Though not essential, you could do a course at university that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Relevant courses include:

• music business
• music industries and management
• business management
• marketing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You may find it useful to do a course to get an insight into the promotions industry. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Music Business Marketing and Promotion
• Level 2 Certificate in Digital Promotion for Business
• Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You could start by doing an Events Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

With experience, you may be able to get into junior or assistant music promotions manager jobs.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Practical experience is highly valued. To get this you could:

• find work placements with record companies or music public relations agencies
• organise and promote local gigs or festivals
• write gig reviews for local or student press, websites and social media
• volunteer with student or community radio

These activities will also allow you to build up a network of contacts, which will help when you look for paid work.

When applying for jobs or setting up on your own, you'll have an advantage if you can bring experience from related areas like sales and marketing, public relations or event organising.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to sell products and services
• business management skills
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a music promoter you could:

• write press releases to publicise your client's music or tour
• organise publicity events like media interviews and personal appearances
• organise tours
• negotiate contracts
• listen to new acts and decide whether to offer them a contract

As a promoter for a live music venue you may:

• choose and book suitable acts
• deal with agents, caterers and suppliers
• arrange a full programme of gigs
• organise marketing and publicity
• arrange entertainment licences

You could work in an office, at a recording studio or at a music venue.

Your working environment may be noisy and you'll travel often.