Turning your music talent into a business

Starting a music business does not necessarily need to be a full-time venture. You could, for example, be a part-time performer with a separate day job, either as a soloist or with a band, or you may want to start a small record label, open a shop, promote events, run a course or sell music over the internet.

Legal requirements

It is important to remember that, however specialised your interest is, some things that are common to every new business. For example:

• legal requirements such as business regulation, insurance and taxation
• activities such as marketing and sales

These are all vital considerations you should focus on when starting a new business.

Licensing and intellectual property

If your business involves live musical performances, you may need to get a local council entertainment licence. 

You should also consider intellectual property (IP) rights of anyone whose music is involved in the performance. This can be anything from bands performing someone else's material to playing an album in a nightclub or the radio in a public place. 

Protect your own songs through copyright and consider trademarking band names. If you are playing any recorded music, you must have PRS for Music and PPL licences.  You must also comply with the control of noise regulations.

If you are a performer or a composer, you can benefit from using the internet to promote yourself. One of the least expensive ways is to use social media and networking sites. However, you should consider the implications of putting your IP on social networks, as this can increase the chances of illegal sharing and may also mean giving some IP rights to the network host. If you invest in your own website, you will have more control over your IP and branding, and can also use it to sell downloaded versions of your work.

Read more about protecting your intellectual property.

Funding and grants for music-related businesses

As well as funding from your own savings, family and friends, or a bank loan, you could consider getting grant funding - or other types of finance - for your music-related business. For example, Arts Council NI offers travel awards (rolling deadlines) and support through the Individual Artists Programme.

See more on finance and funding for music businesses.