| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-25 | - |
Program Overview
Course overview
You will gain an advanced and discerning knowledge of music industry practices on this course. With the experience of our tutors and our international research, you will be introduced to practices within the music industry from understanding music publishing contracts to interpreting audiences and the global market.
Introduction
Through both face to face and online lectures and performances, you will investigate current music industry practices in-depth.
In attending our research seminars, you will meet and learn from expert guest speakers belonging to a multitude of music industry disciplines.
You’ll receive comprehensive guidance in events management at both our state of the art Tung Auditorium and the Liverpool Philharmonic hall. You will achieve this by being closely involved in concerts performed by professional musicians from around the world as well as our internal programme of events featuring University of Liverpool students.
You will learn about management practices within the music industry, enabling you to understand the dynamics of managing artists as products.
Who is this course for?
This MA is suitable for you if you have a keen interest in pursuing a career in the fields of music management, events management and the music industry.
What you'll learn
Program Outline
Compulsory modules
STUDYING MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI510)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
The module examines some of the interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the music industries and explores these contributions. Drawing on examples it examines, in a practical way, how research in the field is conducted. Students learn how to plan and develop a research project in preparation for their dissertation. Students will develop their understanding through lectures, online class discussions and tutorials. Successful students on this module will develop skills in research appropriate for the study of the music industries at postgraduate level, including bibliographic skills and the ability to find and evaluate various kinds of evidence.
MUSIC INDUSTRY (MUSI526)
Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1
The module explores the music economy as a set of practices in which demand for music outcomes (songs, performances of songs, recordings of songs) are reconciled with the supply of songs and performances initiated by musicians. Historically, the recording industry has dominated these practices but the impact of digital technology on music demand (and changes in how demand is conceived and expressed) has re-configured relations among the key music industries of recording, live performance and music publishing. In turn, this re-configuration is manifested in the decline of formerly dominant music companies and the rise of new music companies. Further, the music economy as a whole has been opened up to impacts from beyond music – whether in the form of ‘tech’ companies (such as Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook and so on) or in the need of musicians and music companies to form alliances with commercial companies beyond the digital sphere. Further still, as transformations in demand associated with digital technology show no sign of waning, the music economy is now continuously turbulent; this turbulence impacts unrelentingly on music industry and must be understood by students should they seek careers in music.
AUDIENCES (MUSI540)
Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1
This module will cover methodologies and practices for identifying audiences for live music performances and explore how to apply strategies and tactics for managing and marketing live music events and/or venues.
Careers and employability
The MA is very much industry-focused. Members of staff for the most part have wide-ranging music industry experience and are able to draw on this in the preparation of classes. Familiarity with local and national practitioners means that classes are current and highly-informed. The ability to draw on the vast experience of the RLPO is priceless. This is a music organisation with 200 employees, which not only runs an orchestra but manages a venue and delivers an extensive educational programme. The range of expertise the programme can draw upon is second-to-none.
All this noted, the MA is still an academic degree in a Russell Group university and staff academic standards are equally high. All members of staff hold PhD qualifications in relevant disciplines and all are experienced PhD supervisors. Every year, a small number of graduates indicate that they would like to carry on their studies at PhD level and we see ‘employability’ as preparation either for industry or for academia and support students, whatever their proposed career paths might be.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Career planning
Our Careers Studio and career coaches can provide tailored support for your future plans.
From education to employment
Employability in your curriculum for a successful transition
Networking events
Make meaningful connections with like-minded professionals
Career planning
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
Meet our Career Coaches
From education to employment
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
Employability programmes
Networking events
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Careers events
Your future
The course opens up career opportunities which include working in:
You will also have a strong foundation upon which to study a PhD.
Working in the UK after graduation
The UK is a great place to live and work, so it's no surprise that many international students want to stay after they graduate. A graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for up-to two years after graduation. It's available to students in the UK on a student visa (or Tier 4 [General] student visa). Our careers service is here to support you getting work once you finish studying.