Where to Find Jobs in the Music Industry
After yesterday’s post on Job Ideas in the Field of Audio and Music, I got a facebook message asking, “where do I go to find jobs in the music industry?” So, I thought I would follow up the last post with a post on just that topic!
I make a living by playing the musical field, so to speak. I’m not necessarily a jack-of-all-trades, but I am open to various income opportunities that may be available to me. To get to that point really took a shift in my mindset. When I was younger, I had no idea where to begin. I had a music degree; I had started my own business. I thought, somehow, the world would beat a path to my door simply because I was there. But nobody came knocking. After shaking off the sinking feeling of failure and depression, I decided that my approach had to change.
The biggest door-opening step for me was when I stopped thinking about potential employers needing me and wanting to throw money at me “just because I’m awesome”, and began treating my business, services, and goods as a way to meet someone else’s need. I learned quickly that people aren’t going to pay you just for being who you are; they are going to pay you for what you can do for them. If what you can do for them is meet their need, then you’re in business.
So, now, here I am trying to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s going on in my musical community. I’m constantly asking what needs are present and assessing how I can fill those needs. Keeping your focus in your client/customer/employer will help build their trust and loyalty. They’ll keep coming back, and they’ll tell others about you.
Now, let’s see how we can build those relationships. There are great online communities, job boards, and tip sites to get you started.
Taxi.com
I’ve found TAXI to be one of the most valuable opportunities, not only for getting paid for my music, but also for networking and growing in my craft. They have THE best annual music conference, which is free to members. It’s really a community atmosphere, and there are opportunities to meet great contacts everywhere you look. I can’t recommend it enough.
Studiotraxx.com
Studiotraxx is a community of session players who do remote recording sessions. Songwriters contact you to play/sing/produce/mix for their song. Then you record and send them the track in the comfort of your own studio. You can also “bid” for jobs on their job board. It’s currently free to be a member, but they do take a commission.
Gigfinder.com
Gigfinder had its beginnings as a classifieds-style job board. Now it has grown into a full-blown, vibrant community of musicians and other creative professionals. It’s a place to post employment opportunities, plug your services, and connect with other professionals.
us.music-jobs.com
Music Jobs USA is also a great community of music professionals. You can sign up as a jobseeker, employer, or as a band. They have a job board, forum, blog, and a “media center” where you can post demos.
Filmmmusic.net
The Film Music Network offers a job posting board for producers, films, production music libraries looking for music or composers. Members (and in some cases, non-members) can submit demos directly to the music seeker. It’s also a great resource for news related to the film music industry.
Entertainmentcareers.net
Entertainmentcareers.net is also job board with listings for virtually any job in the entertainment industry.
These are just a handful of options that I’ve found useful. You’ll find, though, that once you make some connections in the industry, that people’s networking circles overlap. That’s one of those really cool “small world” moments. I got hooked up a Los Angeles music supervisor/publisher over lunch at the Taxi Road Rally conference, which has started working friendship. Earlier this year, I sang a demo for a songwriter on Studiotraxx. Turns out that he’s also a writer for that same LA publisher!
Here are some great books for making money in the music business:
Feel free to comment with any questions or with your useful ideas and resources!



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