Artist and Repertoire Workers

High School

Most A&R workers have a college degree, so in high school you should pursue a college preparatory track. Classes in business, mathematics, speech, and English will be helpful. The most important thing you can do is to become involved in music, be it playing in a school band or with a group of friends, going to shows, or simply listening to a wide variety of music in your spare time.

Postsecondary Training

Executives in the music industry come from a variety of backgrounds. You'll likely need a college degree, but experience with a record company will be the most valuable training. An internship is highly recommended, and is useful for making the right connections. Some A&R workers have degrees in communications, business, marketing, and music.