Breaking into The Music Industry
- 23021193
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Music Business Student - Maya Mclerie
The music industry can feel like an intimidating world from the outside, but studying it may open the door to understanding how it actually works. We spoke with Maya, a music business student at Glasgow Kelvin, about her experience studying the industry, the projects she is working on, and her hopes for the future.
From songwriting to directing music videos: Maya shares her opinions on learning about the music industry whilst continuing to create music of her own.
Interview with Maya
Studying Music Business
Maya talks about how she first because interested in studying music business and what her experience has been like so far.
What made you decide to study music business?
As a songwriter, I had studied music itself previously, but quickly realised that I preferred working in my own way to make my music (shocker). Because of this, I chose to start studying music business to learn about the industry from a different perspective, which I could then apply to being an artist independently. But it's actually been really interesting to learn about every part of the industry, not just the ones that apply to artists.
What has your experience studying the course been like so far?
It's been good! Like I said, learning about what parts of the industry actually exist, what they do, and how they do it in conjunction with each other is really interesting. Being part of a course is great too because you meet so many people, both students and professionals, who share the same passions and views - and who often become collaborators, too, which is pretty fun.
Learning About the Industry
Maya has gained a deeper understanding of how different parts of the music industry work together through her studies.
What are some of the interesting things you have learned about the music industry during your studies?
That there would be no music industry without Monday morning coffee.
Has studying music business changed how you view the music industry?
Definitely! It feels much more accessible now - yes, you have the majors and their London/New York/LA bases, but there's such a strong local industry too, particularly in and around Glasgow. If you want to do something, you just have to do it, and most of the time, people will want to help you succeed in whatever it is.
Projects & Creative Work
During her studies, Maya has been working on many projects that allow her to apply what she's been learning.
Are there any projects of your own that you are proud of?
I'm working on directing some music videos for my end-of-year project right now, and I don't want to speak too soon, but I think they'll be cool. I did a single release for my end-of-year project last year, which was fun, if a bit chaotic. I've also made some really great PowerPoints.
Areas of Interest
Different parts of the music industry appeal to different people. Maya has found that multiple areas interest her.
What parts of the industry interest you the most?
I think the live sector is amazing - as a regular gig-goer, I find it so cool to watch a gig come together from conception to execution. Also, randomly, I think music supervision is really cool. But that might be my Letterbox user showing.
Challenges in the Industry
Breaking into the music industry can come with many challenges, just like many other creative industries.
What do you think some of the biggest challenges are for people trying to enter the music industry today?
I think, when it comes to paid positions, recruiters go with the safe options - people they already know. There's already such a lack of paid positions available, and a lot of them aren't providing enough to sustain you, so you'll need, like, three of them at once. And what's more difficult than getting one paid position? Getting three! Sorry, that was such a Sims joke. But the good thing is that a lot of the time, you're able to create your own job.
Looking to the future
Maya is currently exploring different roles within the industry, all whilst continuing her own creative work.
What kind of career in the music industry would you like to pursue after finishing your studies?
I'm still very much an active songwriter, and so I want to pursue that, but I'm also enjoying directing music videos at the moment, as I mentioned earlier, and want to continue that. After this year, I'll be studying accounting at university, with the hopes of being able to apply that within a record label down the line. Speaking of three jobs!
What goals do you have for the future?
I'd really like to see Lizzy McAlpine win a Grammy. Yes, that's a personal goal.
Advice for Future Students
Maya finishes the interview by sharing some advice for those who may be thinking about studying music business.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying music business?
If you know you want to work in music, I'd say do it! It gives you the time and connections to learn about the industry as a whole and figure out what it is you want to do within it, and then to actually make that happen. So much of music is making your own job, so having the support of a course whilst you figure out how to do that is really beneficial (in my not-so-professional opinion).
As she continues to develop her own creative work while studying music business, Maya represents the new generation of people entering the music industry. She shows her ambition with her range of knowledge from songwriting to working within a music label. Her journey shows how studying music business can open many doors within the industry.
For anyone considering the course, Maya's advice is straightforward and very simple: Go for it and use that opportunity to network with others, learn the industry, and begin to create your own opportunities.
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