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

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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.


🧠 Step Six: Use This Resource List

Organizations/Training/Resources (more education): 

Backline: https://backline.care/ 
Coil Learning Center: https://www.coillearningcenter.com/  
Event Leadership Institute: https://eventleadershipinstitute.com/ 
Event Safety Alliance: https://www.eventsafetyalliance.org/ 
The Clinic: https://theroadieclinic.com/ 
Tour Management 101: https://tourmgmt.org/ 

Jobs Lists/Sites: 

BobNet: https://www.bobnet.rocks/
Giggs: https://www.giggs.live/ 
NIVA: https://jobs.nivf.org/ 
Rostr: https://jobs.rostr.cc/ 
Pollstar: https://store.pollstar.com/jobs/ 
Production Hub: https://www.productionhub.com/jobs 

Groups
Event Festival/Work Opportunity: https://www.facebook.com/groups/411086559351477/ 
Foot in the Door: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2273671966210532 
Merchandise Tour Crew: https://www.facebook.com/groups/836550413062494/ 
Stagehand Opportunities: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386232523097219/ 
Stagehand Work: https://www.facebook.com/groups/197601953736067/ 
Women in Music: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2492683634289637 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/371112508382140/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtobeastagehand/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/488061808050201/

Production Companies / Stagehand & Crew Companies  

4Wall Entertainment: https://www.4wall.com/   
Atomic Design: https://www.atomicdesign.tv/ 
Brown Note: https://brownnote.com/  
Crew One: https://www.crew1.com/  
Encore: https://www.encoreglobal.com/   
James Thomas Productions: https://www.jamesthomasproductions.com/ 
LMG: https://lmg.net/ 
Mountain: https://www.mountainproductions.com/   
Rhino: https://www.rhinostaging.com/  
Soho Experience: https://www.sohoexp.com/ 
StageWise: https://www.stagewiseproductions.com/  

MORE Production / Touring / Music Festivals
All Access Staging & Productions (Nationwide) - https://allaccessinc.com/
AVL Productions (Jacksonville, FL/North Florida) - https://www.avlproductions.com/
Clearwing Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.clearwing.com/
Clair Global (Nationwide) - https://clairglobal.com/
Crew One Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.crew1.com/
Eight Day Sound (Nationwide) - http://www.8thdaysound.com/
G2 Structures (Nationwide) - http://g2structures.com
Gallagher Staging (Nationwide) - https://www.gallagherstaging.com/
Mountain Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.mountainproductions.com/
Premier Global Production (Nashville, TN, Nationwide) https://www.premierglobalproduction.com/
PRG (Nationwide) - https://www.prg.com/
Rat Sound Systems (Nationwide) - https://www.ratsound.com/
Rebekkah’s Dreams Crew Services (South Florida) 

Sixth Man Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.sixthman.net/
Solo Tech (Nationwide) - https://solotech.com/en/
Sound Image Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.sound-imageproductions.com/
Stageco Productions (Nationwide) - http://www.stageco.com/
Tait Productions (Nationwide) - http://www.taittowers.com/
Triton Productions (Nationwide) - https://tritonproductions.com/
Upstaging, Inc. (Nationwide) - http://www.upstaging.com/
VER Productions (Nationwide) - https://www.ver.com/

Live Events / Staffing / VIP Ticketing
237 Global - https://237global.com/
Andy Frain Services - http://www.andyfrain.com/ 
ASM Global: https://www.asmglobal.com/p/our-story/careers 
Contemporary Services Corporation - https://csc-usa.com/
OMG VIP - https://www.omgvip.com/ 
On Location: https://onlocationexp.com/ambassadors 
Sound Rink: https://www.soundrink.com/ 
Songkick - https://www.songkick.com/
Teamwork Online - http://www.teamworkonline.com/
Tickets Today - http://www.ticketstoday.com/ 

Cruises:

SixthMan Cruises: https://www.sixthman.net/ 

Major Record Labels: 
Sony Music: https://www.sonymusic.com/careers/ 
Universal Music Group: https://www.universalmusic.com/careers/ 
Warner Music: https://www.wmg.com/careers 

Indie Record Labels: 
Coming. 

