Music Supervisor - Qualifications/background

Qualifications/background

There is no set educational or career path to become a music supervisor. Educational backgrounds range from Bachelors of Fine Arts in music or business to no higher education at all (Baskerville). Because the majority of the position involves music negotiations, clearances, publishing/performing deals, etc., a legal background is an excellent qualification. Some supervisors are musicians, producers, agents, or managers - experience with the music or film/television industries are strong backgrounds to build on. Despite common misconceptions, musical knowledge (writing, reading, performing, composing) is not nearly as important as a familiarity with a broad range of music, including popular styles and artists, as well as the production/negotiating process itself (Baskerville). Author of Music Business Handbook and Career Guide, David Baskerville, notes, “This is one of the few production specialties that has almost unlimited growth potential, because there are no technical qualifications at all and no universally accepted job description. The field remains wide open to people with connections and the ability to get the job done.”

The proliferation of video technology has resulted in an increased demand for production companies needing to license music, and the field now accommodates many career professionals. Because of the massive expansion in the field, many colleges and universities offer courses in music supervision.