Music Management in Europe – 2023 Report

Launched at ESNS, EMMA and Erasmus University Rotterdam published the first-ever pan-European study of music managers, based on responses from 354 managers across Western, Northern, Eastern, and Southern Europe. The findings show that Europe’s managers are highly educated (67.6% hold a university degree) yet overwhelmingly self-taught (96.5%), with the majority working independently – 58% are self-employed or run their own business, and 60.6% are paid on a commission basis.

The report highlights significant gender disparities: although 51.9% of respondents were women, 51.5% of female managers fall into the lowest income categories, compared with 27.1% of male managers, despite similar levels of experience. This underscores the need for targeted support, fairer remuneration models, and greater equity in the sector.

Managers identified strong demand for business and operational support, with top priorities including legal and contractual skills, synchronisation, financial planning, and brand partnerships. They also pointed to urgent needs around mental health, work–life balance, and access to finance.

Policy priorities were clear: respondents believe EMMA should focus on streaming model reform and legislation securing fair remuneration for creators.

With 78% of managers handling 1–5 clients and juggling A&R, marketing, touring, financial administration, and wellbeing, the research reinforces the central – yet often overstretched – role that managers play in today’s music ecosystem.

These insights form the baseline for EMMA’s advocacy work and directly inform the design of the EMMpower professional development, mentorship, and networking activities.

👉 Read the full 2023 report
Music Management in Europe – 2023