Music Job Websites: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding Music Career Opportunities Online
The music industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from performing and producing to management and education. Finding these opportunities, however, can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, specialized music job websites have emerged as valuable resources for professionals seeking employment in this dynamic field.
Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for advancement or a newcomer eager to break into the industry, music job websites can connect you with employers seeking your unique talents. This comprehensive guide will explore the best platforms for music job hunting, offer strategies for using them effectively, and provide insights into building a successful career in the music industry.
Why Use Music Job Websites?
In today's digital age, the traditional methods of job hunting have been largely replaced by online platforms. For the music industry specifically, specialized job websites offer several advantages:
Industry-specific opportunities: Unlike general job boards, music job websites focus exclusively on opportunities within the music industry.
Networking possibilities: Many music job websites incorporate social and networking features that connect you with industry professionals.
Career resources: Beyond job listings, these platforms often provide valuable resources like career advice, interview tips, and industry insights.
Targeted audience: Employers posting on these sites are specifically looking for music professionals, increasing your chances of finding relevant opportunities.
Top Music Job Websites for Industry Professionals
The following platforms represent some of the most valuable resources for finding employment in the music industry:
1. Music Jobs
Music Jobs is one of the largest dedicated music employment websites globally. The platform caters to all sectors of the music industry, including performance, production, education, retail, and administration.
Key features include:
International job listings across multiple music sectors
Resume/CV builder tools
Email alerts for new postings matching your criteria
Company profiles to research potential employers
Career advice articles and resources
Music Jobs allows you to create a profile showcasing your skills and experience, making it easier for employers to find you even when you're not actively applying.
2. Entertainment Careers
Entertainment Careers covers the broader entertainment industry, with a substantial section dedicated to music-related positions. This platform is particularly useful for those interested in the business and administrative sides of the music industry.
Notable features include:
Job listings from major record labels and entertainment companies
Internship opportunities for those just starting out
A "Hot Jobs" section highlighting particularly appealing opportunities
Career development resources
Industry news updates
The site's broader entertainment focus allows job seekers to explore related fields like film, television, and digital media, which increasingly intersect with the music industry.
3. Creative Pool
Creative Pool serves as both a job board and a networking platform for creative professionals, including those in the music industry. The site emphasizes connection-building alongside job hunting.
Key offerings include:
Job listings focused on creative roles
Portfolio showcasing capabilities
Networking with other industry professionals
Industry events calendar
Awards and recognition programs
Creative Pool's community aspect makes it valuable not just for finding immediate employment but for establishing long-term professional relationships that can lead to opportunities throughout your career.
4. Music Gateway
Music Gateway combines job listings with collaboration opportunities, making it particularly valuable for performers, songwriters, and producers. The platform assists with both finding employment and building professional relationships.
Standout features include:
Job and gig listings
Collaboration matching for creative projects
Contests and opportunities
Digital distribution services
Sync licensing opportunities for placing music in media
Music Gateway's holistic approach to career development makes it an especially useful resource for independent musicians and creators looking to build sustainable careers.
5. LinkedIn
While not specifically focused on music, LinkedIn has become an essential tool for professional networking and job hunting across all industries, including music.
Advantages for music professionals include:
Extensive job listings from major record labels, publishers, and other music companies
Networking with industry professionals
Company pages for researching potential employers
Industry groups focused on specific aspects of the music business
Content sharing to demonstrate expertise and build your personal brand
LinkedIn's industry-agnostic nature can be an advantage, allowing you to explore opportunities at companies that might not post on music-specific job boards but still have relevant positions.
Specialized Music Job Websites by Career Path
Different roles within the music industry often have specialized job boards catering to their specific needs:
For Musicians and Performers
Giggem connects musicians with bands looking for new members, while also listing performance opportunities. The platform matches users based on music style, location, and skill level, facilitating collaborations and employment.
GigSalad focuses on booking performers for events, serving as a marketplace where musicians can create profiles and be hired directly by event planners and private clients.
Before creating online profiles as a musician, you might want to consider setting up a professional website. Check out this guide on the best platforms to build your online presence as a musician.
For Music Educators
Musical Chairs specializes in classical music positions, including numerous teaching opportunities at conservatories, universities, and music schools worldwide.
HigherEdJobs lists academic positions, including music faculty roles at colleges and universities, with comprehensive search filters for finding positions that match your qualifications.
For Music Production and Technical Roles
Sound on Sound Jobs Forum focuses on audio engineering, production, and technical roles within the music industry, with frequent postings for studio positions.
Gearslutz Employment Forum (recently renamed to Gearspace) offers job listings specifically targeted toward audio engineers, producers, and studio technicians.
For Music Business Professionals
Music Business Journal Job Board specializes in business-side positions within the music industry, including roles in marketing, management, A&R, and legal affairs.
