Unit 1: Learning Aim B

Understand Job roles in the Music Industry

Know who is responsible for each activity, why and how things are
done and what are their advantages and disadvantages of relying on
individuals for individual services in relation to the key stages of the
production time line.
Performance Creative Roles people involved with writing and
performing music
1. Musician
Examples: Orchestral player, vocalist, accompanist, DJ, Programmer,
solo artist self-employed or freelance.
Responsibilities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Train and practice regularly to keep skills to a high standard

proficient on their instrument
Auditioning for musician roles
Attending rehearsals to include technical and dress
rehearsal, on time and prepared
Taking part in performances and workshops
Marketing and promoting own work
Look after instrument (including voice)
Learn new music for a show
Work well as part of a team
Maintaining/setting up and tuning of equipment

Skills:
a)
b)
c)

Ability to improvise and play by ear

Being technically proficient on an instrument
Passion for Music and desire to perform

Other
artists

Managers
(once
signed)
Record
companies

Producer

Sound
Engineers

Media TV,radio
etc

Musicians

2. DJ/Remixer
Examples: Clubs, discos, host concerts, gigs.
Responsibilities:
1.
Remixes takes elements of a song and combines them with
new ideas to create a new song.
2.
Introduce Music, commercials etc.
3.
Putting records/CDs on turntable and controlling sound
Skills:
a)
A good knowledge of production techniques
b)
Interest and skill in music technology
c)
Good speaking voice and ability to project personality.

DJ

Club
owners

audience

Radio

Studio
manager

Technical
people

3. Solo Artist
Example: A singer
Responsibilities:
1.
Sometimes writes their own material
2.
Needs a distinctive look, charisma
3.
Needs drive, ambition and confidence
4. Composer, Song Writer
Responsibilities:
1.
Writing composing music for TV, show,
commercial, film etc.
2.
Arranging music for orchestra etc. produce
scores and parts
3.
Compose a song for a famous singer
4.
Compose music for a special event
5.
Keep to a deadline
6.
Work with a performer so that the
song/composition is at their level of performance
correct range etc.
7.
Responding to briefs film, TV, pitch ideas to
clients
8.
Marketing and promoting own work
9.
Sequencing music using technology to realise
music
10.
Creative and artistic direction
11.
Sometimes perform
12.
Musically creative, competent musician
13.
Happy to work alone
Skills:
a) Knowledge of copyright, marketing, selling and
publishing
b) Talent and creativity
c) Ability to plan an instrument
d) Team work skills

Song
Writers

Producers

Publishers

A+R

Recording
Companies

5.
Producers
Example: Record Producer
Responsibilities:
1.

Oversee and manage the recording of an artists music

control the overall sound and artistic direction of the
recording
Gather ideas for the project and select songs
Hire session musicians for the project
Coach the artist in the studio
Supervise the entire process through mixing to mastering
Make sure the recording is on time and on budget

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Skills:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Ability to deal with artists, record companies and managers

Ability to get the best performance out of an act
Has a thorough knowledge of recording studio and techniques
Ability and willingness to work unsociable hours

6.

Musical Director

Examples: Conductor
Responsibilities:
1. Leading rehearsals unify performers
2. Conducting musicians orchestral /singers etc. guide the
orchestra or choir
3. Arranging music for performance
4. Hiring musicians
5. Set the tempo and execute clear indications for conducting
6. Execute clear indicators and shape the sound of the ensemble
7. Choose the music and study the scores
8. Relay ideas to the performers
9. Schedule rehearsals
Skills:
a) Problem solving
b) Ability to communicate musical thoughts

Recording studios

Orchestras/session
musicians

Managers

Agents

Conductor

7.

Live Sound Technician/Engineer

Examples: Audio technician

Responsibilities:
1. Stage planning
2. Rigging position equipment
3. DE rigging
4. Supervise crew
5. Do sound checks
6. Operate the sound desk - Ensure mics/live connectors work
i.e. guitars/ adjust levels before and during
performances/front of house/monitor mixing
7. Choose suitable microphones and equipment
8. Look after the equipment fix as and when necessary
Skills:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Love of Music
Knowledge of electronics/sound desks etc.
Freedom to travel
Problem solving

Head Roadie/
Manager/Tour
co-ordinaotr
Musicians,
artists, band

Management
at venues

Live
Sound
technician

8.

