Tag: gig

Monetizing Our Skills & Passions

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Creative Ways for Musicians to Make Money Beyond Gigs

Most of us who chose becoming music educators were motivated by our own experiences in creative self-expression and playing or singing in ensembles, and inspired by our incredibly dedicated school and private music teachers and ensemble directors. The “calling” of entering this profession was due to wanting to share this joy of making music! The best part of all of these musical experiences and training? Most of us retain these skills throughout our careers and even in retirement — many participating in community bands, orchestras, choirs, or jazz combos — some for hire!

Guest blogger Ed Carter reminds us that there are many ways to literally “cash in” our musicianship and supplement our income.

Article by Ed Carter

As a musician, making money can be challenging, especially when starting out. However, there are unique and unconventional ways through which musicians can earn extra money. Here are some ideas worth considering.

Live Streaming

Live streaming has become a popular way to reach audiences, especially because of its convenience and cost-effectiveness. As a musician, you can leverage this platform by hosting online concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, and private performances. To earn money from these events, consider using these platforms.

Selling Merchandise

Merchandise sales are a great way to promote yourself while creating extra income.
Consider offering merch such as hats, stickers, or even signed t-shirts. The key is to make your offerings unique and appealing to your fans. To ensure maximum exposure and sales, consider selling your merchandise at live events and through your website or social media channels.

Starting a YouTube Channel

YouTube has proven to be a powerful platform for musicians to gain exposure, build their fan base, and earn money. You can create a channel hosting content such as behind-the-scenes clips, tutorials, or even live performances. To earn money through YouTube, consider joining the YouTube Partner Program or utilizing sponsored content. Additionally, use other forms of social media platforms to promote your channel and gain more subscribers.

Tutoring

By sharing skills and experience, musicians can earn money through teaching. Consider offering lessons to beginners or those looking to advance their skills. To ensure consistent income, you can offer both in-person and online lessons. Creating a lesson plan, setting a reasonable rate, and marketing your services online will help you attract students.

Networking

Getting involved in your local music scene is essential to connecting with other musicians and growing your fan base. Consider attending open mics, local concerts or festivals, joining a band or musical group, or even volunteering. By building relationships with other musicians, you can collaborate on projects, gain valuable experience, and increase your exposure.

Playing Gigs

Playing for events is a great way to not only earn extra money but also gain exposure to potential fans. Consider contacting event planners, wedding coordinators, and event organizers to offer your services. To succeed in this avenue, be reliable, punctual, and consistently produce quality music. By offering a unique musical experience, you will earn more referrals and increase your client base.

Composing

If you have experience in musical arrangement and composition, there is a high demand for those skills. Consider working with bands, orchestras, and other musical groups to create unique arrangements. To get started, create a portfolio of past arrangements, market your services online, and network with other musicians in your community.

Striking a First Impression

If you are a musician, having an engaging and memorable business card can help you stand out from the crowd and promote yourself. One solution to create professional and visually appealing cards is to use online tools. You can include your contact information, social media handles, and music style description on your card and distribute them at events, live performances, and networking opportunities. This may be a solution to help you make a lasting impression and expand your fanbase.

As a musician, there are various ways to earn extra money while building your career. By leveraging different platforms and services, such as live streaming, YouTube, and
merchandise sales, you can increase your revenue and grow your brand. Remember,
consistent quality and hard work are key to achieving success in the music industry.

Book by Ed Carter

About Ed Carter, Guest Blogger

I’m Ed Carter, and I am a retired financial planner. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. About 10 years into my career, I saw a need for financial planners who specialize in helping individuals and families living with disabilities. Regardless of their nature or how long they’ve affected someone, physical and mental limitations often cause stress and confusion when it comes to financial planning. Many people are unaware of just how many options they have when it comes to financial assistance and planning, so it’s an honor to offer my experience and change people’s lives for the better.

