Entrepreneurs find ways to fill needs. They come up with creative solutions, find ways to fund their ideas, and grow businesses/companies around those ideas. You don’t have to be trained as a proficient musician to come up with an idea to turn into a business, but you certainly want to have a solid understanding of the audience your business will serve along with a solid understanding of what it takes to create and run a business.

More and more schools across the country and abroad are now offering entrepreneurial skills to their music students. If you don’t already have a list of schools that interest you, we suggest you start by looking at schools on »Æ¹Ïapp and exploring what they offer re: entrepreneurial training. Some, like DePauw University, weave it into the entire program. Others, like the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music, have an Entrepreneurship Center for Music through which you can take a certificate program or attend weekly sessions covering a wide variety of topics. At the University of Indiana, the Jacobs School of Music’s “Project Jumpstart” works in conjunction with the IU’s business school to prepare students for careers.

At some schools, you’ll probably find that you need to arrange your electives such that you can take some classes through the business school to gain the entrepreneurial skills you’re seeking. Every school is different, so look closely at their websites and feel free to ask questions of each of the schools you’re interested in, by using the forms on their participating school pages on »Æ¹Ïapp.

Most schools do incorporate a class in business skills for musicians that includes topics such as paying taxes, protecting your music, etc. A more in-depth entrepreneurial class, track, or program should also provide hands-on experience in promoting your music, performing outside of school, audience-building, networking, and even thinking like an entrepreneur.

Thank you for the advice. I was wondering if you can provide me with some good Entrepreneurship/Business schools, that also have degrees Vocal Performance/ Music Performance ?

You’ll find that a high percentage of working musicians’ income comes through a variety of revenue streams. Entrepreneurial and business skills will open up many doors and the management aspect will position you to work with other musicians as well. It’s wise not to expect to meet all your needs from one specific job, especially when you’re a young musician.

Actually, you will serve yourself and your career by doing exactly what you say. Entrepreneurial skills and mindset are essential to any performer. You are very wise to be asking this question and then finding ways to do this. As for careers, check out the section of »Æ¹Ïapp. Make sure you read ““

best,
Angela Beeching