MMF unveil updated edition of the Essentials of Music Management

04 October 2023 - Press release

 

• First published in September 2022, the updated edition includes new insights on areas including AI, Web3 and the art of negotiation 

• Aimed at all levels of manager, the Essentials of Music Management offers a comprehensive guide to building a sustainable management business and features expert contributions from a range of MMF members and Associate partners

• The book is now widely adopted by UK universities and colleges and the first edition has sold over 500 copies to readers in 9 different countries  

• Buy a copy here 

  

The Music Managers Forum is pleased to announce an updated version of our 2022 book the Essentials of Music Management. 

Written by the MMF and aimed at all levels of music manager, the Essentials takes the reader on a step-by-step journey from grassroots to international success - offering clear practical advice on getting a management company started, developing a team, and building partnerships across core sectors such as live, recording, music publishing and brands. It also features tips and insights from some of the world's most successful managers and expert advice from a range of MMF Associate partners. 

Following a consultation process with MMF members, the updated version includes new insights on areas including AI, Web3, manager / client agreements, and the art of negotiation. 

In coming years, the MMF will continue this process of revising and updating the text, ensuring the book remains relevant to our growing membership - which now includes over 1,500 managers around the UK. 

Annabella Coldrick, Chief Executive, MMF: "As the MMF has grown over recent years, it's imperative that we can provide first-class professional development services to our members - whether that's through our range of Associate-led events and training courses, the Accelerator Programme, our annual retreat for advanced managers or our partnerships with Arts Council England and Creative Wales. 

"The Essentials of Music Management encapsulates all of those work streams, providing a unique managers-eye perspective on the industry alongside tips and advice to building a sustainable business. From feedback, we know that the book is already an incredibly useful tool, both for existing MMF members and for university students and others looking to enter the music industry. For that reason, it's vital that we regularly update the text to maintain its relevance and reflect the ever-changing ecosystem in which managers operate."

 

Paul Craig, Chair, MMF "I'm immensely proud of the MMF team for putting together such a helpful and comprehensive guide, and would like to thank everyone who contributed to its making. The Essentials of Music Management covers a lot of ground, but it's an incredibly useful resource for both upcoming and experienced managers. I certainly wish this book existed when I was starting out."

The first edition of Essentials has already sold over 500 copies to readers in 9 different countries, and garnered a series five-star user reviews ("An essential read for those starting their journey as an artist manager, and those already far down the path", "written by industry specialists for managers at any level, every manager should have a copy on their desk", "A brilliant book. Even though I've been a music manager for 16 years, there's always more to learn and this book acts as a very handy go-to for practical tips...") as well as becoming a go-to text for students on music business courses around the UK - including the 9 universities and specialist colleges participating in the MMF's burgeoning Educational & University Associates Programme.

 

Testimonials for the Essentials of Music Management include:  
Sammy Andrews, CEO, Deviate Digital: "Essentials of Music Management is yet another brilliant edition from the MMF for both new and established managers as well as anyone working across the music business broadly. If you want to fully understand the music business landscape from a manager's perspective it dives into key issues and strategies to both be aware of and implement as well as raising interesting and often overlooked subjects that you won't find covered anywhere else. Truly the music management bible you need to navigate the ever evolving world of music management". 

Kerry Harvey-Piper, Red Grape Music Ltd: "I've been a manager for over 15 years, but there's always something new to learn.  I keep this book on my desk and often refer to it - the first-hand tips from other managers are especially useful".

Dr Chris Dromey, Associate Professor in Music at Middlesex University: "The Essentials of Music Management book is a vital and accessibly written resource, which our students use at all stages of their undergraduate learning. It covers an impressive range of subjects and strategies, giving emerging and established music managers alike the knowledge and skills they need."

Dr Guy Morrow, SNR Lecturer in Arts and Cultural Management Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne: "An excellent resource for music artist managers. Even before the pandemic, music artist managers were facing a crisis of sustainability, which has been made all the more challenging in recent times. Music artist managers also have more responsibility than before and so resources such as this are invaluable."