10 Ways to Make Money as a Musician in a Tight Economy

With so many people out of work I have seen a lot of musicians that use to have day jobs able to pursue their dreams of making a living as a full time musician. Now you have more musicians competing against fewer and fewer paying gigs. If you have the talent you can help your chances by keeping a number of things in mind that can maximize your potential to bring in enough cash so you won't have to go looking for another day job.

1 .Do solo work. If you can sing and play guitar or piano this could work for you. Many venues are looking for solo acts because they are cheaper, produce a lower volume than a full band and you make more because your get all of the take. The venue pays less than a full band but you make more than having to divide it between other band members.

2 .Duo's and Trios. Keep the number of members of the band to a minimum. If you can find another or several others with enough talent to pull of a duo or trio act then it will be much more profitable than having that 4th or 5th member taking another cut and you can ride together to save gas money.

3. Teaching. With enough students you can teach any instrument you have mastered and get a lot of satisfaction seeing your students progress.

4. Writing and recording. Much has been written about this way of producing income. Again, if you have the talent add this to your arsenal.

5. Working on Instruments. If you have learned to set up your guitar, tune a piano, or work on your amplifier then advertise and do it for other musicians.

6. Write a method book or video. If you are good at theory or have professional video equipment and know how to use it then produce materials you can sell to aspiring musicians.

7. Be willing to play what pays. Step outside your normal genre of music to open up doors that you have left closed in the past. There is no shame in playing what others want to hear and you will become a more rounded and better musician. A lot of musical concepts crosses over into other genres.

8. Learn another Instrument or how to sing. Having multiple talents will most definitely help you find more opportunities.

9. Go to school and get a music degree. With a BA in Music you can get a job as a music teacher in High Schools, Community Colleges, and Churches.

10. Become a cruise ship, Theatrical, studio musician. There are jobs out there for cruise ship musicians, theatrical productions and studio work. If you live in or close to a large city you have more opportunities, but you also have more competition , so keep working on your musical knowledge.

One of the main things you need to do is networking. Getting jobs as a musician isn't just talent. You have to have talent but knowing other musicians and being able to get along with them will move you much closer to getting the money paying gigs.