Sue Said:

Music industry internships and work experience?

We Answered:

I'm also interested in working in the music industry, but in the way of Arts Administration. I already have a Bachelor of Music degree (Music Education and Performance), but have been fascinated in learning how music organizations work "behind the scenes." Since I still do want to teach, I want to work with music outreach projects, so that I can help bring music and arts programs into the schools, as well as the community.

That being said, what I'm doing is volunteering for music organizations. A lot of times, the music industry works by it's ability to network with various artists, and their organizations.
To start out, you may just want to be a regular "board member" until you feel comfortable with how the organization runs. From there, you can work your way up the ranks, and gain experience from various management related areas. This is what I did when I first joined a flute club years ago. I started off as a regular member, and was later asked to be a student representative. From there, I eventually became the recording secretary, and finally, Vice-President.

I would also volunteer for things that you aren't as familiar with. For instance, I would love to learn more about grant writing as that's a basic ability for organizations to have. If you have some computer skills, but don't have a lot of knowledge about running a website, join the website committee...stuff like that. I have found that organizations (especially non-profits) love having volunteers who are willing to get their hands dirty.

In addition, get involved with at least one national music organization. This past summer, I volunteered myself to be Volunteer Coordinator for the Sigma Alpha Iota ( a professional music fraternity for women) music conference in Chicago. It was a whopper of an experience to be on the convention committee, and really working together to make the whole convention happen.

My other thought on gaining experience is to get involved with a favorite local band. See if they can use any help with touring/finding venues, creating and distribution of promotional materials, stage hand stuff, assisting with sound checks, you name it. You could gain a whopper of an experience with this and it would look FANTASTIC on a resume.

Last but not least, stay involved with your personal music interests. Continue to play a musical instrument or singing. Be involved with at least one ensemble. If you do major in music in college, take your music courses seriously. Put in your share of practice and ensemble hours. However, do maintain good friendships with non-musicians as we NEED those people to help keep the arts going. You never know what type of skills these people can bring to your career, or whom you may run into, so don't be afraid to reach out.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Jane Said:

Where Do I Do Work Experience To Do With Music?

We Answered:

Someone I know went to a university and worked in the music studio there. I don't know much more about it but he really enjoyed it and I think he got to do lots of recordings and things like that. It's worth ringing your local universities/colleges up.