Last updated on Dec 5, 2024

Here's how you can embark on a career as a music curator.

Embarking on a career as a music curator is an exciting journey for those passionate about music and its presentation. As a curator, you'll be responsible for selecting and organizing music for various platforms and events, creating an auditory experience that tells a story or sets a mood. This role requires a deep understanding of musical genres, trends, and audience preferences, as well as sharp organizational skills. Whether for radio, streaming services, or live events, your expertise will guide listeners through a musical landscape, making your role vital in the music industry.

1 Understand Role

To become a music curator, you must first understand the intricacies of the role. Curators are akin to storytellers, using songs to craft compelling narratives for listeners. Your job will be to research and select music that aligns with a specific theme, brand, or audience. This requires staying abreast of new releases, recognizing timeless classics, and predicting future trends. You'll need to be well-versed in various genres and understand the cultural significance of music.

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Jordy Justiniano

Music Business Coach | Label & Project Manager | Especialista en Marketing y PR para la Industria Musical | Ayudo a músicos a monetizar su talento
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Convertirse en curador musical implica comprender la función de crear narrativas sonoras a través de la selección de canciones. Un curador investiga música que se alinee con un tema, una marca o una audiencia específica, manteniéndose al tanto de nuevos lanzamientos y tendencias, y reconociendo clásicos atemporales. Se necesita conocimiento de diversos géneros y una comprensión profunda del contexto cultural de la música. Además, aprovechar las herramientas tecnológicas y construir una red son pasos clave en este camino.

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2 Gain Knowledge

Gaining a broad knowledge of music history, theory, and industry practices is crucial. Start by immersing yourself in different genres and understanding their origins and evolution. Familiarize yourself with key industry figures, from artists to producers. Consider formal education in musicology or related fields to deepen your understanding and credibility. Continuous learning will be your ally, as the music industry is dynamic and constantly evolving.

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Jordy Justiniano

Music Business Coach | Label & Project Manager | Especialista en Marketing y PR para la Industria Musical | Ayudo a músicos a monetizar su talento
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Para embarcarte en una carrera como curador musical, es esencial comprender el rol de crear narrativas a través de canciones. Un curador selecciona música que se ajuste a un tema o audiencia específica, manteniéndose al tanto de las tendencias y reconociendo los clásicos. Es clave conocer diversos géneros y su contexto cultural. Además, profundizar en la historia de la música, explorar figuras importantes de la industria y aprovechar la tecnología son pasos fundamentales para avanzar en este campo.

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3 Build Network

Networking is essential in the music industry. Attend concerts, festivals, and industry events to connect with artists, label representatives, and fellow curators. Engage in online music communities and forums to exchange ideas and discover new music. Building strong relationships can lead to collaboration opportunities and insider knowledge about upcoming trends and releases. Remember, your network can be an invaluable resource for your curatorial projects.

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Bhoza Mphela

Chief Marketing Officer @ Lawyers For The Arts South Africa. DJ. MC. Speaker. Artist Brand Manager. Social Media Manager. Ex Radio Presenter. Businesswoman, Nominee > WomenForAfrica.
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The best advise is joining the online music communities. I am an artist Manager and DJ and in my DJ role researching and familiarizing myself with different sounds keep me ahead

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Jordy Justiniano

Music Business Coach | Label & Project Manager | Especialista en Marketing y PR para la Industria Musical | Ayudo a músicos a monetizar su talento
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En la industria musical, construir una red de contactos es clave. Asistir a conciertos, festivales y eventos para conectar con artistas, sellos discográficos y otros curadores. Participar en comunidades y foros en línea, donde puedes compartir ideas y descubrir nueva música. Las relaciones que formes pueden generar oportunidades de colaboración y ofrecerte acceso exclusivo a tendencias y lanzamientos. Tu red será un recurso esencial para tu desarrollo como curador musical.

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4 Curate Content

Start curating content by creating playlists or sample soundtracks. Practice by designing collections for different moods, activities, or events. Use social media platforms to share your work and gather feedback. This hands-on experience will help you refine your skills and develop your unique curatorial voice. As you gain confidence, seek opportunities to curate for small events or local businesses to build your portfolio.

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Bhoza Mphela

Chief Marketing Officer @ Lawyers For The Arts South Africa. DJ. MC. Speaker. Artist Brand Manager. Social Media Manager. Ex Radio Presenter. Businesswoman, Nominee > WomenForAfrica.
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Absolutely. I am on YT, Spotify and more. Creating Playlists also help me a lot in my role as a DJ. Because of this my listening skills has also improved drastically

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Jordy Justiniano

Music Business Coach | Label & Project Manager | Especialista en Marketing y PR para la Industria Musical | Ayudo a músicos a monetizar su talento
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Comienza a curar contenido creando listas de reproducción o bandas sonoras para diferentes estados de ánimo, actividades o eventos. Comparte tu trabajo en redes sociales y solicita comentarios para mejorar tus habilidades. A medida que adquieras experiencia, busca oportunidades para organizar eventos pequeños o colaborar con negocios locales. Esto no solo te ayudará a perfeccionar tu estilo, sino que también te permitirá construir una cartera sólida y ganar confianza en tu labor como curador musical.

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5 Leverage Tech

Embrace technology, as it's a significant part of the music curation process. Learn to use digital tools for finding and organizing music. Familiarity with software for audio editing and playlist management will be beneficial. Understanding algorithms used by streaming services can also inform your curation strategy, ensuring your selections resonate with the intended audience. Technology can streamline your workflow and enhance your curatorial precision.

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6 Professional Path

Finally, consider the various professional paths available to music curators. You could work for radio stations, streaming services, or as a freelance curator for events and brands. Each path requires a slightly different skill set and approach to curation. Research job postings to understand the qualifications needed and tailor your experience accordingly. Persistence and adaptability are key as you navigate your way through the competitive landscape of the music industry.

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Bhoza Mphela

Chief Marketing Officer @ Lawyers For The Arts South Africa. DJ. MC. Speaker. Artist Brand Manager. Social Media Manager. Ex Radio Presenter. Businesswoman, Nominee > WomenForAfrica.
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Absolutely. There's lots to be done in music. My next journey is definitely in radio as a music compiler or producer or both. Not restricting self to one genre qualifies me to serve a different platform

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can embark on a career as a music curator.

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1 Understand Role

2 Gain Knowledge

3 Build Network

4 Curate Content

5 Leverage Tech

6 Professional Path

7 Here’s what else to consider

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