Artist Management Companies:
Friends at Work | https://friendsatwork.com/ 
Maverick Management | https://www.linkedin.com/company/maverick-management/ 
Red Light Management | https://www.redlightmanagement.com/jobs-internships/ 
Roc Nation | https://livenation.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/RNExternalSite
SB Projects | https://www.linkedin.com/company/sb-projects-aka-scooter-braun-projects/ 
Shelter Music Group | https://www.linkedin.com/company/shelter-music-group/jobs/ 

Agencies:
CAA | https://www.caa.com/careers 
UTA | https://www.unitedtalent.com/careers 
Wasserman | https://teamwass.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/WassermanCareers 
WME | https://wmeimg.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/WME 

7 Ways to Break Into the Music Industry While Still in College

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Breaking into the music industry can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re still in college and balancing classes, jobs, and student life. But here's the truth: college is actually one of the best times to start building your career in music. Why? Because you have a powerful excuse to reach out to professionals, access to peers and resources, and the flexibility to experiment. In this article, I’ll walk you through seven actionable steps you can take right now, yes, while you’re still in school, to launch your journey into the music industry.

1. Intern Every Semester

I can’t stress this enough, intern as early and as often as you can. Don’t wait until junior or senior year. I’ve seen students start interning as sophomores and graduate with five internships under their belt, and often they’re already working full-time in the industry by senior year. Paid internships are becoming more common, but if you can manage it, take the experience even if it’s unpaid. Internships are your foot in the door.

2. Work Live Events (Any Events!)

Most students want to work in touring, artist management, or venues, so what better way to start than by working live events? These don’t have to be concerts right away. Work local 5Ks, food festivals, charity events, anything. Experience is experience. Once you’re working, network. Say hello to the venue reps. Ask bands if they need help selling merch or loading in gear. Get known as the person who shows up and adds value.

3. Learn Marketing, Finance, or Content Creation

The majority of entry-level music jobs today are in one of three areas: marketing, finance, or content. Are you passionate about storytelling and creativity? Dive into digital marketing, learn Meta Ads, Google Ads, TikTok strategy. More analytical? Learn spreadsheets, budgeting, and forecasting. Love visual media? Learn how to film and edit videos with just your phone. These are all highly valuable skills that can set you apart.

4. Start a Podcast

Starting a podcast while in college is a networking cheat code. Reach out to professionals and say, "I'm a student doing a podcast for a class project, and I’d love to interview you." Most people will say yes. Focus on a specific topic per semester, touring, artist management, A&R, etc. and learn directly from the pros. You’ll build knowledge and your network at the same time.

5. Create Your Own Opportunities

I got started by creating my own show, literally. My first production was a local festival called Rock for Hunger, booked with local bands I had met by attending shows. We raised money for charity and filled the student union ballroom. From there, I kept producing more shows and eventually landed my first job as a talent buyer. Don’t wait for someone to give you a chance, make your own.

6. Help Local Artists

You’d be surprised how many local bands need help. Offer to manage their merch table, take photos at their show, or help with social media. As you get to know their needs, you might naturally evolve into a manager or promoter. This is how many great careers begin, by being of service first. And remember, helping artists builds relationships with venues, too.

7. Go to Shows (and Track Your Activity)

This might sound too simple, but just go to as many shows as you can. When I was in college, I went to 26 shows in one month (averaged 10-15 shows per month). Many were free or under $10. At those shows, I met bands, venue staff, and promoters. Keep a spreadsheet of shows you attend, people you meet, and notes about the scene. You’re not just going to shows—you’re studying your future workplace.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start. Use your time in college to test different roles, meet people, and build real-world experience. If you do, by the time you graduate, you’ll already be working in the music industry—or at least well on your way.

If you’re interested in more practical guidance, I host weekly Office Hours on YouTube Live and run workshops through the Making It Academy. Come say hi—we’d love to support your journey.

Written by Chris Goyzueta, artist manager, educator, and founder of Making It Academy. This article is based on insights shared during the first episode of Office Hours with Chris G, a weekly YouTube Live series.