Why Study Music Business?
Get ready to be a future leader in the music industry and study Music Business with us here at BIMM Institute.
This flexible and multi-faceted course gives students the knowledge, skills and mindset for a thriving career in the music business.
Through an expansive offering of core and optional modules, you will be able to follow your own passions and explore the diverse range of careers available in the music business today.
Outside of the classroom you will have plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge into practice through collaborative projects with fellow students and exclusive industry internships.
Whether you want to work in a label, run festivals or even build something of your own, you will leave BIMM Institute ready to lead the ever-changing music industry into a bright and bold future.
Key facts
Available at BIMM Institute Berlin
World-class lecturers
Unrivalled industry internships and real-world opportunities
A well-balanced blend of theory, analysis, practical and technical skills
Masterclasses with industry experts
Taught in English to get you ready for the international industry
What to expect
With our BA (Hons) Music Business course, you’ll explore the music industry in depth and understand the opportunities and challenges it faces today.
You’ll be learning in line with what the industry is looking for right now with contemporary case studies and engaging, hands-on projects. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills, behaviours and values the industry demands – whether you want to join an exciting company or build something of your own.
Course and module overview
Year 1
Our first-year modules lay the foundations of a sustainable career in the music business giving a comprehensive overview of the key themes and trends in the industry.
Year 1 modules:
- The Music Business
- The Creative Industries & You 1: Finding Your Path
- Artist Management
- The Live Music Industry
- Marketing & PR
- Realising Music
- Music Publishing
Year 2 and 3
From the second year onwards, we put students in control. Alongside critical core modules, you will be able to choose from a wide range of optional modules to forge your own path into the industry.
When it comes to choosing your modules, you will be supported by BIMM staff and lecturers to ensure your choices complement your career aspirations.
Year 2 and 3 optional modules include:
- Record Label Management
- Touring and Live Events
- Consultancy and Market Research
- Studio and Sound Recording
- Digital Arts & Branding
- Business Ethics and Music Law
- The Business and Culture of Electronic Music
- Practical Learning and Teaching in the Creative Arts
- Diversity in the Creative Industries
- Festival Management
Discover the full range of Music Business modules on our course page
Graduate pathways
Once you have graduated, you are opened up to a world of potential career opportunities such as:
- DIY Release Manager
- Live Production Manager
- Publisher and Sync Manager
- Label Executive
- A&R
- Entrepreneur
- Artist Manager / Tour Manager
- Booking Agent / Promoter / Events Manager
- Education
Exclusive networking opportunities
Networking is a crucial aspect of building a sustainable career and lies at the heart of the BIMM community. Through industry events and collaborative projects with students, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to connect with likeminded, passionate people.
You will also have the opportunity to expand your professional circle across the BIMM Group through BIMM Connect, our own exclusive social media platform. Network and collaborate with fellow students, alumni, bands, songwriters, press agents, managers and event promoters to get the most out of your time here.
We’re immensely proud that so many BIMM students have become successful music business professionals – and turned their passion into their career. Head to our BIMM Institute Alumni page to find out more.
Music Business Degree graduate Jamie Skinner worked full-time for PR firm LD Communications after securing an internship with them through BIMM's Work Experience scheme. He's since moved on to become a freelance Music Industry consultant.
Nikki undertook internship roles with DMS Publishing, Modest! management and Warner Music Group before finding her feet in A&R & Streaming and Digital Music.
Since completing a BA Hons in Music Business at BIMM London, post-graduate Ryan Brock has secured himself a role as a full-time Radio Plugger, working with Brace Yourself PR.
At BIMM Institute, you’ll only learn from the best. Our BIMM Institute lecturers know what it’s like to work within the industry – and most have impressive business achievements on their resume.
They can provide you with insider knowledge as to how the industry works that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s their goal to work with you and make your dream career happen.
Jörg Tresp has been running his label DevilDuck Records for 14 years and is passionate about artist development. He is currently opening offices in Canada, Australia and the USA to expand his artist's global reach. He previously worked for Warner Music Germany for 7 years as their Head of Rock/Alternative. He also worked in label management for Sub Pop and other indie labels from USA and Canada and has extensive experience in artist management. An experienced teacher, Jörg has been teaching music business for over 12 years.
Since joining The Wedding Present as their drummer in 2009, Charlie has racked up hundreds of live shows, TV, and radio appearances all over the world, as well as appearing on the bands recorded output. Having worked in various roles for The Big Chill Festival over a period of eight years – from administration, to marketing, to programming a 3,000 capacity stage – he has a wealth of experience in running events.
Caoimhe studied Music at Queen’s University Belfast, and Arts Administration at the University of Paris 8, performing and working in festival and events planning in both cities, before moving to Berlin in 2010 for a job in international project management at the record label, City Slang.
Find out more about the lecturers at your preferred BIMM Institute location:
BIMM Institute’s regular masterclasses give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with industry experts.
Our masterclass guests show just how diverse careers in the music business can be by providing insight into their career and day-to-day work.
Guests we have welcomed to our colleges in Hamburg and Berlin include:
- Elke Kuhle, Director, C/O Pop Festival (Cologne)
- Stephan Thanscheid – Head of Festival Booking, FKP Scorpio (Hamburg)
- Marc Johlen – A&R Director, BMG
- Katja Ruge – Visual branding expert and professional photographer
What better way to learn the tools of the trade than by getting real life experience under your belt? Our Careers, Guests and Events teams are here to help you do just that. With an unrivalled list of contacts and insider connects, they’ll connect you with real-world experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
We have close connections to music companies, labels, booking agencies, radio stations and everything that is connected to the music industry in Berlin and Hamburg. Here are some examples of past opportunities:
- Warner Music: Junior Radio Coordinator
- ROBA Music: A&R / Synch Internship
- Universal Music Group: PR (working student)
- Soundcloud: Recruitment coordinator (working student)
- Audiolith: Junior Label Manager
- Edel Music: License Management (working student)
- ByteFM: Editorial Internship
- HFN Music: Junior PR & Social Media Manager
- ATC Management: Internship – read one of our student’s experiences here.
Check out our resources below to discover more about studying Music Business and life at BIMM Institute in general. We have inspiring student stories as well as advice from Music Business graduates.
With over 2,000 music companies and 12,000 music industry employees, the German city of Hamburg is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the music business.
BIMM Music Business graduate Harry Jackson explains how he founded Whipped Cream Sounds and shares his tips on how to start your very own business based on music.
We caught up with 2nd year Music Business student Clara Charlier about her busy summer working behind the scenes at Victorious Festival and Brighton Pride.
Any questions?
For any questions regarding our Music Business courses or if you’d like more information on how to apply to BIMM Institute, please contact our Admissions Team at +49 30 311 99 186 (BIMM Institute Berlin) and our Hamburg Admissions Team at +49 40 874 09 632 (BIMM Institute Hamburg) or send an email to admissions@bimm-institute.de.
