One of the greatest obstacles for musicians is a lack of funds. No longer can a band make a living just by selling songs and going on tours.
Today’s musician must devote more effort to discovering other sources of revenue. Despite the current drop in record sales, artists have access to other sources of income.
Today’s musicians may earn a career via both conventional and innovative methods.
17 ways a musician might earn a living
1. CD distribution
If you want to perform live, you should bring some of your CDs with you. Signed CDs are wonderful mementos that band members may sign.
2. Vinyl Sales
3. Internet Sales
To increase your revenue, you may sell music on your website. Online sellers have also not been terminated. Remember that they take a cut of the sales. (iTunes 30%, Bandcamp 15%).
4. Transmitting
5. Live Performances
Live performances are still the most lucrative method to generate revenue.
6. Selling Band Memorabilia
7. Digital Content
Additionally, you may sell digital products to your audience. This may include gorgeous PDF files with your biography and lyrics; videos of live performances; sheet music and chords for your songs; unique images; and more.
8. Crowdfunding
9. Compensation for usage of music
To earn royalties for the usage of your music, membership in lobbying groups is required. This includes getting paid when your music is used on radio, TV, live events, streaming platforms, ads, movies, and other places.
10. Digital Payments
11. Accrediting
If your music is used in a movie, commercial, or television program, you will likely be compensated for a license. The revenue depends on the project’s budget and how much they want to use your music.
YouTube is the 12th most visited website on the Internet. When your music is used in a YouTube video, the owners of the song can get a cut of the money made from ads.
12. Patronage
13. Working as a session musician
Becoming a session musician is another option to earn money. You may perform in the studio for other musical projects or even for advertisements.
14. Songwriting
15. Performing other people’s music
Covering songs at bars, restaurants, weddings, and other settings may be a lucrative way to earn money. A number of musicians disapprove of this. But earning money doing what you like is not disgraceful and is acceptable.
16. Music Lessons
Test it out and determine what works
These resources allow you to make more money. Try everything and determine what works best.