The lifestyle of a broke-but-brilliant musician can be challenging, but having a few plans to support you along the way helps.
Here are five tips to put your musical talents to good use and ensure your survival.
1. Teach Others
When you’re a musical expert, imparting your talent and knowledge to others can be satisfying. Make posters for notice boards at schools and shopping malls, and start teaching others. It’s a little-known fact that making music enhances many sectors of your brain.
Playing an instrument is a multisensory neurological experience that requires executive functioning, where your brain’s emotional and technical parts work together to complete a range of activities and tasks simultaneously. Humans can learn these executive features by making music. Include some of this information on your posters — parents want their kids to develop well. You can help the process and earn a little cash doing so.
2. Try Busking
You know you have talent, but you must show it off to others to earn your keep. Busking is a perfect way to get your skills out there and earn some dough. Get the right amateur gear, find a vibrant outdoor shopping zone, ready your instrument, and start playing and earning. If you’re a guitarist with some vocal talent, you’ll soon catch the ears of passers-by.
Busking may be more challenging if your musical skill is playing the piano, but you can find an old keyboard with a stand at a pawn shop. Start playing covers of well-known songs, as people will likely pay more attention if they recognize the music.
Remember to comply with city ordinances to make sure you’re not unintentionally breaking any laws, and don’t forget your hat so an appreciative audience can make donations. Hand out cards with your name and contact information on them as well.
3. Get Online
A meaningful online presence can be a game-changer. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms allow you to record your music and get it out there. Many artists and performers find fame starting with TikTok videos, and if you gain enough popularity, you can earn money from these short clips.
As your following grows, you may want to invest in more advanced equipment for recording or editing your online videos. Creating and sticking to a realistic budget is essential for expanding without breaking the bank. Consider following the 50-30-20 rule for your budget — it allocates 50% of your budget to essentials, 30% to wants and 20% to savings.
A few people who listened to your busking performances may have decided to look you up online, becoming fans or followers. Consistently market yourself wherever you perform and make sure your online presence will impress anyone who looks you up.
4. Apply as a Session Musician
Skilled session musicians are in demand in the United States, especially in big music cities like Nashville, New York City, Los Angeles and New Orleans. The U.S. has the world’s largest recorded music market. It grew by 7.2% in 2023, meaning session musicians are still in demand for recording studios, artists and producers.
You’re already a brilliant musician. With an online performance resume backed by a growing fan and follower base, adding your profile to Upwork or Fiverr could benefit you. Otherwise, directly approach a record company or producer — you’ll never get a session gig without trying. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 2% increase in jobs for musicians and singers between 2023 and 2033. This percentage may seem low, but it’s still an increase. You can improve your odds if you’re proactive and back your talent.
5. Land Private Events
Marketing yourself and your ability through busking and an online presence opens up other avenues to earn money from your musical talents. Whether you secure a solo slot at a bar or play the piano in a casino lounge, earning extra income allows you to advertise yourself further. Remember, playing for others — no matter where you start — builds exposure since you never know who might watch you perform.
Annie Lennox met Dave Stewart while performing in a vegetarian restaurant, and seven years later, the duo released the hit song “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” as the Eurythmics. You make your luck — and often your career — by taking whatever opportunities you can find.
The Show Must Go On
Believe in yourself and your musical brilliance. Dedication to hard work and self-marketing helps you survive in a competitive industry and prosper as a musician. If you have the built-in talent and will to survive and succeed, half the battle’s already won.
