23 Examples of the Music Industry

John Spacey, July 05, 2019

The music industry is a collection of business models and professions related to the creation, distribution and performance of music. The following are common examples of the music industry.

Artists

Individuals and bands that create music.

Songwriters

The writing of lyrics and composition of music.

Producer

Managing the production of a song or album. This may include artistic input such as proposed approaches or changes.

Recording Studio

Specialized facilities for music production and sound recording.

Sound Engineer

Technicians who handle the technical aspects of a recording or performance.

Performers

Musical performers such as singers, musicians, DJs, conductors, bandleaders and other performers such as dancers.

Record Label

Companies that manage the production, manufacture, rights enforcement, distribution, marketing and performance of music and related products and media. Currently, a small number of large firms dominate this business model on a global basis.

Entertainment Lawyers

Lawyers and law firms that specialize in contracts, copyright, trademarks, publication, distribution and personality rights.

Music Lobbyists

A great number of organizations exist in every major nation to lobby for laws and regulations related to music copyright.

Rights Enforcement

Firms that enforce copyright and/or collect royalties using technology and legal mechanisms. For example, a firm that scans videos shared in social media for music in the background to identify a copyright and take action against the poster.

Events

The planning and delivery of music events such as concerts, festivals and nights at clubs.

Tickets

The distribution of tickets for music events. Historically, there is a lack of competition in this business in many regions that resembles a monopoly.

Tours

The planning and execution of tours by an artist or performance group. This includes roles such as tour manager, production manager, stage manager, lighting director, various technical specialists and roadies.

Music Venues

Music venues such as concert halls, night clubs and stadiums.

Promoters

The marketing promotion of music artists and events.

Merchandise

Music related merchandise such as a t-shirt sold at a concert.

Retail

Businesses that sell music and related products such as a record shop or ecommerce retailer of digital music.

Education

Music related education such as a conservatory, music school or freelance piano teacher.

Instruments & Technology

The design, manufacture and marketing of musical instruments and technology.

Publishing

Music related publishing such as a blogger who follows the music industry or a publisher of sheet music.

Media

Media organizations such as radio stations or streaming music services.

Performance Art

Music for performance art such as a theatrical production.

Entertainment

Music for the entertainment industry such as a score for a film or video game.

Overview: Music Industry
Type	Media Industry
Definition	A collection of business models and professions related to the creation, distribution and performance of music.
Related Concepts	Media Industry » Business Models » Competition » Monopoly » Promotion » Media »