Roadie

Examples: Backline technical support, can sometimes double

up as technician
Responsibilities:
1. Assist with getting gear in and out for a concert/gig/tour
rigging, de-rigging carry equipment
2. Specialist instrumental support look after the equipment
tuning instruments etc.
3. Driving responsible for transporting, setting up and
dismantling artists equipment, lighting and PA system at gigs
4. Logistics of gig set up before event, pack up at end of the
event
5. The Bigger the gig, the more specialised the role of the roadie
Skills:
a) Ability to lift heavy equipment physical strength and stamina
b) Work well as part of a team
c) Ability to work away from home for extended periods
d) A solid understanding of music technology i.e. repairs etc.

Musicians,
bands,
artists

Management
at venues

Music
Promoters

Roadie

Equipment
hire
/transport
companies

9.

Instrumental support

Examples: Guitar tech, drum tech

Responsibilities:
1. Look after the instruments 9 guitars, drums, KB etc. ensure
they are functioning correctly between and during gig
2. Fix instruments when broken during performances strings
etc.
3. Give advice regarding best use of equipment
4. Drum Tec solely responsible for loading, unloading, setup,
miking, tuning and repairing drums
Skills:
a) A thorough knowledge of their specialised instrument
b) Ability to play instrument/repair instrument
c) Quick thinker
d) Cool under pressure
e) Audio engineering knowledge

Engineers

Musicians

Technicians

Inst.
Tech
support

Front of
house
engineer

Management and Promotion Roles

Artistic Management Talent Manager
Responsibilities:
1. Organise and confirm show dates, tours and gigs
2. Liaise with record companies/do business deals
3. Assist with studio planning
4. Support artists as a lifestyle coach
5. Take care of high quality standard
6. Exploit marketing opportunities
7. Provide advice and guidance for the artists
8. Negotiate fees and recording contracts
9. Manage the artists personal and financial management
10.
Advice and guide musical career
11.
Oversee the day-to-day business affairs of the artists.

Venue
booking
agents

Recording
studio
manager

Recording
companies

Music
Publisher

Manager

Management and Promotion Roles

Venue Management
Responsibilities:
1. Book artists and events
2. Arrange licensing
3. Management of all staff
4. Management of publicity for events
5. Organise events security
6. Check Health and Safety is up to date for artists and venue
7. Responsible for audience
8. Ensure all services are opened and fully functional during
scheduled times
9. Assist with preparation of shows and supervise the whole
process
Skills:
a) Communication
b) Educational background in business
c) Ability to travel at the last minute

The public
audience

Media and
advertising

Artists,
bands,
groups

Music
Managers
Venue
management

10

Management and Promotion Roles

Studio Management
Responsibilities:
1. Booking sessions
2. Managing the maintenance of equipment and facilities
3. Administrative control of the studios operation
4. Schedule times and liaise with clients
5. Engage engineers, session musicians, technical engineers
6. Promote and market the studio
7. Ensure all equipment is Health and Safety checked
8. Recruit, pay and retain staff
9. Pay invoices keep accounts, financial records
10.
Manage and oversee people, equipment, workflow
Skills:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

Creative
Technical and leadership management skills
Team/Project management
Problem solvers
Confidence to meet tight deadlines and time management
Communication written and verbal
Financial awareness
Knowledge of Health and Safety

Musicians,
bands,
artists

Freelancers

Staff in
studio

Promoters
Studio
Management

11

Management and Promotion Roles

Promoter
Responsibilities:
1. Identify performance opportunities
2. Promote artists at a variety of venues
3. Secure finance at events
4. Manage financial risk
5. Ensure insurance is valid and health and safety at venues
6. Publicises concerts and events
7. In charge of putting on the show
8. Works with artists agents
9. Works with venues to arrange for a show
10.
Promote the event through advertisement and publicity
Skills:
a) Knowledge of touring and promotion
b) Marketing skills
c) Accounting/budget knowledge
d) Persuasion/negotiation skills
e) Communication
f) Computer/networking skills
g) Time Management

Media
Bands,
artists,
musicians

Music
Managers

Venue
managers

Promoter

Advertising
agencies

12

Management and Promotion Roles

Marketing market and sell records locally, globally and
regionally
Responsibilities:
1. Manages marketing materials and strategies i.e. selling, plans,
album sales, displays in shops, radio station giveaways etc.
2. Gather prices for advertisements and promotions
3. Devise promotional events, giveaways, sponsorships
appearances, online giveaways etc.
4. Have a radio/ On-line /TV campaign for an artists
advertising campaigns
5. Create the artists image/brand
6. Targeting recordings at a specific group of consumers
7. Control and co-ordinate design of artwork and packaging
8. Control format of release CD, Vinyl or MPS
Skills:
a) Creative flair
b) Strong organisation and communication skills
c) Good working knowledge of the advertising industry
d) Team player
e) Understanding of Music/Record business
Music
stores etc

