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This page provides a general overview of the music industry, and highlights some of the organisations that promote and support the industry you operate in. Use them with our Support Directory to find funding, networks, market intelligence and distribution channels that will help you develop your music business.
In the UK, the industry employs 101,680 full time jobs and generates around £3.5 billion to the economy. According to Creative Scotland research, there are 10,000 people employed in music in Scotland – over 40% as freelancers or working in approximately 400 relatively small businesses.
Music is a huge sector encompassing many different genres. Routes to market for music professionals include digital distribution, live work, merchandising, and synchronising music with film, animation, games and advertising. Many musicians are directly involved in their own marketing and community-building efforts to reach their audience, often through direct engagement with audience via social media and, increasingly, on crowd-funding platforms.
PRS for Music is the collecting organisation for copyright holders including songwriters, composers and music publishers. It is also a society and part of a global network of societies. Its aim is to demystify the licensing process. The PRS for Music website gives information on writing and publishing licensed works, as well as the use of licensed works by others. PRS for Music also publishes reports and publications on the music industry. Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society (MCPS) sits under the broader PRS for Music brand, licenses mechanical (reproduction) rights and pays mechanical royalties. See its website for more information on royalties and payments.
Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) also assists content creators by licensing recorded music played in public or broadcast and distributing the licence fees to its performer and recording right-holder members. Its services cover businesses, radio broadcasting, television broadcasting and music suppliers.
The Music Publishers Association (MPA) is the trade body for music publishers in the UK. It represents the interests of music publishers and writers to government, the music industry, the media, and the public. MPA also provides training events and wider music industry networking events.
Music Managers Forum (MMF) is a global representative body for artist management. It educates music managers and provides networking opportunities through its membership programme. Members also have access to professional services and resources and an online members’ forum.
There are a number of associations and membership networks for music industry professionals including the Association of Independent Music, Musicians' Union, British Academy Of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA), MPA and Music Producers Guild UK. See our list below for the associations which best match your area of expertise.
UK Music performs research into the music industry that aims to influence Government thinking and the media agenda. Its publications include investigations into the economic value of the sector, music tourism, and live music, which will give you an idea about the impact of the music industry and key areas of work. Creative Scotland's comprehensive Music Sector Review takes in the full spectrum of Scotland’s music and music industry. It includes information on all the key genres, funders, organisations, venues, festivals and education. Support for working with young people and music is available from the Youth Music Initiative.
British Council supports music arts projects from the UK. Its aim is to strengthen the international profile of UK music and creativity, to communicate the diversity of UK society, and to establish long-term partnerships overseas.
You’ll find more links to music industry insights and support from:
