Music Venue Owners and Managers

Most music venue owners require that higher-level managers have a minimum of five years of experience in the music or management industry. This may include experience in other manager positions or in related music careers. Many managers end up in their management positions after first working as one of the venue's staff members, such as one of the club's regular musicians or sound managers. Additionally, participating in an internship or co-op at a music venue during college will provide useful experience.

In addition to experience, both owners and managers need to be strong communicators to work well with staff and relate well to the club's patrons. They need to be able to clearly and concisely state their ideas, information about facility operations, and goals about running the venue and always help to promote business.

Venue owners, in particular, need to possess excellent strategic, budgetary, and operational planning skills to keep the club in business and to ensure profits. The owner's decisions affect all operations within the music venue, so the owner needs to be capable of making the right choices and have the ability to juggle many different tasks.

One often overlooked quality that both owners and managers should have is an appreciation for all kinds of music. They should also have the ability to listen to the public and be mindful of current music trends. By paying attention to the venue's demographics and constantly looking for new and emerging bands that fit their usual "crowd," owners and managers can expect to book talent that will sell out shows.