How to Become a Music Licensing Coordinator: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re passionate about music and have a knack for business, becoming a music licensing coordinator could be the perfect career for you. Music licensing coordinators are responsible for ensuring that music is legally licensed for use in various media, including movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games. They work with music publishers, record labels, and other industry professionals to secure the rights to use music in these mediums.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what it takes to become a music licensing coordinator, including the education and skills you’ll need, job prospects, and earning potential.
Education and Skills
While there’s no specific educational requirement for becoming a music licensing coordinator, having a degree in music business, business administration, or a related field can be helpful. Many colleges and universities offer music business programs, like New York University (NYU) offers a music business and technology program.
In addition to formal education, music licensing coordinators need a variety of skills to succeed in their roles. These include:
- Strong communication skills: Music licensing coordinators need to communicate effectively with music publishers, record labels, and other industry professionals to secure the rights to use music.
- Attention to detail: Licensing agreements can be complex, so it’s important to pay close attention to the details to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the terms.
- Business acumen: Music licensing coordinators need to understand the business side of the music industry, including copyright law, contract negotiation, and licensing fees.
- Creative thinking: Sometimes, music licensing coordinators need to think outside the box to find the perfect song to fit a particular scene or project.
Job Prospects and Earning Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for music directors and composers was $52,570 as of May 2020. However, salaries for music licensing coordinators can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. Those working in the film and television industry, for example, may earn more than those working in advertising or video games.
As for job prospects, the BLS projects that employment of music directors and composers will grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. However, competition for jobs in the music industry is often fierce, so it’s important to have a strong network and solid experience.
Career or Education
If you’re interested in a career as a music licensing coordinator, there are several paths you can take. Some people start out as interns or assistants at music labels or publishing companies, while others gain experience working in related roles such as music supervisor or music editor. It’s also possible to start your own music licensing business, although this can be challenging without a network of industry contacts.
If you’re interested in formal education, several colleges and universities offer music business programs, like NYU and its Tisch School of the Arts offers a music business and technology program. In addition, Yellowbrick offers an online course and certificate program in music industry essentials that covers topics such as music publishing, copyright law, and licensing agreements.
Key Takeaways
- Music licensing coordinators are responsible for securing the rights to use music in various media, including movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games.
- While there’s no specific educational requirement for becoming a music licensing coordinator, having a degree in music business, business administration, or a related field can be helpful.
- Music licensing coordinators need strong communication skills, attention to detail, business acumen, and creative thinking skills to succeed in their roles.
- Salaries for music licensing coordinators can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.
- Job prospects for music directors and composers are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2020 to 2030.
- Consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and the skills needed to succeed as a music licensing coordinator.