Media

Music
Managers

Promoters

Director of
marketing

Marketing
staff

Publisher
companies

13

Management and Promotion Roles

Artists and Repertoire find talent
Responsibilities:
1. Scouting for talent on-line and at live events
2. Sign artists to record labels
3. Oversee the process from delivery to finished records
4. Developments of artists as they grow and mature listen to
CDs, demos, videos etc.
5. Manage the recording process
6. Help find songs appropriate for the artists to record and
release
7. Main point of contract for the artists and manager
8. Locate a Producer to work with the artists/act
Skills:
a) In depth knowledge of current musical trends
b) A strong instinct of what will sell
c) Problem solvers
d) Negotiation skills/communication skills

Record label
companies
Managers

Producers

Artists, bands

A+
R

A + R Admin budgets/costs

14

Recording Roles
Recording Studio Personnel
Examples: Engineer, Assistant Engineer, Technical Manager,
Tech support, Maintenance and repair, Electronics engineer,
installation.
Engineer Responsibilities:
1. Technical side of the recording no artistic input
2. Operate the sound board and other electronic equipment
during recording
3. Makes alterations to the recording with advice from
Producer/Artist
4. Mix down recording
5. Balances the sound/levels
6. Repair equipment in the studio
Skills:
a) Knowledge of recording equipment electronic +
mechanical
b) Work unsociable hours
c) Ability to work under pressure and with people
d) Musicianship skills
Assistant Engineer Tape Op
Responsibilities:
1. Helps sound engineer keep track of mixes
2. General dogsbody
3. Set up all the equipment needed for the recording session
4. Replace/fix faulty equipment
5. Maintain the tape library
6. Assist main engineer during recording
Skills:
a) Knowledge in electronics/mechanics
b) Appreciative of music
c) Ability to use recording equipment
d) Ability to listen, take instructions and work with others
e) Works long, unsociable hours
15

Technical Manager
Responsibilities:
1. Ensure studio has adequate resources to do its work oversee
equipment
2. Ensure technical equipment works effectively
3. Arrange maintenance and repair of equipment
Tech Support
Responsibilities:
1. Maintenance and repairs of electronic equipment i.e. cables,
mics, amps computers etc. (sometimes instruments) to allow
the performers and producers to do their job
2. Orders replacement parts
Skills:
a) Detailed knowledge of electronics and equipment
Maintenance and Repair/Electronics engineer/Installation
Responsibilities:
1. Maintain and repair recording equipment, electrical and
musical equipment, computers and software for the recording
studio, Midi studio and lab.
2. Update and install software
3. Research new equipment and make purchases on approval
Skills:
a) Communication and organisational skills
b) Computer/software skills/electronic skills
Producer
Responsibilities:
1. Controls overall sound and artistic direction of the recording
and overall production quality of a song
2. Makes sure the recording is on time and on budget
3. Can be involved in the recording, mixing process
4. Deals with artists, record companies and managers
5. Gets the best performance out of an act

16

6. Works closely with sound engineers and audio technicians to

include recording artist
7. Schedules recording times with artists
8. Supervises recording sessions and makes decisions. I.e. coachs
artists, direct backing vocals etc.
9. Acts as a go between the artists and the engineer
Skills:
a) Knowledge of the music business/recording process
b) Aware of current trends in the industry
c) Organisational/interpersonal skills
d) A people person
e) Ability to work long unsociable hours
Session Musician
Responsibilities:
1. Technical competent musician, proficient in at least 1
instrument Bring own instrument to recording session
2. Back up the lead artists in a recording session/live concert
3. Play music for commercials/recordings etc.
4. Play for a track/album recording
5. Works with solo artists who have no band
6. Turns up on time as they get paid hourly rates
7. Rehearse music for recording
8. Follow instructions from Producers/Conductor etc.
Skills:
a) Read Music/Sight read
b) Proficient on their instrument
c) Knowledge of musical styles and genres
d) Calm under pressure
e) Good time keeper
Mastering engineer
Responsibilities:
1. Complete audio mastering process for an album (adjust
spacing between songs, compress it to optimise the volume,
Applies EQ and effects to include fade in and fade out, adjusts
volumes/dynamics)
2. Prepare and transfer audio from one raw format to the desired
format to distribute to CD, Vinyl or tape etc.

