Music: art vs. business

This thesis examines literature on the music industry that emphasizes the importance of basic business skills and why musicians should receive better business education. In order to create a sustainable career, musicians must have entrepreneurial and managerial skills, along with knowledge of marketing, branding and basic music law. The curriculum at the Iceland Academy of the Arts is lacking in terms of what business knowledge it provides for the students. Four alumni of The Iceland Academy of Arts were interviewed to find out how their experiences at the school related to their success as individuals today. Each interviewee claims they received little to no business education at The Iceland Academy of Arts. They all shared their thoughts on what can be done to improve the curriculum so that students finish the programs well prepared to launch a career in the music industry