Roles within the Music Industry

Performers and Composers

• Musicians and singers: These are individuals who create and/or perform music. They could be part of a group or band, or alternatively work as solo artists.

• Songwriters: These are individuals who write songs. They may write the lyrics, the melody, or both. Some songwriters may also be performers.

• Composers: Composers create music for a variety of mediums, including music for films, television shows, commercials, and video games.

Production Roles

• Music producers: These individuals are in charge of the overall production of songs or albums. They work closely with musicians during recording sessions to achieve a specific sound or style.

• Recording engineers: These individuals handle the technical aspect of recording music. They operate the equipment used to record, mix, and edit the music.

• Mastering engineers: These professionals prepare music for distribution. This involves a process known as mastering, which gives the music a polished sound and ensures it sounds good on a variety of speakers and formats.

Business Roles

• Music managers: Music managers are responsible for the career development of the musician. Their tasks may include negotiating contracts, organising tours, and advising on career decisions.

• Music promoters: These individuals work to promote an artist or their music. They may organise concerts, coordinate radio play of songs, liaise with the press, and use social media to reach fans.

• A&R coordinators: A&R stands for Artists and Repertoire. These professionals discover new talent, sign them to record labels, and oversee the completion of albums.

Legal and Licensing Roles

• Music lawyers: These individuals handle legal matters related to the music industry. This includes drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on copyright issues, and litigating if disputes arise.

• Music licensing experts: These professionals are responsible for securing permissions for use of music. This may involve negotiating with record labels, publishing companies, and artists.

Note: While this list does not cover all roles in the music industry, it gives a good overview of the diverse range of professions within the field. Each role has a unique part to play in the creation and distribution of music.