17

3. Refine the sound quality and make changes to create an

appealing sound
4. Makes tracks sound professional
5. Burn final master CD for delivery to Distributor
Skills:
a) Good ear
b) Knowledge of mastering procedures
c) Concentration for long periods of time
d) Understanding of Music and theory
Cd Manufacturer
Responsibilities:
1. Produce master CDs with high quality multiple copies) (Cases,
artwork, screen printing, packaging etc.)
2. Transport to distributor outlets (stores or on-line)
3. Duplicate CDs
4. Digital delivery through services i.e. iTunes

18

Overall of Recording Studio Personnel

Producer/Manager

Artists, Band

Mix Master engineer

Technical Manager

Session Musicians

Engineer

Maintenance + Repair
Electronic/Installation

CD Manufacturer/Distributor

Tech Support

Assistant Engineer

Studio supply companies

19

Media and other roles

Music Journalist/Blogger
Examples: writer, music critic, and music reviewer full time, parttime, freelance
Responsibilities:
1. Writing copy for publications in print or web articles,
reviews, biographies, research, - daily, weekly columns etc.
2. A staff writer (employed by a particular publication) or
freelance (contributes to various publications)
3. Write articles and reviews for newspaper, music sections and
the music press i.e. about artists concerts and albums
4. Conducts interviews (phone, face-to-face) and writes them up
5. Often receives demos from unsigned bands and goes to gigs
then writes reviews
6. Attends shows, concerts and events
7. Listens to CDs, online music, and new talent. Reviews new
records or music products i.e. classical reviewer, rock writer,
jazz writer etc.
8. Responsible to the editor of the publication
Skills:
a) Communication/Networking skills
b) Excellent command of the written word
c) Creative flair
d) Inquiring nature/ Good time keeper
e) Knowledge about the field of music being covered
f) Enjoyment of music
g) Ability to work under pressure

20

Agents
Venue
owners

Managers

Editors of
publications

Music
journalist

Promoters

Media and other roles

Broadcaster TV/Radio
Examples: Radio producer, Program/Music director, Radio DJ, Video
jockeys
Responsibilities:
1. Selecting music for broadcast, programming, audience
targeting, research, writing, editing
2. Interview artists
3. Select music for TV and radio show Video jockey music
videos on TV
4. Present music show and discuss trends
5. Controls the overall style and content of a radio/TV
programme Radio Producer
6. Responsible for putting playlists together in collaboration
with DJ: Radio Producer
7. Playing songs on air Radio DJ
8. Programme Director: selects the stations format and program
and schedules the programs at times to suit the target
audience can also select music for the playlist. Responsible
for hiring, supervising and firing DJ. Responsible to Station
Manager or owner
Skills:
a) Working knowledge of Radio broadcasting equipment/
procedures
b) In touch with audience listening tastes and trends to
include area of broadcasting
c) Clear, confident speaking voice and pleasant appearance
d) Work as part of a team/supervise others
e) Ability to work long hours/unsociable hours

21

f) Project personality on air

g) Good time keeper

Music
Director

Station
Owner

DJ

Managers
Broadcaster

22

Media and other roles

Software Programmer/App developer

Responsibilities:
1. Writing and/or coding software products such as apps,
programs, packages, files, podcasts
2. Writing music packages for distribution on line
3. Create apps, musical programmes: Sequencing (Logic, Garage
band), notation software (Sibelius), Music games)
4. Up date the programme software regularly
5. Create computer programmes that assist musicians with their
training (aural tests, music theory)
6. Usually commissioned and paid by an artists and their record
label or a software music company
Skills:
a) IT programming

Retail and Distribution: Retail

Responsibilities:
1. Selling products to shops/music stores and on-line using retail
techniques and skills
2. Moving CDs from warehouse to retail outlets, logistics, selling
via mail order through on-line stores
3. Sells on-line: iTunes, spotify, amazon
4. Shops: HMV, Virgin, music shops

Retail and Distribution: Distribution link between record

company after mastering and manufacture is completed
Responsibilities:
1. Ensures albums are sold to shops

23

2. Sign deals with the record label that gives them the right to sell
that labels products
3. Takes a cut of the income from each album sold

24