The field of arts management – a.k.a. arts administration, music management, and more – offers an array of opportunities for students who have a passion for music and are also interested in behind-the-scenes operations.
By Caitlin Peterkin
What is Arts Management?
Arts management blends the artistic and business elements of a career in the arts. Depending on where your interests lie, arts management offers many paths.
While arts management is largely associated with the non-profit sector, there are numerous opportunities with for-profit companies. Students from arts management programs also go on to work with operas, symphonies, dance companies, record labels, digital streaming companies, and more. Some become self-employed and open their own studios or create chamber ensembles.
Arts management is a great option for musicians who would like to have a stronger business background. “Being an artist in the 21st century takes more than just doing your art,” says Jennifer Clary, director of marketing for Colorado State University’s Center for the Arts. Along with the traditional music courses, arts management students learn to better market themselves, understand accounting and finances, and discover ways to overall enhance their careers as artists.
Constance DeVereaux, an associate professor at Colorado State, has been involved in arts management for many years and has done extensive research in the field. “It’s not enough just to be a brilliant violin player,” she says, “if you have no clue how to promote yourself.” She goes on to say that arts management programs not only train those who want to manage themselves or promote their own artistic careers, but also provide people skills necessary for working in the non-profit or public sphere.