How To Land Your First (or Next) Gig in the Music Industry: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired

By Chris Goyzueta | Making It Academy

Breaking into the music industry isn't about luck. It's about strategy, persistence, and showing up. In our latest AMA session, we went deep on one of the most common questions we get from students and aspiring professionals alike: How do I actually get hired in live music or touring?

The good news? There’s a roadmap. And it starts here with the most comprehensive resource list we’ve ever put together for finding work in live events, touring, venues, agencies, management, and beyond.

Below, I’ll give you a preview of what’s in that guide and how to start taking action today. Whether you’re aiming for your first gig, a freelance role on tour, or a pivot deeper into the business side of music, there’s a door in. Let’s find yours.

🚀 Step One: Show Up

Before we even get into the tools and job boards, understand this—half the game is showing up.

That means:

Attending local shows and networking
Introducing yourself to door staff, bar staff, sound engineers, merch sellers, and production crew
Following up with people you meet
Volunteering or working at any type of event (not just concerts—think festivals, 5Ks, wine tastings, etc.)

If you’re introverted (like me), it can be uncomfortable. But the magic happens when you put yourself in the room.

✍️ Step Two: Customize Your Resume

Don’t fire off the same resume to 10 different companies. Every job you apply to deserves its own tailored version. Why?

Because employers notice. When you speak their language and highlight relevant skills, you're no longer just "interested"—you’re qualified.

Look at job descriptions carefully and identify transferable skills. Worked at a restaurant or theme park? You’ve got customer service and high-pressure experience. Use that.

🎓 Step Three: Skill Up & Get Certified

Certifications are powerful—not just because they build your skill set, but because they unlock networks.

Some high-impact examples:

Spotify Certified Ads Manager
Meta/Facebook Blueprint Certifications
Google Ads Certifications
Coil Learning Center’s Stagehand Bootcamp (my course is dropping soon!)
Event Leadership Institute Courses
Event Safety Alliance Training

These not only beef up your resume but can get you tapped for beta programs, early access to new features, and even insider contacts.

🎤 Step Four: Attend Industry Conferences

If you're serious about networking, industry events are gold mines. Some key ones to target:

IEBA (Nashville) – October
NEVA Conference – June
Pollstar Live! – February
Event Marketing Conference (Atlanta) – June
South By Southwest – Bonus, but not the top priority

Student rates and volunteering options often make these accessible.

💼 Step Five: Apply Strategically

Don't overthink job titles. Apply to one role per company. You don’t want to come across as unsure of your goals.

And yes—you should apply even if you don’t meet every bullet point. Hiring managers write ideal “wish lists”—that doesn't mean they won’t consider someone who’s a few skills short but hungry and learning fast.