Most musicians struggle with the basics of the music business.

According to recent reports:

51% want professional development training in marketing

46% are interested in professional development training in publishing

40% seek professional development in music law

49% need professional development training in booking

*Data sourced from Sound Music Cities' music census reports, averaging findings from Nashville, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Northwest Arkansas, and Columbus.

Become a City Member of the

Navigating the Music Business

Certificate Program

A six-week virtual program that helps your local musicians and industry professionals learn the business side of music.

Week 1 - Hiring for an Artist’s Team

Participants learn a hiring and expectation framework to build a strong support team for an artist’s career.

Week 2 - Marketing for the Modern Era

Participants explore a marketing and messaging framework designed to connect with modern audiences and build an artist's brand.

Week 3 - Music Publishing Principles

Participants develop a framework for building value in an artist’s song catalog, focusing on registration, monetization, and growth.

Week 4 - Legal Aspects & Deal Structures

Participants learn how to read, analyze, and draft basic deals, providing them with essential legal knowledge for the music industry.

Week 5 - Booking Strategies for Concerts and Festivals 

Participants discover how to develop successful artist shows and learn to track critical business metrics for live events.

Week 6 - Course Wrap-Up and Final Project

Participants combine all the frameworks from the course into a final project, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Select a membership and give your music community the tools they’ve been asking for.

Enroll 15

… local musicians and professionals in Navigating the Music Business

$4,850/year

Enroll 30

… local musicians and professionals in Navigating the Music Business

$10,400/year

Enroll unlimited

… local musicians and professionals in Navigating the Music Business

$15,600/year

All tiers include:

  • Year-long access to virtual meetings covering six weeks of foundational music industry education.

  • Year-long access to pre-recorded lectures taught by artist manager and executive Philip Payne.

  • 1:1 coaching sessions to help organize rollout plans or any career needs.

  • Guest lectures with industry professionals sharing real-world insights.

  • Immediate networking with current and past classmates for collaboration and support.

  • Tailored student pairings based on shared interests and career goals. 

How to get started:

1. Meet with us

We’ll meet with you to learn about your music community and understand how we can best support it.

2. Select and enroll musicians

Choose your candidates or open an application process to find the right fit.

3. Track success

We’ll provide detailed reports on student successes and progress throughout and after the semester.

How FTS Helped a Band Build Their Live Performance Business & Secure Their First Tour

Alumni Case Studies

CHALLENGES

Before joining the course, Smooth Nature –a trio out of Waco, Texas – faced difficulties in securing consistent bookings, managing contracts effectively, and building a reliable team to support their growth. They needed structured guidance on how to maximize their opportunities and protect their interests.

SOLUTION

Through FTS, they implemented FTS Hiring Framework, which provided them with a structured approach to vetting and hiring the right manager. Additionally, they leveraged the FTS Booking Framework to analyze show data, optimize their booking strategy, and ensure their live performances contributed to long-term business growth.

RESULTS

Since completing the course, the band has successfully applied these frameworks to grow their network and secure better opportunities. They connected with fellow classmate Mario Hernandez, founder of Promo Use Only, who has since booked them on their first Texas tour, marking a significant milestone in their career.

How FTS Helped Martin Leon Define His Audience & Market a New Project

Alumni Case Studies

CHALLENGES

Martin Leon needed a way to understand his audience better and craft a compelling message that would resonate with them. Without a clear direction, he risked missing opportunities to connect with the right listeners and build momentum before his release.

SOLUTION

The Navigating the Music Business Program introduced Martin to the FTS Messaging Framework, guiding him through audience research using surveys and interviews, Through this process, Martin identified the key elements that fans loved about his music - his voice, style, and chords. Martin is now using the framework to create targeted promotional material that highlights these strengths, ensuring his messaging aligns with what his audience values most.

RESULTS

By leveraging the FTS framework, Martin is strategically positioning his upcoming project for success. With a deeper understanding of his fanbase and a clear promotional strategy, he is building anticipation and engagement ahead of the release.

FTS is a proud
education partner of:

In 2025, the City of Austin’s Music & Entertainment Division selected FTS as an education provider for 137 winners of Austin’s Live Music Fund grant.

Keep your music community thriving by making them self-sufficient.

Download the free guide and send it to the musicians who need it the most.