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Breaking In™: How To Become A Music Industry Professional
Learn how the industry works, build skills that matter, and start your journey to a career in the music business with confidence.
4.9/5 from 180+ verified reviews
Trusted by over 2,500 music professionals worldwide
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You know music is your future - this course shows you how to make it your career.
Forget vague advice and endless scrolling. Breaking In™ takes you deep inside today’s music industry - giving you a clear understanding of how it works, where you fit, and how to launch your path with confidence.
Discover how real teams scout talent, build brands, place songs, and run campaigns - and learn the skills top professionals use to make it happen.
With expert mentorship and a personalised career plan, this is more than a course.
It’s your backstage pass into one of the most dynamic and exciting industries on the planet.
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What You'll Walk Away With
A real-world understanding of how the modern music industry works
Clarity on where the real opportunities are - and how to reach them
Clear direction on where you fit with role-by-role insight to help you choose you path
Career-ready tools and practical knowledge including contracts, royalties, release strategies and more
A personalised career plan built around your strengths, goals, and next steps
A standout CV, tailored cover letter, and personal story crafted to stand out and land real opportunities
Proven networking strategies to help you build meaningful relationships across the industry
The guidance and skills to launch your own career - freelance, founder, or both
The language and confidence to contribute meaningfully in interviews, internships, or working for yourself
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It...
Harry Stanhope
Now working at Kobalt
“I’m so grateful to Xpandr for providing me with so much support in my development. They gave me the most up to date information to make sure I was set up for a role in the industry.”
Course Details
Suitable For:
• Jobseekers • Graduates • Students • Career Changers • Industry Entrants
Here's Exactly What You'll Learn
Module 1 - How the Industry Works (Really)
Unpacking the structure, rights, and money behind the music business
Before you can build a career in music, you need to know how it works. This module demystifies the structure, flow of money, and key players in the global music business - and shows where you might fit.
What we’ll cover:
● The Global Music Industry Ecosystem
Understand the recorded, publishing, live, sync, and tech sectors.
● The Roles That Make It Happen
A&R, marketing, label operations, sync, publishing, management, live production, and
more.
● Revenue Streams and Business Models
Follow the money from streaming, publishing, performance, sync and brand deals.
● Major vs Independent Business Models
Compare the operations, values and pathways within majors, indies, and new model
companies.
● Copyright and Licensing Basics
Learn how rights power the business - and how they’re tracked and monetised.
● Key Global Organisations
Understand how PRS, PPL, CMOs and PROs work - and how you’ll interact with them as a
professional.
By the end of this module, you’ll be fluent in how the music industry is structured, and ready to explore roles aligned with your interests.
Module 2: The Artist Development Team
From A&R and managers to marketers and agents - discover the roles that drive an artist’s success
No artist succeeds alone. This module explains how artist careers are developed - and the behind-the-scenes professionals who make it happen.
What we’ll cover:
● The Artist Development Pipeline
Understand how artists progress from discovery to release to live growth.
● The Role of A&R
Explore how talent is scouted, signed, and developed.
● The Artist Manager’s Role
Learn how managers drive strategy, negotiate deals, and coordinate teams.
● The Label Ecosystem
Roles in marketing, product management, digital strategy, and international.
● The Live Team
Booking agents, tour managers, promoters, production crew - how it all comes together.
● Understanding Collaboration and Co-Rights
Learn how songs are split, credited, and monetised.
By the end of this module, you’ll understand the mechanics of artist growth - and the people who make it happen.
Module 3: Music Marketing and Audience Building
Build the skills to promote music, engage fans, and shape powerful campaigns
Marketing is one of the most dynamic areas of the industry. This module explores how music
is promoted, audiences are engaged, and brands are built.
What we’ll cover:
● The Role of the Marketing Team
Understand how music campaigns are built and run.
● Digital and Social Strategy
Explore how content, paid ads, and platforms drive discovery.
● Fan Engagement and Community Building
Learn how audience loyalty is created and maintained.
● Content Strategy and Creative Direction
Discover how visual identity, video, and story create brand worlds.
● Press, Media and Brand Partnerships
Understand how campaigns integrate PR, sync, and third-party support.
● The Role of Data
Learn how to interpret fan data to guide campaigns.
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to contribute to real-world music marketing campaigns with clarity and creativity.
Module 4: Publishing, Sync and The Monetisation of Songs
Learn the skills to manage rights, collect royalties, and get music placed in TV, film, ads, and games
Publishing is at the core of many music careers. This module explores the business of songs, how music gets licensed, and what professionals do to maximise rights.
What we’ll cover:
● What Music Publishing Actually Is
Learn the core functions: admin, creative, sync, and international.
