Sales & marketing

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

Though not essential, you could do a course at university that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Relevant courses include:

• music business
• music industries and management
• business management
• marketing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You may find it useful to do a course to get an insight into the promotions industry. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Music Business Marketing and Promotion
• Level 2 Certificate in Digital Promotion for Business
• Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an Events Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

With experience, you may be able to get into junior or assistant music promotions manager jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

Practical experience is highly valued. To get this you could:

• find work placements with record companies or music public relations agencies
• organise and promote local gigs or festivals
• write gig reviews for local or student press, websites and social media
• volunteer with student or community radio

These activities will also allow you to build up a network of contacts, which will help when you look for paid work.

Direct application

When applying for jobs or setting up on your own, you'll have an advantage if you can bring experience from related areas like sales and marketing, public relations or event organising.

More information

Career tips

A knowledge of basic accounts and contract law could be useful.

Further information

You can get more advice about working as a music promoter and promoting yourself through Musicians' Union.

You can also find information on working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could move to a larger company or you could specialise in an area like legal advice.

You could work freelance, start up your own promotions company or become an artists' agent or manager.

You can get more advice about working as a music promoter and promoting yourself through Creative Choices and the Musicians' Union.