A&R Academy - Columbia

Sony Music; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading record label in the UK is seeking an A&R Academy participant for a 12-month paid opportunity starting in March 2026. This entry-level role will offer mentorship and hands-on experience in scouting talent and supporting industry relationships. Candidates must be passionate about music and capable of managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment. Full-time commitment and eligibility to work in the UK are required.

Benefits

Private medical cover

Generous pension scheme

Investment in professional growth

Qualifications

• Passionate about the Sony Music roster and specifically Columbia.
• Able to balance multiple priorities effectively.
• Confident in dealing with a range of contacts.

Responsibilities

• Build knowledge in various music genres.
• Listen to demos and provide feedback.
• Research new artists on social media.
• Support the Head of A&R with studio bookings.

Skills

Good knowledge of the music industry

Digitally savvy

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong sound judgment

Tools

Spotify

SoundCloud

Job description

Columbia Records is a premier frontline label of Sony Music Entertainment. Its roster features some of the most famous names in music history including Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, alongside cutting‑edge artists such as Calvin Harris, Skye Newman, Tyler The Creator & Rosalia.

Founded in 1887, Columbia is the oldest surviving brand name in pre‑recorded sound, home to an array of notable singers, instrumentalists and groups.

What is A&R?

A&R is the part of the record label that scouts new talent and develops that talent commercially. A&R acts as a liaison between the artist, management and the label, overseeing the recording process and assisting with marketing and promotion.

Who are you?

We’re looking for innovators. Someone bright, hardworking, with a keen ear for talent and the ability to keep up with emerging trends. You should be tenacious, skillful at spotting emerging artists, and able to build extensive industry relationships.

What is the opportunity?

This is a 12‑month, paid opportunity. As part of the A&R Academy you will receive on‑the‑job A&R experience, mentorship, and “spotlight sessions” to learn the mechanics of a major record company.

The program starts in March 2026, runs for a full year and is paid at London Living Wage. You must be eligible to work in the UK and be available for a full‑time role for 12 months. This is an entry‑level role and not suitable for experienced industry professionals.

The applications for this role will close on Monday 24th November at 10am GMT.

Day to Day of the role:

• Actively build knowledge in various genres, primarily Pop & Rap.
• Listen to demos, catalogue submissions and provide feedback to label presidents.
• Build relationships, manage key contacts and artists.
• Attend gigs, showcases, festivals and clubs; research new venues.
• Research new artists using TikTok, Instagram and word of mouth.
• Engage with the music industry via social media, trade papers and magazines.
• Collate A&R reports and provide feedback to label heads.
• Support the Head of A&R with diary management, studio booking and scheduling.
• Suggest artists for potential partner collaborations with producers for remixes.
• Stay updated on new trends and emerging artists.
• Take notes in A&R meetings with the Head of A&R and wider team.
• Network with the wider team and assist with day‑to‑day needs.
• Create commercial and creative pitches on new artists for label heads.
• Source songs and new songwriters for established artists.
• Serve as the key point of contact for all external relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality of Sony and artist information.
• Track and record all projects pitched, in development or released.
• Develop in‑depth knowledge of platforms for unsigned artists.
• Identify opportunities that translate an artist’s vision to the fans.

What we are looking for:

• Good knowledge and understanding of the music industry.
• Digitally savvy with experience using DSPs such as Spotify and SoundCloud.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) or similar programs.
• Experience balancing multiple priorities.
• Flexible commitment – this is not a 9‑5 office job.
• Passionate about the Sony Music roster, specifically Columbia.
• Confident, able to deal with a broad range of contacts and personalities.
• Self‑starter.
• Resilient with adaptable communication style for diverse audiences.
• Proactively established in this space.
• Comfortable talking with talent at a professional level.
• Strong sound and professional judgement when interacting with external partners.

What we give you:

• An inclusive, collaborative, global community.
• Modern office environment designed for productivity and creativity.
• Excellent benefits: private medical cover, generous pension scheme, life assurance, income protection and music‑biz perks.
• Investment in your professional growth and development.
• Time off for a winter recess.
• Response no later than the end of January 2026.
• Combination of online and in‑person interviews in February 2026.
• Mandatory eligibility to work in the UK.
• Full‑time commitment from March 2026 to March 2027.

Diversity and Inclusion

As an active part of a culturally and socially diverse society, Sony Music’s aim is that our workforce is diverse and inclusive. Sony Music is an equal‑opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity. We employ, retain, promote and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants according to merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We apply this policy without regard to any individual’s sex, race, religion, origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition or disability.

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Please note that applicants must be at least 18 years of age.