Music Ally Jobs Board focuses on digital music business positions, reflecting the industry's increasing shift toward streaming and online distribution.
Navigating Music Job Websites Effectively
Finding success on music job websites requires more than simply browsing listings. Consider these strategies for maximizing your effectiveness:
Create a Standout Profile
Most music job websites allow you to create a professional profile that employers can browse. To make yours stand out:
Highlight specific skills: Rather than saying you're "good with music software," specify your proficiency with "Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and Ableton Live"
Include quantifiable achievements: Numbers add credibility (e.g., "Increased venue attendance by 35% through targeted social media marketing")
Add multimedia elements: Where possible, include audio samples, videos of performances, or production work
Obtain recommendations: Positive testimonials from previous employers or colleagues strengthen your profile
Set Up Job Alerts
Most platforms allow you to create alerts that notify you when relevant positions are posted. Be strategic with your alert criteria:
Create multiple alerts with different parameters to cover various types of positions you're qualified for
Include both specific job titles and broader industry categories
Consider remote opportunities if you're open to working from anywhere
Set frequency preferences (daily, weekly) that work for your job search timeline
Research Before Applying
When you find an interesting opportunity, take time to research before submitting an application:
Visit the company's website and social media channels
Listen to their artists or study their products
Read recent news about the organization
Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn if possible
This research will not only help you determine if the company is right for you but will also enable you to customize your application to their specific needs and culture.
Beyond Job Listings: Additional Features of Music Career Websites
Many music job websites offer valuable resources beyond employment listings:
Industry Insights and News
Staying informed about industry trends and developments is crucial for career advancement. Many music job websites include blogs, articles, and news sections covering topics like:
Emerging technologies changing the music industry
Changes to royalty structures and rights management
Profiles of successful industry professionals
Analysis of business trends and market conditions
Regularly reading these resources helps you stay current and can provide talking points for interviews and networking conversations.
Forums and Community Features
Online communities on music career websites offer opportunities to:
Ask questions about job application processes
Share experiences with specific companies or roles
Discuss industry challenges and solutions
Find potential collaborators or mentors
Actively participating in these communities can lead to valuable connections and insider knowledge not available elsewhere.
Educational Resources
Many platforms provide educational content to help you develop professionally:
Webinars on music industry topics
Tutorial videos for technical skills
Interview preparation guides
Resume and cover letter templates
Career path mapping resources
Taking advantage of these educational opportunities can strengthen your qualifications and make you more competitive in the job market.
Remote and Freelance Music Jobs
The music industry has seen significant growth in remote and freelance opportunities, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation across all sectors.
Platforms for Remote Music Jobs
Several websites specialize in remote opportunities within the music industry:
Remote.co includes music and entertainment categories in its remote job listings, covering roles from digital marketing to audio production that can be performed remotely.
We Work Remotely features positions in the creative arts, including music-related roles that allow for location independence.
Freelance Platforms for Musicians
For those seeking project-based work rather than full-time employment, consider these platforms:
Fiverr allows musicians and audio professionals to offer services like composition, production, mixing, and mastering directly to clients worldwide.
Upwork hosts numerous music-related job postings, from songwriting and jingle creation to music transcription and theory tutoring.
AirGigs specifically caters to session musicians, vocalists, and audio engineers, facilitating remote recording sessions and production work.
Building a Sustainable Freelance Career
Success as a freelancer in the music industry requires strategic approaches:
Diversify your offerings: Provide multiple related services to expand your potential client base
Build a portfolio website: Showcase your best work in a professional online presence
Develop client relationships: Convert one-time projects into ongoing collaborations
Set appropriate rates: Research market standards to price your services competitively
Manage your finances: Maintain separate accounts for business expenses and set aside funds for taxes
Freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy but requires self-discipline and business acumen to sustain as a career path.
The Rise of Music Tech Jobs
As technology transforms the music industry, new career opportunities have emerged at the intersection of music and tech:
Growing Fields in Music Technology
Music streaming platforms: Companies like Spotify, Apple Music, and emerging startups regularly hire for roles combining music knowledge with technical skills
AI music composition: Firms developing artificial intelligence for music creation and analysis seek professionals with both music theory understanding and coding abilities
Virtual and augmented reality music experiences: Companies creating immersive music experiences need specialists who understand both sound design and spatial technologies
Music NFTs and blockchain applications: The emerging Web3 music ecosystem offers opportunities for those interested in rights management and digital ownership
Specialized Platforms for Music Tech Jobs
To find opportunities in music technology, explore these resources:
AngelList features numerous music tech startups seeking talent across development, marketing, and music expertise.
Music Tech Jobs specializes in positions at the intersection of music and technology, listing roles from companies developing innovative music products and services.
Built In NYC (and sister sites for other tech hubs) frequently list positions at music tech companies, particularly in major metropolitan areas with strong tech and music scenes.
