Music Business Management Course for Everyone 2026
I get asked often if I run courses open to anyone, anywhere in the world. That’s a great question and the answer is yes! This international online course will be held regularly from now on.
This fall’s course began on September 9, and we will continue until the end of November. For next year, two courses have already been booked at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences — one in January–February and another in May–June.
The next independent course of this kind will start once we have gathered a sufficient number of participants. If you are interested, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to share more details.
Also, don’t forget that I offer 1-on-1 mentoring as well — a long-standing and popular service that allows for even more tailored results. Asking for more information doesn’t commit you to anything. The course and 1-on1’s are affordable for students as well.
What the Course Covers
This fully online course explores essential skills needed in today’s music business. Based on the principles of the book The Art of Music Business Management – For Artists & Managers (2nd Edition, 2024), it combines theory and real-world practice for success in a global, fast-changing environment.
Here’s the projected content for the course;
Managerial and Intermediation Skills in the Music Business
Essential Skills for Success in Today’s Music Business
The Managerial and Intermediation Skills in the Music Business course is a dynamic and comprehensive program that delves into the core requirements of the modern music industry. Based on the principles of The Art of Music Business Management – For Artists and Managers (2nd Edition, 2024), the course bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping participants with the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
A third, AI-focused edition of the book is scheduled for release in 2026. This course already anticipates the future, giving you the skills to apply its principles today.
Why This Course is More Crucial Than Ever
We are in a transformational era where every player in the music industry—whether an artist, producer, promoter, or any other music industry professional—is also the manager of their own career and projects. This course teaches you to think and act strategically, leverage new tools, and successfully lead both your own and your represented artists’ operations.
Key Course Content
- Strategic Planning: Creating a functional and scalable system for your own operations, your artists, and other stakeholders.
- Audiences and Operational Fields: Gaining a deep understanding of the diverse audiences and operational landscapes within the music business.
- Digital Footprint: Strategically building and leveraging an online presence and social media as tools for passive promotion.
- The Artist-Manager Relationship: Building and sustaining effective collaborative models.
- Brand Development: Creating an artist’s brand and aligning it with their goals.
- Agreements and Copyright: Strategically interpreting and tailoring industry agreements and managing copyrights effectively.
- Leveraging Intermediaries: Enabling scaling and content enrichment through strategic partnerships.
- AI and Digital Tools: Harnessing artificial intelligence and modern software to enhance music business operations.
- Operational Narratives: Using scriptwriting and storytelling to frame and clarify current and future operations.
Learning Objectives
After the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify diverse music industry audiences and create targeted strategies for them.
- Optimize an artist’s online presence and social media channels.
- Utilize passive promotion techniques to increase artist visibility.
- Develop and strengthen an artist’s brand identity.
- Analyze and craft effective agreements.
- Integrate modern management models to support an artist’s career.
- Use digital and AI-driven tools in decision-making.
- Shape the operational environment to support future goals.
Course Highlights
- Global Insights: Access to international trends and practices, plus the tools to create unique, globally appealing features.
- Impactful Guest Lectures: Talks from top industry experts, curated for the most relevant points in the curriculum.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with other professionals and peers in the industry.
- Practical Application: The course uses real-world case studies, and participants can work on their own projects as part of the learning process.
Flexible Learning Options
The course can be delivered onsite, online, or in a hybrid format, ensuring maximum flexibility and accessibility. The course starting in September is fully online.
Why Enroll?
This course provides you with:
- ✅ Strategic and practical management skills.
- ✅ A deep understanding of global and digital industry trends.
- ✅ The tools to build sustainable artist careers.
- ✅ The ability to strategically leverage AI in music business management.
- ✅ The skills to position yourself for success in the industry’s future.
Whether you are an aspiring manager, an established professional, or an artist, this course provides a solid foundation for long-term success.
Background and Experience
A foundational version of this course has been successfully implemented at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences since 2019. This expanded, AI-focused curriculum builds on a proven foundation, offering even greater depth for both beginners and experienced participants.
For More Information and Collaboration
Interested in booking this course, scheduling, or other collaboration opportunities? Feel free to get in touch.
mika@mikakarhumaa.fi
© Mika Karhumaa 2025