● Roles in Publishing Companies
Explore A&R, licensing, royalties, and rights management.
● Royalty Types and Flows
Understand performance, mechanical, sync and micro-licensing.
● Working with Writers and Producers
Build a songwriter-first approach to publishing careers.
● Sync Licensing and Music Supervision
Learn how music is selected and placed in media.
● Industry Tools and Systems
Explore publishing systems like Songtrust, ICE, and CWR.
By the end of this module, you’ll have a solid grasp of publishing, licensing, and how music earns behind the scenes.
Module 5: Designing Your Music Career
Discover your strengths, explore your options, and create a plan for long-term success in a fast-changing industry
Not all roles are obvious, and not all paths lead to employment. This module helps you identify your strengths, explore both career and business opportunities, and future-proof your journey in music. Whether you’re aiming for a job, freelance career, or your own venture, this is where your plan starts.
What we’ll cover:
• Finding Your Fit
Match your skills and passions to key sectors, roles, or entrepreneurial paths.
• Building a Career Plan
Learn how to grow your skills and position yourself for long-term success.
• Upskilling and CPD
Understand what training, qualifications or mentorships can accelerate your progress.
• Networking With Purpose
Learn how to build meaningful relationships - not just followers.
• Trends and the Future of Work in Music
Explore how AI, fan platforms, and globalisation are shaping both jobs and independent careers.
By the end of this module, you’ll be ready to plan for a sustainable, fulfilling music career, whether that means landing your dream job or launching your own venture.
Module 6: Your Music Industry Entry Strategy
Learn how to position yourself, pitch your value, and create opportunities
This module is about turning ambition into action. Whether you’re aiming to get hired, freelance, or launch your own venture, you’ll learn how to position yourself professionally, make the right connections, and pitch your value with clarity and confidence.
What we’ll cover:
• Building Your Music Industry CV or Founder Bio
Craft compelling professional materials tailored to roles or your own venture.
• Job Boards, Platforms and Pitching Spaces
Know where to find opportunities - whether jobs, freelance gigs, or clients.
• Interview Prep and Self-Presentation
Sharpen your communication - for interviews, client calls, or industry meetings.
• LinkedIn and Online Positioning
Build a personal brand that supports your goals - as a professional or entrepreneur.
• Internships, Work Experience and Entry Points
Explore ways to gain experience, build credibility, and accelerate your start.
• Freelancing and Starting Your Own Business
Discover how to launch, grow, and promote yourself in today’s decentralised music economy.
By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear plan to enter the music industry - whether that means landing a role, attracting clients, or launching your own business.
Your One-to-One Mentorship Session
Get expert guidance, unlock your strengths, and walk away with a personalised plan to
break into the music industry
This isn’t a casual chat; it’s a focused, high-impact strategy session designed to help you break into the industry with purpose and confidence. Whether you’re aiming to land your first role, go freelance, or launch your own venture, you’ll gain insider insights, practical advice, and a tailored plan to help you move forward. Expect lightbulb moments, honest answers, and
a sharper sense of where you’re heading, and how to get there.
What you’ll get:
• Focused Feedback on Your CV, Bio or Business Idea
Depending on your goals, we’ll help shape a stronger CV, sharpen your freelance pitch, or start defining your business concept.
• Clarity on Your Ideal Path
Identify roles, clients, or creative directions that align with your strengths, interests, and ambitions.
• A Practical Short-Term Action Plan
Leave with clear, immediate next steps - from applications and outreach to early-stage planning for your own venture.
• Guidance on Positioning and Presence
Get honest advice on how to strengthen your professional presence - online, on paper, and in conversation.
Meet Your Tutor:
Matt Errington
Hi, I’m Matt, one of the founding team here at Xpandr.
I’ve spent over 20 years consulting for major artists, leading international campaigns and tours, writing for global music publications, and advising governments on music education and industry strategy.
This course gives you what no university does: practical, real-world training that helps you take the next step in your career, whether that’s landing a job, growing your project, or launching something new.
"Matt has been able to give his bands a major boost even on an independent budget. It's impressive to see him at work."
Backed by our 100% Confidence Guarantee
Try the first session. If it’s not right for you, let us know within 7 days and we’ll issue a full refund. No small print. No pressure.
Real Students. Real Outcomes.
Paula Calle Aguirre
Now working at Gracenote, the world leader in music and entertainment data
"The course was exactly what I needed to gain clarity on where I want to go in the industry. It breaks down all the key roles and branches of the music business in a way that's super accessible and easy to get.
Matt’s experience and expertise are next level, making him a mentor you can really trust. He keeps things dynamic and organised, bringing real-world scenarios and media to support the theory. If you’re looking to invest in your future in the Music Industry, this is the right choice!"