Strategies for Standing Out in Music Industry Applications
Competition for music industry positions can be fierce. Here are strategies to distinguish yourself:
Craft a Music-Focused Resume
Your resume should be tailored to the music industry:
Use industry-specific terminology relevant to your field
Highlight music-related achievements, even from non-music jobs
Include relevant software proficiencies (DAWs, notation software, etc.)
Mention artists, venues, or companies you've worked with, especially recognizable names
Consider a creative design that reflects your personality while remaining professional
Develop a Compelling Portfolio
For creative roles especially, your portfolio is often more important than your resume:
Curate your best work rather than including everything you've ever done
Organize by category to showcase versatility (e.g., different musical styles or types of projects)
Include brief explanations of your contribution to each project
Ensure easy accessibility—don't make reviewers download large files or navigate complex systems
Update regularly with your most recent and relevant work
Network Strategically
In the music industry, who you know remains incredibly important:
Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops
Join professional organizations related to your specific field
Engage thoughtfully on social media with industry professionals
Offer value in exchanges—don't just ask for opportunities
Follow up on connections with personalized messages
Building genuine relationships takes time but often leads to opportunities not publicly advertised.
Regional Music Job Resources
While many music job websites operate globally, some focus on specific regions known for their music industries:
United States
Entertainment Careers has particularly strong listings for Los Angeles and New York, the two largest music industry hubs in the U.S.
Nashville Music Jobs specializes in opportunities in Nashville, the center of the country music industry and an increasingly diverse music scene.
United Kingdom
UK Music Job Boards compiles listings from across the British music industry, which remains a global powerhouse.
Music Week Jobs focuses on the UK market, with positions at labels, publishers, and other music companies throughout the country.
Europe
European Job Days occasionally hosts music industry-specific virtual job fairs connecting candidates with employers across the European Union.
Backstage Pro covers the German-speaking music market, one of the largest in Europe, with opportunities throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Australia and New Zealand
The Music Jobs lists positions across Australia's vibrant music scene, from venue management to label roles.
Artist Manager includes job boards focusing on the Australasian music market.
Internships and Entry-Level Positions
For those just starting their music industry careers, internships often serve as crucial entry points:
Finding Music Industry Internships
Several resources specifically highlight internship opportunities:
Internships.com includes a section dedicated to music and entertainment internships across various sectors.
Recording Connection places aspiring audio professionals in apprenticeship-style programs at recording studios.
Major record label websites (Universal Music Group, Sony Music, Warner Music Group) typically list their internship programs directly on their careers pages.
Turning Internships Into Careers
To maximize the career-building potential of internships:
Treat every task, no matter how small, as an opportunity to demonstrate reliability
Build relationships across departments, not just within your immediate team
Seek additional responsibilities once you've mastered your assigned tasks
Document your contributions and achievements for future resume updates
Express interest in permanent positions before your internship concludes
Stay in touch with colleagues and supervisors after your internship ends
Many successful music industry professionals began their careers as interns, making these positions highly competitive but potentially valuable stepping stones.
The Future of Music Industry Employment
Several trends are reshaping music industry careers and the job search process:
Emerging Career Paths
New roles continue to develop as the industry evolves:
Playlist curators who select and program music for streaming platforms
Music data analysts who interpret listener behavior and trends
Virtual event producers specializing in online concert experiences
Music wellness specialists working at the intersection of music and health
Fan engagement strategists developing community-building programs
Skills in Increasing Demand
To remain competitive, music professionals should consider developing these increasingly valuable skills:
Digital marketing specifically for music products and services
Audio implementation for gaming and interactive media
Content creation across multiple platforms
Basic coding and technical proficiency
Copyright knowledge in the digital ecosystem
Cross-cultural musical fluency
Continued professional development in these areas can open doors to emerging opportunities.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Path in the Music Industry
The landscape of music industry employment continues to evolve, with digital platforms providing more access points than ever before. While music job websites offer valuable tools for finding opportunities, success still depends on combining these resources with personal initiative, relationship building, and continuous skill development.
As you navigate music career websites, remember that the most successful professionals often create their own opportunities by identifying needs within the industry and positioning themselves to address them. Use these platforms not just to find listed positions but to research trends, build relationships, and identify gaps where your unique talents might create value.
The music industry has always rewarded passion, persistence, and creativity—qualities that remain essential even as the technical aspects of finding and securing positions continue to evolve. By strategically utilizing music job websites alongside traditional networking and skill-building efforts, you can build a sustainable and fulfilling career in this dynamic field.
Start by thoroughly exploring the websites mentioned in this guide, creating profiles that showcase your unique strengths, and setting up alerts for positions matching your qualifications. Remember that your perfect role might be listed tomorrow—or it might be one you create yourself by connecting with the right people and identifying unmet needs in the industry.