High School

You should take courses in business, mathematics, and accounting to prepare for the management aspects of an agents job. Take English and speech courses to develop good communication skills because an agent must be gifted at negotiation. Music classes of all types will help you become familiar with musical styles.

Postsecondary Training

There are no formal requirements for becoming an agent, but a bachelors degree is strongly recommended. Advanced degrees in law and business are becoming increasingly prevalent; law and business training are useful because agents are responsible for writing contracts according to legal regulations. However, in some cases an agent may obtain this training on the job. Agents come from a variety of backgrounds; some have worked as musicians and then shifted into agent careers because they enjoyed working in the industry. Agents who have law or business degrees have an advantage when it comes to advancing their careers or opening a new agency.

Certification

Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate certificate programs in music business management, general business management, music business law, and other related fields. For example, Berklee College of Music offers certificate programs in music marketing, music business law and policy, and music supervision. Certificate programs typically last six months to a year and are available in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Contact schools in your area for information about available programs.

Other Education or Training

North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents provides continuing education opportunities at its annual conference. Contact the organization for more information. Colleges and universities also offer useful classes. For example, Berklee College of Music offers courses such as Music Business 101, Artist Management, and International Music Marketing.

Certification or Licensing

Many states require music agents to be licensed. Contact officials in the state in which you are interested in working for specific requirements.

Aspiring music agents and scouts should try to gain as much experience as possible working as interns or volunteers at a talent agency. This experience will provide them with an advantage when it comes to landing a job.

Music agents need to be willing to work hard and aggressively pursue opportunities for clients. You should be organized, detail-oriented, and have a good head for business; contract work requires meticulous attention to detail and strong negotiation skills. You need a great deal of self-motivation and ambition to develop good contacts. You should be comfortable talking with all kinds of people and be able to develop relationships easily. It helps to be a good general conversationalist in addition to being knowledgeable about music.