business courses
LinkedIn Learning - Professional development courses relevant to music careers
Conclusion
Finding your dream job in the music industry requires a multi-faceted approach. Utilize dedicated music industry job sites, general job platforms, networking opportunities, and direct outreach to companies. Stay persistent, continually build your skills, and nurture your professional network.
Remember that many music industry careers begin with entry-level positions or internships, so be open to starting in a role that may not be your ultimate goal but can provide valuable experience and connections. The music industry values passion, creativity, and dedication—qualities that can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Whether you're interested in working with artists, in technology, live events, or the business side of music, there's a path for you in this dynamic and evolving industry. By leveraging the resources in this guide and approaching your job search strategically, you'll be well on your way to building a fulfilling career in music.
For musicians looking to enhance their online presence while job searching, check out Loop's guide to building a free musician website. A professional online presence can help you stand out in the industry and showcase your work to potential employers or clients.