Music executive jobs do not come through the classifieds, nor are there formal courses that prepare you for such positions. If you’re interested in the music industry, informational interviews and internships are key. Any experience in a music-related field, the ability to play an instrument or sing, vast and current knowledge of the industry, technical knowledge or experience in audio and recording technology, sound engineering, and studio setup provide a solid background to this field. Courses in business administration or management are particularly helpful to the independent producer. Because of the highly competitive nature of the business, newcomers must be willing to take just about any entry-level position with a recording company, independent producer, or recording studio and work hard and long hours to get to the top. Stress is a way of life for all music executives, so the entrant must determine his or her level of tolerance. Even after getting your foot in the door, this industry places considerable emphasis on your record in the field: What you’ve done, who you’ve produced, and how much money you’ve brought in. Thus an individual’s ability to find and sign talent is paramount.