The aim of this research was to create the first scientific study which mapped the current environment and behaviour of Czech music ensembles. As pilot research, we aimed to get a basic qualitative overview and state of music ensembles environment for possible further quantitative research across the whole field in the Czech Republic. Thus, we interviewed 15 ensembles in different genres from 2019 to 2020. The main question was: “Which organizational, law, managerial, and production management environment are the music ensembles functioning in?” This presentation will summarise the process and results of the research. This contribution is an outcome of institutional support for long-term conceptual development of scientific, research, and development activities JAMU in the years 2018 to 2020. According to current literature, the importance of cultural and creative sectors is rapidly rising. Music and performing arts are part of these sectors. Especially the role of a live production of music is very important for the sector in popular and classical music without a particular difference. This is happening because of the change of the music business (transition from records to digital formats). What are the key activities behind success of an artist? In the research we focused on several fields to find out how the ensembles work inside. 4 main areas (law, management, production, finances) and 4 side areas (distribution, marketing and PR, etc.). We used several methodological approaches. Firstly, we theoretically analysed the legal forms of musical ensembles, and we conducted desk research of foreign and domestic literature. This was used for creating a collective case study where we studied the background routines of the informers. The collective case study was put together from qualitative research through a questionnaire. We found out that the ensembles are usually not using any legal form for the whole ensemble, but they use a freelancer license of one of the members. If the group is bigger, they often are in a not-for-profit association. The band cooperate with other professionals usually on an external basis (e.g. a contract) even if it is a manager. Ensembles are more interested in cooperation with a booking manager than an artist manager. Only three ensembles had their artist manager. The ensembles are using records as well as digital distribution for their music. As a means of communication, they are mainly using social media and websites. Off-line promotion is not used very often. The best way how to share their art is through concerts and meeting with their fans.