MERSEY MUSIC CAREERS: A SOUND INVESTMENT

The Liverpool City Region has always been known for creativity, originality and a strong cultural heartbeat, but today, its music sector is standing out for new reasons. The region’s modern music industry has experienced a major revival, driven by targeted investment, innovative training pathways, and a rapidly expanding network of music industry employers.

So music isn’t just our cultural heritage, it’s a growing regional career destination with real momentum.

Regional music industry report

A recent report from the Institute of Popular Music at the University of Liverpool highlights the success of the region’s £2m Music Industry Development Programme, funded through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund and delivered over the last few years.

The report highlights that the investment has already:

• Supported 70+ local music businesses, enabling them to grow and innovate.
• Created more than 50 full-time jobs across the region.
• Generated hundreds of paid opportunities for emerging talent.
• Provided tailored careers support for over 3,000 young people exploring music-related careers.
• Expanded the region’s music infrastructure, including studios, rehearsal spaces, live venues and digital platforms.
• Strengthened pathways into employment for residents through careers awareness, business support and hands-on training.

This is just a snapshot of what has been achieved, all adding up to make the Liverpool City Region one of the UK’s most energised and well-supported music ecosystems.

Unwrapping local music sector employment

When it comes to employment opportunity patterns in the region, we’re seeing an expansion of businesses across recording, events, production, management, technology and publishing. There are more creative companies offering roles that deliver the music industry’s essential peripheral services, such as digital marketing, events production, artist services, publishing and distribution. In addition, there are many specialist technical firms that offer services in sound, lighting, staging and video production.

Meanwhile, several national organisations linked to the music sector have established bases in the LCR, such as independent music store brand Rough Trade and venue giant Box Park, which opened its first site outside London in Liverpool. And there is a rich community of educators and career programmes, from grassroots venues to universities, bringing new skills into the industry.

Training 

There are a variety of unique training programmes available in the region, spanning different music styles, course types and skill levels. A flagship programme for anyone aged 19 or over who wants to work in live music is Sound Check in Birkenhead, which offers practical training in sound engineering, lighting, technical production, event operations, and stage management. Participants gain real, hands-on experience in a working venue and often progress directly into paid roles. The programme is free for eligible learners. Other training options include:

• Music & sound production at The City of Liverpool College

These include Level 2 and Level 3 courses in music technology, sound engineering and production, giving learners the technical skills needed in studios and live environments.

• Music performance and production at Wirral Met College

Level 2 and Level 3 courses in music performance and production

•  Degrees 

For those who want a more academic route, degree courses in music technology, production, sound design and popular music studies can lead to roles in publishing, production, research and management. There are degree programmes available at Liverpool University, Liverpool Hope University, ICMP and LMA. Liverpool University also offer an MA in Music Management.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a structured, practical way into the industry, particularly appealing in an area where hands-on experience matters. Keep your eyes open for any opportunities that arise by registering for updates from the LCR BeMore apprenticeship vacancy listing. Apprenticeship programmes linked to crucial roles in the music industry include assistant recording technician, event assistant, and content creator. There is also a music business coordinator apprenticeship in development, which will be launched in 2026.

Hitting the high notes 

Once you’ve built experience, developed skills and got some relevant qualifications under your belt, there are exciting higher-level roles you can aim for, such as:

1. Tour manager
   Coordinate logistics, schedules and venues. An excellent fit for people with strong organisational skills and mountains of stamina!
2. Talent scout/A&R coordinator
   Identify and develop emerging artists, working closely with labels and producers.
3. Head engineer
   Lead studio recording sessions, refine mixes, and collaborate directly with artists to shape their sound.

The music industry in the Liverpool City Region is no longer framed solely by its heritage — new funding, new talent, new businesses and new ideas are reshaping it. For residents looking for a career that blends creativity, technology and live experiences, there has never been a better time to get involved.

Musical diary dates

An Evening With The Mayors is on the 29^th January at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Knowsley. Join Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, as they reflect on both our regions’ musical successes.  Audiences will hear what both Mayors are doing to support and reimagine the role music plays in our regions, supporting talent and creating the pathways for the next generation of global superstars.

The Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest is on the 22^nd March 2026. It is a must-attend event for anyone considering a future in music, featuring key speakers including Natasha Hamilton, who was in Atomic Kitten and is the founder of Morpho Records, and Guy Chambers, songwriter for Robbie Williams, Tina Turner, and Mark Ronson. The BBC, Adlib and UK Music will also be on hand to share advice.