Helen Häußler
President of Amplify Music, Co-Founder of Music Business 360°
"Matt not only provides an extensive overview over the music industry but also gives you profound advice and provides help for all of your music questions and career steps.
I loved the great atmosphere during the course and felt very welcomed and encouraged to learn more about music. I would highly recommend this course to everyone starting out in music!"
Luigi Fiore
Landed his first industry role at Sony, now International Music Publishing Manager at Meta.
"The course gave me the insights, the practical examples and the current challenges that the the music industry is facing right now, and skills you can't find in a book.
Matt was incredibly helpful on building my CV with me, highlighting my experiences and studies in a professional way, something that shows the care he has for his students. I wouldn't think twice before signing up!"
Highlights of What You'll Access
Weekly Video Lessons
12 hours of expert-led live sessions with next day, on demand option.
Career Toolkit
Pro pitch email templates, CV builders, role maps, and more.
One-to-One Mentorship
Personal support built around your goals and ambitions.
Ongoing Support
Ongoing support during and after your course.
Built to work your way:
Live, on-demand, or a mix of both
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Each group is capped at 20 creators, keeping sessions focused, interactive, and high quality. Seats go quickly - once a cohort is full, enrolment closes.
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Stay Connected
Live: Take part in lessons, weekly Q&As, and mentorship sessions in real time.
On-Demand: Watch recordings (within 24 hours) and work in your own time with weekly Q&As and support from expert mentors.
Whichever way you learn, you’ll always be part of your cohort community - to share feedback, swap ideas, collaborate, and grow together.
Learn Live or On-Demand
Join Your Cohort
Your Next Chance to Join
LIMITED SPOTS
SEATS FILLING
Breaking In: How To Become A Music Industry Professional
Evening Option:
7th Jan to 11th Feb 2026
Wednesdays | 18:30 to 20:30pm (UTC+1)
Afternoon Option:
3rd Feb to 10th Mar 2026
Tuesdays | 14:30 to 16:30pm (UTC+1)
Each cohort is capped at 20 participants to keep the experience focused and interactive.
We recommend enrolling early to secure your place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk to someone before I join?
Of course! Just email us, drop us a message, schedule a video call or call +44 (0)207 078 4022. We’re more than happy to help with anything you need.
What’s your refund policy?
We offer a 7-day no-questions-asked refund from the date of your first session - so you can try it out risk-free.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes! Upon completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement you can include on your CV, LinkedIn, or website.
Are the sessions live or pre-recorded?
They’re fully live and interactive - so you can ask questions, join discussions, and connect with mentors and peers. But if you can't attend, don't worry! We have a full, next day on demand option too.
How do I join the live sessions?
All sessions take place in our Virtual Classroom. We’ll send you a unique access link before your session begins.
What if I miss a session or I’m in a different time zone?
You’ll get access to every session replay via our encore system, so you can watch it anytime. Plus, we offer flexible session times to suit different schedules and time zones.
Do I need any prior experience?
No experience needed. You don’t need to be in a band, have a music degree, or know someone in the industry. You just need a genuine interest in working in music—and a willingness to learn and take action.
I’m not a music creator. Is this still for me?
Absolutely. This course is for future managers, marketers, A&Rs, publishers, strategists, entrepreneurs, and everything in between. You’ll learn about dozens of real career paths, with guidance on choosing the one that fits you.
I know I want to work in music, but I don’t know where to start. Is this for me?
Yes. This course was built for people like you - those who love music and want to turn that passion into a career, but don’t yet know how the industry works or what role fits them. We’ll help you explore the full landscape, understand the real paths in, and start taking action.
What exactly will I come out with at the end?
You’ll walk away with: A clear, current understanding of how the music industry works today; Clarity on your ideal role(s), based on your strengths and goals; A personalised career plan built around where you want to go; Real-world skills in areas like contracts, royalties, release strategy, and marketing; A standout CV, cover letter, and personal story (if you want to get hired); Support to freelance or start your own thing (if that’s your path); Proven strategies to build your network and land real opportunities; Confidence and fluency in how to talk and think like a music professional.
Will I get support if I want to freelance or start a business?
Yes. Whether you want to be a freelance marketer, launch a management company, or build your own creative business - we’ll support you to do that, step by step.
Will I get personal feedback or is this all group-based?
You’ll get both. Each week includes live group teaching, and you’ll also have access to personalised support and 1-to-1 mentoring. After the course, you’ll have the option of a 1-to-1 career planning session with your mentor for no extra cost.
What if I’m not confident networking or applying for jobs?
We’ll help with that too. You’ll get templates, strategies, and personal support for writing outreach messages, applying for roles, and starting real conversations in the industry.