How To Become An Artist Manager Understand Your Role: Managing Artists' Expectations. Educate Yourself. Become a Student Manager. Make College Friends. Join College Radio. Promote College Events. Acquire Your Own Clients. Help A Friend.
Starting a Career in Artist Management: A Step-by-Step Guide Research the industry and understand the role of an artist manager. Gain experience by interning or assisting established artist managers. Build a strong network by attending industry events and connecting with artists.
Some start by managing artists or groups they already know, while others apply for positions at management companies, found their own, or join an artist's team in a different capacity—as a business manager, agent, or personal assistant—before taking over management duties.
As a general rule, managers take a percentage of all income generated by the artist in exchange for their management services. Commission rates typically range from 15-25% of the artist's gross income from: Recording royalties: Sales, streaming and licensing of recorded music.
Education: Considering music managers are responsible for all the legal and business aspects of an artist's career, they usually must have a bachelor's degree in the music business (or business in general). Several schools offer music management or business management degrees.
This typically involves providing written notice within the specified timeframe and adhering to any other requirements stated in the agreement. Remember, getting out of a music management contract can be a complex process, and it's important to approach it carefully before terminating.
How long is a normal artist manager contract? The standard length of the management contract is three years but it can vary from 2 to 5 years on a case by case basis. Most contracts also include a "Sunset" clause.
Artist Manager Salary Annual SalaryHourly Wage Top Earners $400,000 $192 75th Percentile $400,000 $192 Average $246,250 $118 25th Percentile $92,500 $44
The common standard term for a management contract is typically between one and five years, but this can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the parties involved.
Look for companies that have a track record of success in your genre and have experience working with artists at your level. Check their client roster and read reviews from other artists. You can also attend music industry events and conferences to network with managers and learn more about their companies.