Published 28 April, 2025

New VMDO research suggests developing business, financial and legal skills for music workers

Today at its inaugural Music Data and Insights Summit, the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) launched its new research commission, Skills & Roles – Support workers in Victorian music industries.  

Following a long-term research partnership with RMIT University, these new insights provide the VMDO with a current evidence-based perspective and expands on the 2020 study, Career Path: The Victorian Music Business Career Life Cycle.

This new research points out the nuances of learning and skills development within the complex and precarious career paths of Victorian music professionals and offers recommendations to build healthy thriving businesses.  

VMDO General Manager Kirsty Rivers said music workers play a central role and this research responds to the challenges faced by the Victorian music industry to sustain and develop its workforce.  

“By building evidence-based research, we can better understand the skills and the gaps that exist. It helps us to develop bespoke industry training and support opportunities that are needed to thrive in the complex global music industry,” said Rivers.  

“This research identifies the skills across the multiple Victorian professionals who support musicians, bands and performers, such as artist management, record label operations, marketing, venue management and music publishing,” explained Rivers.  

RMIT University Associate Professor Catherine Strong said it is the first report to map the support roles and associated skills within the Victorian music industries.  

“Skills shortages are often an industry concern and the research highlights areas requiring attention that could strengthen the workforce,” said Strong.  

“The research shows that music workers often acquire skills on-the-job, which is valued by the industry. However, this means that professionals may not always acknowledge the skills or gaps they have. Finding ways to make formal training work better for this group is one way to counter these issues,” explained Strong.