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MUSIC BUSINESS AT WATERBEAR

Develop the tools and knowledge to navigate your own path through the music industry.

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music business experience

the business

of music

The music industry is growing and offers fantastic opportunities for building a career, whether as a musician, artist, or behind the scenes. Portfolio careers are now the norm, and adaptability is key. All WaterBear students, whether studying music or a music business course, will gain a solid understanding of the music industry. We’ll work with you to build your own authentic brand and explore a range of commercial and business models to help you find the path that’s right path for you. For those who want to take a deeper dive, we also offer dedicated undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in music business.

A group of people sitting in chairs in a room.

Industry

Networking

Connecting with the industry is an essential part of your professional growth. You’ll have many opportunities to build your network through our studio and venue partners, festivals, and external industry events such as DITTO X, The Great Escape, and SXSW. We also offer a rich programme of in-person and online masterclasses, Q&As, showcase events, panels, and networking opportunities throughout the year, as well as during our Development Week and Label Week.

Industry

Facilities

You’ll have access to a wide range of industry-standard facilities, including working music venues, social areas, songwriting and meeting rooms, and Mac suites. Our teaching environments are fitted out with state-of-the-art digital A/V technology, with classic vintage gear alongside modern musical equipment, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll also have free, bookable access to recording and rehearsal facilities, so you won’t need to worry about where to practice and record yourself or the bands you’re working with.

live

performance

At WaterBear, we understand that many of our music business students are also passionate musicians. That’s why we provide regular opportunities to perform live in working music venues in Brighton and Sheffield. We also offer support slot opportunities at numerous festivals, gigs, and events across the UK throughout the year. Live performance, along with the support of emerging artists and grassroots venues through our Keeping Music Live campaign, is central to what we do at WaterBear.

artist and career

development

Our Music Industries team, composed of active artists, producers and industry professionals, will support you through both your artistic development, and career planning. The focus is on real-world application and industry-facing outcomes, including work experience, live performance opportunities, live industry projects, masterclasses, showcases, soundchecks, A&R feedback, and industry networking and events.

work

experience

Through our extensive partner network, you’ll have access to work experience opportunities across many areas of the industry. These include festivals, touring, recording, session work, record labels, publishing, PR and marketing, live event management, backline, tech’ing, musical instrument manufacturing, teaching, studio internships, and much more.

waterbear

community

You’ll be part of an incredible community of artists, musicians, and music industry professionals, all focused on creating great music and supporting one another’s creative careers. Every member brings unique ideas, strengths, perspectives and experiences that will enrich your learning and help you grow as an artist and professional.

flexible

virtual learning

Through our online virtual learning environment (VLE) all course content is available 24/7, whether you are studying on-site or fully online. You’ll have access to a wide range resources, and tuition, all tailored to suit your individual needs. Everything online is accessible to all students, allowing you to tailor your own learning journey at your own pace.

Music Business Opportunities

Students on the Music Business course gain access to a wide range of real-world industry experiences designed to build practical skills and insight across multiple areas of the music industry. Opportunities include:

1-1 Industry mentoring

Regular sessions with our expert team, including artist managers, brand designers, and tour managers, to help guide your next steps.

Social Media & Marketing Internships

Learn to manage artist and event campaigns across digital platforms.

Artist Management & Label A&R

Develop insight into talent scouting, artist development, and label operations.

Venue Booking & Management

Get hands-on experience curating line-ups, managing spaces, and learning venue logistics.

Soundcheck & Production Access

Attend major show soundchecks to learn how tours are run, from technical setups to stage flow.

Event & Festival Roles

Step into key backstage roles such as event rep, merchandiser, box office support, and artist liaison to understand how events run from the ground up.

Festival Management Assistant Roles

Shadow and support festival teams across planning and delivery.

Music Publishing & Sync

Gain hands-on insight into sync deals, copyright management, and music licensing for TV, film, advertising, and gaming.

WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM

To reach your full potential, you’ll need to be taught by great tutors. At WaterBear we have some of the best tutors and mentors in the UK today. As working professionals, the tutoring and visiting faculty team may be subject to occasional change and availability may vary. Our visiting faculty also bring a wealth of experience in the form of in-class masterclasses and Q&A sessions throughout the year.