Now that I’m retired, I’m committed to continuing my services, even though I work on a broader scale than when I was working 9 to 5. I now spend my free time writing financial literacy articles for people to share on their blogs, collecting resource links for people to share on their websites, and collaborating with like-minded folks who want to make a difference.

— From Ed Carter’s website

© 2023 Paul K. Fox

Do You Have a “Side Gig?”

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4 Tips for Artists Seeking an Extra Income Stream

by Ed Carter

Editor’s Note: This month’s blog will feature guest writer Ed Carter, a retired financial planner. (See his website here.) His piece intrigued me, and also made me reflect on the numerous music educators who do freelance work. Even for retired music educators, it is important to continue our active involvement in the field of “creative self-expression” – (what inspired us to go into music in the first place?) – regardless of whether it is for pay or pro bono and now part-time: private teaching, church directing or accompanying, performing in or conducting music ensembles or musical theater, adjudicating festivals, coaching, composing, or arranging for school groups, teaching in higher education, or serving in the music industry. How are you “making music” today?

Research shows that about 45 percent of Americans have a side gig, and they do this for many reasons. It’s obviously a great way to ease financial strain, but it’s also a chance to delve deeper into something that you enjoy, hone skills, and change up your network.

Artists, who often experience economic instability, are one party that might find themselves supplementing revenue from their artwork with a secondary job. On the flip side, you might be considering flexing your creative muscles by engaging in an artistic moonlighting opportunity.

If you need or are interested in earning extra cash while pursuing art, a side hustle may be the way to go. Here are four tips to help you get started. 

1. Do a Cost-Benefit Analysis

There are many profitable avenues you can pursue on the side, from blogging and data entry to making balloon animals at parties and walking dogs. A number of gigs even allow you to express your creative side while making a profit and leaving time for you to practice the art that is your main passion, such as selling items on Etsy. You need to pick a job that meets three criteria:

  • You get what you need from it
  • You can do it, and
  • You have what you need to do it.

List the options that appeal to you the most. Research startup costs, competition and markets. Look at each potential gig and ask yourself a few questions:

  • Does this give you enough flexibility?
  • Is the initial time and money investment something you can afford?
  • Do you have the skills and ability to keep doing the work long enough for it to pay off?
  • Is there enough profit potential to justify the effort, not just physically but emotionally and mentally?
  • What are the risks?

Tally up the costs and benefits and decide if the side gig is worth it. 

2. Start With a Trial Run 

If you are still inclined to take a chance on a side hustle after reviewing the above-mentioned aspects, don’t immediately throw everything you have into it. Do a test run instead; offer services for a limited period or only produce a set amount of product to see if your plan is feasible and if you enjoy it enough to stick with it. 

3. Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Organization

Keep your side gig details separate from other parts of your life. Use a different email, different files, and possibly even a different bank account. As the source Company Bug points out, the latter helps with filing taxes and looking professional.

Check out automation for bookkeeping and invoicing purposes. Keep detailed records with online backups, and consider adding an app that makes it easy to stay on top of your finances and share data with your accountant.

4. Manage Your Energy Efficiently

Everyone has a finite amount of energy. Managing your time and energy carefully helps you be more effective and happier as you go about your daily tasks. As Todoist recommends, write down a to-do list each morning and schedule out blocks of time so that you can stay abreast of your obligations. Consider planning ahead by weeks and months as well. If you need a break, though, be sure to take it to avoid burnout and waning motivation. 

Doing your art for art’s sake is one thing, and doing it as a business is another. When starting a side gig, it is important to make sure you understand what you are getting into and that you have the resources to do it. Being aware of the risks and costs, organizing and doling out energy cautiously can help you secure success. 

© 2021 Paul K. Fox

Photo from Pexels by MART PRODUCTION 
Images from Pixabay by Brenda Geisse (flute), artesitalia (conductor), Vlad Vasnetsov (guitar teaching), and Светлана Бердник (dance lesson)