Here's How a Music Artist Can Make Money With Side Gigs
As an artist, the revenue you generate is constantly changing, making it hard to rely on it or even budget for it. The majority of side gigs available need you to be on the move for you to make money. On the bright side, you're able to have flexibility in your working hours. This makes it possible to select whom you work with and determine the workload you can handle.
Besides the extra income, side gigs are a great opportunity for you as an artist to refine your talent, learn how to market yourself or your brand, and learn new skills. Here, we explore your side gig options.
Where to Begin When Considering a Side Gig
Most creative people focus all their time and energy working on their talent, leaving little time to learn how to generate income as an artist. A great starting point is working on your business skills. You can take a business class to help you better manage your finances. Or, you can simply explore the many online resources available to learn how to leverage your income to start a small business. Click here for a great guide from ZenBusiness.
Having mastered some business skills, you can now use your passion and skills in music to earn a living. Taking on a side gig related to the music industry can be beneficial. You’ll be able to interact with people who have similar interests and broaden your professional network. Being in that environment can also be inspirational and satisfying.
In the music industry today, there are multiple ways that you can earn extra income. Here are a few ideas:
▪ Sound Engineering
If you have technical skills, you can pursue a gig to assist other artists and bands record and produce music and voice-overs. You can get in touch with artists who need assistance with mixing and offer your services as a backup vocalist as well.
As a freelancer working in a studio, you'll be able to create your schedule to accommodate your responsibilities and meet the deadlines. Additionally, you can compose and record individual work to earn good money.
As a music producer or engineer, you'll gain a vast knowledge of sound technology and studio processes. Interacting with various recording artists can open up great opportunities for you.
▪ Singing Teacher
Another gig to explore is becoming a private singing teacher. Singing lessons are often in demand, especially after school hours. You can teach from your home or the student's location of choice. Schools and colleges also offer teaching opportunities during school hours. Since you'll be self-employed, you can set your schedule, allowing you time to focus on your musical talents as well.
Building a client base can take time since gaining new clients works primarily by word of mouth. With good people skills and a passion for inspiring others, you will be earning income on an hourly basis.
▪ Sell Beats Online
You’ve honed the ear and accumulated the gear. Yes, you can make beats, and yes, you can sell them too. You started fiddling with beats when you needed a demo. Eventually, it was just part of the creative process. Creating beats is writing music, and you are legally the copyright owner. If you’ve got killer beats, you will get paid.
▪ Playing in the Band
While the dream of most musicians is to be able to “make it” and live off the creative work of their band, you’ve got to support the band with your day job until you get there. If the band brings you joy. If working with the other musicians is rewarding and there’s room for growth, the reputation of the band can lead to profitable side gigs. With a busy bar scene, a good band can secure regular gigs and over time more tickets will sell at the door, and there’ll be more to take home.
Conclusion
As you gain more clients, you should consider turning the side gig into a real small business. This way, you enjoy personal asset protection and maybe even tax perks. Best of all, you can establish yourself as a real power mover in your field.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your music career, JV Agency implements strategies for artists across genres so you can reach all your goals!
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