Ireland is home to some of the world’s most celebrated musicians, from traditional and classical to pop and electronic, and there are jobs across the whole spectrum, not just for performers. For instance, some people work with actual instruments and gear (like piano tuners and instrument technicians), others provide professional services across publishing, record labels, and distribution (like accounting, promotion, law and operational management) while many others are needed to put on a live gig or performance. Some musicians have portfolio careers meaning they combine lots of things at the same time.
Examples of jobs in this sector
Records, mixes, and produces music in a studio or live setting.
Possible Pathway Higher/Further Education in sound engineering or music technology, building a portfolio of recorded work.
Designs the lighting and visual production for live concerts and tours, working with artists and venues to shape the visual experience of a show.
Possible Pathway Many start as a lighting technician on tours or at venues, then build up to designing.
Teaches an instrument or music theory, in schools or privately.
Possible Pathway Higher Education in music, or an instrument-specific teaching qualification.
Books artists for gigs and festivals and organises and promotes live concerts and tours. Most people start with an internship or assistant role at a promotions company or venue.
Possible Pathway Often starts as an intern or assistant at a promotions company or venue (e.g. MCD Productions or Aiken Promotions), building up industry contacts.
Manages an artist’s career, bookings, and business affairs.
Possible Pathway A longer route, often starting in artist support, promotion, or with a record label first.
Manages and delivers a county’s music education programme on behalf of Music Generation, Ireland’s national music education network, working with schools, tutors, and local partners.
Possible Pathway A Higher Education qualification in music, arts management, or education, combined with significant experience in music development or education.
Processes royalty payments and licensing for songwriters and composers. For eg., IMRO, based in Dublin, collects and distributes performance royalties on behalf of over 17,000 members.
Possible Pathway A business/administration qualification, applying directly to organisations like IMRO.
Possible Pathways into this sector
- Look at Higher Education options
Think about a course related to one of these areas. Many universities have Schools of Music or Music Departments, or some institutions are dedicated solely to the study of music. For eg: University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance; MTU Cork School of Music or BIMM Dublin. - Look at Further Education options
Many FE colleges offer courses in subjects like sound production, DJ skills, live music performance, or business. - Think about work experience
Music Generation runs local music education partnerships in every county, and many local branches take on volunteers. The National Concert Hall runs a Creative Lab for 14 – 18-year-olds from underrepresented communities. You could try contacting local music venues about work experience programmes. - Transferable Skills / Local Experience
Playing in a school band, choir, or local youth orchestra; busking; running a covers band for local events. Help organise a local music festival or event (why not plan a concert in your school!) Going to as many gigs as possible — free local events, open mic nights, or small ticketed shows — is also a genuinely good way to break into the sector. Chatting to musicians, sound engineers, and promoters after a show is how a lot of real industry contacts and opportunities start, and it costs little or nothing to do.
Free Online Tools to Practise With
- Audacity
- BandLab free online music-making and collaboration
- Your local library’s free access to music streaming and practice resources.
Skills Worth Developing
- Practising & discipline
- Coming up with original musical ideas
- Performing confidently
- Teamwork (playing or recording with others)
- Basic recording/tech skills
- Business basics (contracts, money)
Resources & Further Reading
- First Music Contact Helps musicians at any career stage, including complete beginners.
- Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann‘s local branches welcome young musicians to sessions and events with no formal entry route needed.
- Music Generation
- IMRO Royalties and support for songwriters and composers
- Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
- RAAP Recorded Artists Actors Performers
- Gradam Ceoil TG4 Annual awards celebrating Irish traditional music
- NCH Discover Look at the National Concert Hall’s learning and participation programmes.
- Royal Irish Academy of Music
- Journal of Music Opportunities across music
- Minding Creative Minds Providing support, including mentorships for those working in the creative sector
- Careers Portal Music & Performing Arts
