Are you looking for ways to earn more cash?
With almost half of musicians in the UK earning less than £14,000 per year, professionals in this field are being forced to find other work. Following the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, musicians now face immense pressure during the cost-of-living crisis too.
If you need more cash but you want to stick with your music career, finding a side-hustle could provide a useful additional income stream. We've listed a few ideas below.
- Start blogging
If you're a beginner artist learning the ropes, now is the time to see the world as your oyster. And, whether you're touring the UK, travelling for inspiration, or just composing at home, documenting your journey could help you to earn some money.
You could offer your skills to online outlets and magazines as a music journalist, especially if you have some skills in writing already. There will be thousands of other budding musicians interested to hear about your life and progression as a grassroots musician.
- Play at events
Don't let stage fright get the better of you. Becoming a session musician could be a lucrative way to fill your free time, especially if you're already well connected with local bars and venues in your community.
Forget open mic nights. Make sure you know how to sell yourself and start entertaining real crowds who value your talent. Just remember that if you're going to be carrying your gear around town and setting up on different stages, taking out musical instrument insurance will help you play with confidence.
If the venues you play for love your style, you could secure a retainer to perform there on a regular basis. Side-hustles with added security help you to plan long-term.
- Teach music lessons
If you've got patience and perseverance, why not start out as a self-employed music teacher? There are no formal guidelines on grades or qualifications to teach music - some even argue that your teaching ability is more important than your technical skills.
Regardless, you'll need a sound knowledge of music theory and the practical side to playing your instrument. Sharing your own techniques and approaches could inspire a local musician to take the next step up to another grade, and you'll earn some good money too.
Before you start teaching pupils, make sure you've taken the time to request a DBS check. Having this certification on your CV will give peace of mind to your prospective students, especially if you're going to be teaching children.
- Harness the power of the internet!
Lastly, don't overlook platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. You don't need a digital camera or professional video software to get started: if you've got a quiet room and something to rest your phone on, you can record and upload videos in a matter of minutes.
Whether you start with original songs or covers of popular tracks by famous artists, it's always possible to get discovered online and gain traction from there. If your tune goes viral, you could be earning thousands within a few months. Why not give it a go?
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