Music Business for Artists

BUILD A PORTFOLIO, MARKET & SELL YOUR MUSIC

You’ve got ambition and talent. Now you just need to get your project – or brand – off the ground. Developed by celebrated Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill, our course blends tools, skills and insider knowledge to help you break into the music industry, taking you step-by-step through the journey of a developing artist.

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Flexible Payment Options

Online course Music Business for Artists

Learn how to create a website and market yourself on social media; record, produce and collaborate with others; and build an impressive portfolio – including an electronic press kit (EPK) for that perfect pitch. You’ll also learn about booking gigs, distributing music and earning royalties, picking up networking skills and building a fanbase along the way.

With content informed by Megan’s personal experience as a solo artist in the music industry, the modules feature practical examples, assignments and quizzes. Completing each one will help you get the most out of your studies, and you’ll also develop an enviable portfolio of materials for use when launching your artist brand.

Through 8 online over 62 lessons, immersive modules, you’ll learn through practical examples, quizzes and monthly masterclasses, and can add optional upgrades, too – like 121 mentoring or music lessons. If you’re interested in the industry or pursuing a career as an artist, songwriter or producer, this one’s for you.

Course T&Cs

Buy now

Only

learn How the music business works

62 Unique lessons across 8 packed modules
Created by practicing industry experts
Learn at you own pace in your own time
HD video industry insider hints & tips
Immersive interactive learning
Certificate on completion
Downloadable lesson guides
Lifetime access
Mobile friendly platform
Access to a live session masterclass

Modules in this course

This online Music Business for Artists course is packed full of HD video
lessons, suggested tasks and industry insider hints.

Music Business for Artists

How To Develop Your Artist Project as a Business

In your first module, you’ll start with the most important elements of developing your artist project: identifying the gap or needs of a market, and finding your own USP. You’ll also look at creating your vision and identity to carve your place in a competitive market.

Creating Your Online Presence

Building a loyal fanbase and making money are key to building your online presence. You’ll learn how to establish a business presence online through a website, graphics and content, and get valuable advice on how and where to advertise.

Recording Music

Creating your own music is no easy feat — you’ll need to find a producer, artists, songwriters and a place to record. It’s all covered in this detailed third module, as well as general guidance on choosing songs and music producers.

Digital Distribution & Releasing Music

Enter the world of distribution on this fourth music business module, which looks at what to do in the run-up to your release date and how to navigate the business post-release. You’ll also get an insight into how to set up your music on streaming platforms.

How To Book Gigs

Now that your music’s ready, what’s your next step? This module covers the most popular streaming platforms, outlines how to book gigs and find agents, and rounds off some of the points raised in the previous distribution module.

Networking, Networking, Networking!

Networking is crucial for any business; this module helps you get it right in music. You’ll go through the dos and don’ts, navigate the tricky world of collaboration, and get to grips with making successful connections in this diverse and rich industry.

Royalties

How do royalties work? How do you collect them? What types of music royalty are there? And how do streaming platforms turn streams into money? You’ll find out answers to common questions like these in this in-depth module.

So, What Now?

The final module of this music business course centres around managing your project or artist for the future, from pitching to press packs. There’s even a detailed section on creating an electronic press kit (EPK), including how to create a biography, plus ways to design your own pack.

Music Business for Artists
1
How To Develop Your Artist Project as a Business
In your first module, you’ll start with the most important elements of developing your artist project: identifying the gap or needs of a market, and finding your own USP. You’ll also look at creating your vision and identity to carve your place in a competitive market.
2
Creating Your Online Presence
Building a loyal fanbase and making money are key to building your online presence. You’ll learn how to establish a business presence online through a website, graphics and content, and get valuable advice on how and where to advertise.
3
Recording Music
Creating your own music is no easy feat — you’ll need to find a producer, artists, songwriters and a place to record. It’s all covered in this detailed third module, as well as general guidance on choosing songs and music producers.
4
Digital Distribution & Releasing Music
Enter the world of distribution on this fourth music business module, which looks at what to do in the run-up to your release date and how to navigate the business post-release. You’ll also get an insight into how to set up your music on streaming platforms.
5
How To Book Gigs
Now that your music’s ready, what’s your next step? This module covers the most popular streaming platforms, outlines how to book gigs and find agents, and rounds off some of the points raised in the previous distribution module.
6
Networking, Networking, Networking!
Networking is crucial for any business; this module helps you get it right in music. You’ll go through the dos and don’ts, navigate the tricky world of collaboration, and get to grips with making successful connections in this diverse and rich industry.
7
Royalties
How do royalties work? How do you collect them? What types of music royalty are there? And how do streaming platforms turn streams into money? You’ll find out answers to common questions like these in this in-depth module.
8
So, What Now?
The final module of this music business course centres around managing your project or artist for the future, from pitching to press packs. There’s even a detailed section on creating an electronic press kit (EPK), including how to create a biography, plus ways to design your own pack.

