There are tons of different ways to get your foot in the door in the music business. Whether it’s working as a studio assistant, helping out with A&R stuff, doing marketing intern work, assisting on tours, or learning the ropes as a recording engineer trainee – each path gives you a chance to learn while meeting people and picking up new skills. What works best really depends on what gets you excited, whether that’s the tech side of audio engineering, the creative parts of working with artists, or the business side of marketing and management.
The music world has all sorts of starting positions that can lead somewhere cool down the road. You’ve got everything from production studios to record labels, live venues to streaming platforms – there’s something for pretty much everyone.
On the production side, studio assistants handle setting up gear, prepping for sessions, and taking care of basic paperwork. Business roles might have you working as a marketing assistant, dealing with social media and promo stuff. Creative positions often start with things like helping A&R scouts or coordinating with artists. Tech opportunities include junior sound engineers, equipment techs, and people who work with digital audio software.
What’s cool about these beginner roles is how they let you figure out what you’re actually good at while getting real experience. Someone who starts as a studio runner might end up loving mixing, while a marketing intern could discover they’re meant for artist management. The trick is picking something that feels right for your skills and interests, then using that job to check out other parts of the industry.
Music production has several ways to get started if that’s what interests you. Studio assistants are basically the heart of most recording studios – they keep equipment running, document sessions, and handle all the behind-the-scenes stuff. Recording engineer trainees get to work right alongside experienced engineers, learning about signal flow, mic techniques, and how to use Pro Tools.
Mixing assistants help out the main engineers by organizing sessions, putting together rough mixes, and keeping files organized. These jobs teach you the technical basics while showing you how professional studios actually work. Production interns usually do a mix of office work and creative stuff like making reference tracks or helping with pre-production.
Day-to-day work in these roles usually includes:
These internships often turn into full-time gigs. Plenty of successful producers and engineers started out making tea and running errands before working their way up through hard work and learning new skills.
Internships are probably one of the best ways to get into the music business. Recording studios offer internships where you learn technical stuff while watching professional sessions happen. Record labels have opportunities in A&R, marketing, and distribution. Music venues need interns for event production, artist relations, and tech support.
The real benefit of internships goes way beyond just the work you do. You’re meeting industry people who can speak up for your work ethic and skills. You’re learning industry-specific software, understanding professional standards, and developing the thick skin you need for such a competitive field. Many internships turn into paid jobs, and that often depends on how much initiative you show and the relationships you build.
Finding the right internship takes some research and persistence. Start by figuring out which companies do work that excites you, then check their websites for opportunities. Music industry job boards, university career centers, and professional associations often post internships. When you apply, show genuine excitement for the company’s work and highlight any relevant skills, even if they come from totally different experiences.
Making it in entry-level music jobs requires a mix of technical abilities and personal qualities. On the technical side, basic audio engineering knowledge helps in almost any role. Understanding signal flow, frequency ranges, and digital audio basics gives you an edge. Music theory knowledge isn’t always required, but it helps you communicate with artists and understand creative decisions.
Software skills have become really important. Knowing DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Pro Tools or Logic opens doors in production roles. Marketing positions value social media management skills, basic graphic design, and data analytics tools. Business roles benefit from knowing spreadsheets and project management software.
Personal skills often determine who moves up in their careers:
You can develop these skills through online courses, YouTube tutorials, and hands-on practice. Local music venues often need volunteers, which gives you opportunities to gain experience while learning from professionals.
Several starting positions offer really good advancement potential along different career paths. A&R assistants often move up to A&R coordinators, then managers, eventually becoming heads of A&R departments. This path lets you shape artists’ careers and influence label direction.
Marketing coordinators can advance to marketing managers, brand partnerships directors, or even label executives. The digital transformation of music marketing means these roles increasingly involve data analysis, content strategy, and innovative campaign development.
Tour assistants gain valuable experience in live production, often advancing to tour managers, production managers, or booking agents. Studio runners who show technical skills might become assistant engineers, then recording engineers, and eventually producers or studio managers.
Career growth depends on performance, networking, and sometimes being in the right place at the right time. The most successful professionals combine technical skills with strong relationships and a good understanding of the business.
Breaking into the music industry takes strategy, persistence, and realistic expectations. Start by figuring out which area of the industry matches your skills and interests. Research companies and professionals working in that area, then look for ways to gain relevant experience, whether through internships, volunteering, or personal projects.
Building skills should be an ongoing thing. Take advantage of online resources, attend industry events when possible, and practice consistently. Many aspiring professionals benefit from structured learning environments like our comprehensive music industry academy programs. Remember that many successful industry professionals started in unglamorous roles, using them as learning opportunities rather than thinking they were too good for that work.
Networking remains one of the most important aspects of music industry success. Build genuine relationships rather than just trying to use people. Help others when you can, stay professional even in casual settings, and maintain relationships even when they don’t immediately help your career. Participating in collaborative environments such as professional camps and writing sessions can provide valuable networking opportunities while developing your craft.
The path from entry-level positions to your dream role rarely goes in a straight line. Stay open to unexpected opportunities, learn from setbacks, and remember that persistence often matters more than initial talent. Whether you’re aiming for a corner office at a major label or a producer credit on the next big album, every journey starts with that first step through the door.
At Wisseloord, we get how important proper guidance and development are in building music careers. Our facilities have seen countless professionals take their first steps in the industry, and we continue to support the next generation of music industry talent through our comprehensive programs and world-class environment.
If you’re ready to learn more, contact our experts today