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If you’re thinking about studying music, it’s easy to focus on the creative side. But building a career in music today means understanding more than just the music itself.
We caught up with Spencer Enock , Programme Leader for Commercial Music here at LCCM, to talk about the skills you need to understand and succeed in the industry.
As a songwriter, producer and artist, Spencer is actively working in the industry alongside teaching at degree level. He’s part of indie band Pynch, whose music has picked up over four million streams and international radio play. He’s also mentored young artists, giving him a grounded, real-world perspective on what real artist development looks like.
What makes a commercial music degree different from a traditional music degree?
A Commercial Music course, like the one we have here at LCCM, is a practical course that’s been informed by industry standard practices. It allows students to develop their songwriting, production and performance skills while also learning about the business and the potential career paths within it.
By the end of the degree, students will have done serious work on their artistic identity, written songs in response to set briefs, produced tracks to completion and developed their stage presence.
Why do music students need both creative and business skills to succeed?
Artists need to wear many hats to build a career in the modern music industry – performers, producers, managers… you name it. It’s a really exciting time, because we have so many tools available to us that make it possible to produce, release and market music entirely independently.
Understanding how the industry works lets you make the most of these tools and give yourself the best chance of success.
Even if you’re not planning to build an independent career, understanding how the business works also helps you make more informed decisions about your career and who to work with.
What business skills do you learn on a commercial music course?
There are lots of business decisions that involve being creative and expressing your identity as an artist.
That might be coming up with a release strategy, thinking of inventive ways to promote your music, writing a press release, or considering how to position yourself culturally. Learning how to create compelling visuals for social media is also a really creative and effective way of connecting with your audience.
How does a commercial music course help you develop your artist identity?
Each of the modules work together to help students build a cohesive practice and reflect on how each part of their career connects and communicates their identity and story.
The course builds year by year, with new concepts introduced and closer alignment with industry practice. By the end of the course, students will have developed an EP-sized project that is ready to be released and performed.
What does it mean to be industry-ready as a music student?
To me, being industry-ready means having the ability to execute your ideas to a standard that you’re happy with and then get them out there.
Music doesn’t need to be perfect in order to resonate or move your career forward. It’s about having the confidence in your ability to create things and see them through to completion. There is obviously strategy and thought that goes into it, but at its core, it’s about creating things that you’re proud of and that realise your vision.
How does studying a commercial music course prepare you for the music industry?
Undertaking structured education gives you time, space and a community of like-minded creatives that you can build and collaborate with.
You also get access to guidance from tutors with real industry experience, as well as the chance to try things out and develop your skills over a meaningful period of time. Along the way, you’ll build transferable skills and develop the confidence to trust yourself and the process.
What do aspiring musicians underestimate about building a music career?
Building a sustainable career is a long game, and being an artist or a musician is about dedicating yourself to constantly learning and evolving.
Try to make the best things you can with what you have available to you and trust that good things will come from that.
What advice would you give to students starting a music course?
Things always take longer than you think they will, and the best thing about making music is actually making music.
Try to stay focused on the process and celebrate each small win in your journey rather than obsessing over specific outcomes. That will make you a happier and more productive artist.
LCCM’s BA Commercial Music focuses on helping you build real-world music expertise and know-how in your chosen specialism. Based in central London, you’re surrounded by a live music scene where you can connect, collaborate and start putting your work out into the world. Whether you’re a vocalist, rapper, producer or building your own creative project, you’ll develop your sound while learning how the industry actually works, alongside a community of like-minded artists.