Here what our students say

Valentina P.

Music Business for Artists

“I think this course is great for those just starting or are thinking about working in the music industry. I wouldn’t recommended to someone who has already done a few gigs or went to networking events, as the first few modules would be quite repetitive. However I really enjoyed and found the module on social media and royalties really useful. I love the fact that you can log back in any time if you need a refresh, the course also provides amazing learning resources/channels on Youtube.”

Vivien N.

Music Business for Artists

“So far, so good! A very useful bunch of information on royalties, pre-release steps and ways to monetize your songs! For someone a little older and just starting out, the business side of music has always been a minefield for me, but this course has helped me undertsand some of it so I can start pushing my dream (even if a little late to the game)!”

Evan M.

Music Business for Artists

“Pretty good intro to music business, I needed some clarifying on a few things and there were definitely some useful tips I will be using.”

Thinking about this online music course?

WHAT will I learn on this COURSE?
You’ll complete projects that elevate your career as an independent artist, such as the development of music release plans, social media content and electronic press kits.
Who is this course for?
This course has been specifically designed for independent artists and producers or for those new to the music industry. You’ll learn how to set yourself up as an artist with a successful independent music career in today’s industry.
Who is this course written by?
This course has been created by Megan O’Neill – a successful independent songwriter and artist who has been releasing and performing her original music for over a decade. She’ll share her personal and professional experience as an independent artist with you, providing essential industry insight along the way.
What equipment will I need?
On top of an enthusiastic attitude for learning, you’ll need a mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop computer to help you complete your coursework. Everything else is provided throughout your course.
What can I expect if I sign up for an Elevate course?
Expect something highly engaging! Elevate courses are packed full of interactive learning elements. You’ll have access to video and written lessons, and will use diagrams, case studies and insider hints and tips in your studies. Once you’ve completed an Elevate course, you’ll have lifetime access to all information shared, meaning you can revisit your course materials whenever you like.
How can I pay for a course?
We offer a range of payment methods for your course, including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can even use PayPal credit to spread your payments.
Can I bundle courses together?
Yes. In fact, many of our courses are designed to be taken together as a bundle, allowing you to progress your skill level in a particular area from beginner to intermediate. Explore our Elevate bundle offers to find your perfect course bundle.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my course?
If you have any questions about your course, please send an email to hello@icmp-elevate.com. We aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours – if not sooner! You can also call our admissions team on 020 7328 0222
What do I receive when I finish my course?
Once you’ve completed all your course lessons, you’ll be awarded a certificate found on your dashboard page, which you can download and share.
Do I really get lifetime access?
Yes – you absolutely do! Elevate courses are designed to be revisited, so you can reuse the course material to practice, develop and continue to improve. As long as you have an account with us, you’ll have access to all the courses you’ve purchased.
When can I begin my course?
What kind of device do I need?
To study an Elevate course, you just need to bring an inquisitive mind. You can easily complete your course on any mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

View all FAQs

Meet your tutor Megan

Megan O’Neill

Music Business for Artists was authored by singer-songwriter, Megan O’Neill. Megan’s compositions have featured on ads, movies and TV shows – namely her song ‘Don’t You’ featuring on Season three of ABC’s hit show Nashville. She is also a tutor on a range of Elevate’s other online music courses.

“Knowing your way around the industry is essential if you are serious about sharing your music with the world. There are so many cogs in the machine – this course aims to address as many as possible, so you can be best prepared to sore! I had to learn as I went when I was starting out; here I impart my experience in the hopes that it will help you access the guidance you need to see your art through!”

See what our students say

Good for beginners

It’s a good course for people with no knowledge about the music industry… mostly beginners. If you’re passionate about about the business behind music, or an artist yourself looking to grow your own projects, I advice you to take the course.

James H.

Very good

Very good course in my opinion. A lot valuable information. Thank you!

Anya E.

Thumbs up!

Informative in streamlining the information I need, type of course I needed, so far I’ve learned a few things that I will definitely utilise. Thumbs up! Megan is clearly very passionate and has some great experience!

Uma H.

Flexible payment method

We accept payments via Credit Card, PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay. You can even spread your payments using PayPal Credit.

The Complete Songwriter Expert Track

The Elevate special 4-in-1, (THE BASICS, CREATIVE PROCESS, CONTENT & GENRE & LYRIC WRITING) Complete Songwriter Expert Track reveals all, covering essential technical elements of music theory, as well as guiding you to generate, develop and refine your very own songs. It’s all led by music experts, and developed with today’s industry in mind.

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