Music: composition of musical works and music publishing; production, retail and distribution of musical instruments and audio equipment; promotion, management and agency related activities; live performance; recording; retail and distribution of recordings
The UK is the world's third largest market for music sales and its domestic music industry has for decades punched well above its weight.
- Employment across the Music sector is 95,010
- Live performance accounts for 45% of the total workforce
- The music sector contributes £6bn to the UK economy
- 69% of the workforce is male
- 27% of the workforce is found in London, 14% in the South East and 9% in Scotland
The Music Industry is an attractive, challenging and highly competitive marketplace. For new entrants into several sub-sectors, low or unpaid work placements are the norm.
There are many more students taking music-related courses than there are new job opportunities in the industry and this is increasing. The industry perceives that formal education does not address their rapidly-changing needs and in some cases has filled the gap with its own courses.
For a sector made up of very few big businesses, only 4% of businesses employ 20 people or more and there is an impact on professional development as 91% of employers do not have annual training budgets. It can be very difficult for people seeking to further their careers in music to know where to turn or what course to take.
Live music has increased dramatically in the last ten years and as reported by Mintel, the UK live music market will be worth an estimated £743m in ticket sales alone by the end of 2007 (Live Entertainment UK, Mintel International Group Limited, July 1, 2007). Technical skills are vital to maintain this and Creative & Cultural Skills has estimated that 30,000 backstage and technical staff will be needed by the theatre and live music sectors by 2010.
The recording industry faces real challenges due to the continued decline in music sales and the impact of file-sharing piracy. For both artists and recording companies generating sales remains a key focus, however the lines are blurring between the roles of music companies as the 360° business model develops and alternative revenue streams emerge.
The skills gaps
Leadership and Management skills are the most in demand with particular focus on the small business model
There is also a shortage of IT and Technical skills.
Backstage and technical skills are vital to maintain growth seen in the Live Event sector.
Knowledge of specialist contract law and Intellectual Property rights is essential.
Supporting the Music Industry
Music Skills Advisory Panel
The Music Skills Advisory Panel, comprising key trade associations and employers, has been formed to boost business performance and anticipate future skills.
National Skills Academy (NSA)
Creative & Cultural Skills is currently business-planning the first National Skills Academy for Backstage and Technical Skills. The NSA is an urgently-needed, industry-led response to the possible (estimated) 30,000 shortage in key personnel by 2017 in Backstage and Technical skills. The NSA will provide entry-level training, apprenticeships and professional development for people working in the live music and theatre industries.
Creative Apprenticeships
The Creative Apprenticeships pathways will be available in Live Events and Promotions and Music Business in from September 2008. The pathways have been developed with industry consultation and Apprentices develop the skills and experience employers are looking for.
2007 saw the successful piloting of the Creative Apprenticeships with employers including EMI, Universal, Def Jam, UK Unsigned and more. Creative and Cultural Skills are recruiting employers for the national launch of Creative Apprenticeship in 2008. – Employers who would like to find out more should contact info@ccskills.org.uk
For further information on this sector visit:
APRS - (Association of Professional Recording Services)
Association of British Orchestras
Association of Independent Music (AIM)
BMR (British Music Rights)
MMF (Music Managers Forum)
MU (Musicians Union)
Music Industries Association
National Foundation of Youth Music
PRS-MCPS Alliance
Sound Sense
Sound Connections
BPI
Music Producers Guild
Grass Root Music Network
For information on courses and working in the music industry, visit the BPI Music Education Directory.