6 Alternative Ways for Musicians to Make Money

Written by Micah Norris

The entertainment industry has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. According to the BBC, in 2020, music creators lost two-thirds of their income, and the shutdown of concerts and festivals caused live music revenues to fall by 85%. It may take years for live music to return to normalcy, prompting musicians to seek alternative ways to make money. Our team at Soundbrenner recommends six methods for musicians to generate income.

Livestream performances

In the absence of live shows, online performances provide access to live music for those who crave it. If you are comfortable performing for a virtual audience, charging a viewing or admission fee for online shows can be a viable way to earn extra income.

Sell merchandise

If you are a well-known musician in your local area, consider selling merchandise. While your star may not have reached its peak, fun and quirky merchandise remains popular. Use your spare time to create a logo or interesting artwork to sell as posters, shirts, hats, or other memorabilia.

Create a YouTube channel

A YouTube channel is an excellent platform for showcasing your music. Additionally, by joining the YouTube Partner Programme, you can use ads on your videos to generate income.

Teach a class

If you possess strong music skills, consider becoming a music teacher. You can conduct lessons face-to-face under COVID-friendly conditions or virtually via Zoom. You can also sell pre-recorded lessons through educational sites like Udemy. You might teach music theory or production, depending on your expertise.

Start a blog

Blogging can take a few months to generate income, but it is one of the top alternative ways to make money. Top blogger Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income earns around $2 million a year. Starting a blog is as simple as signing up with a hosting provider and writing engaging articles. Affiliate links and advertising can provide significant passive income if you drive enough traffic to your website.

Consider starting an educational blog where you teach an instrument, a local scene blog that informs readers about gigs and concerts, or a gossip blog that shares celebrity news. Your blog can be a great platform to implement some of the above ideas and explore alternative ways to make money, such as streaming your shows or selling merchandise.

Freelancing opportunities

Your passion may lie in music, but have you considered non-musical freelancing opportunities as alternative ways to make money? You could become a Virtual Assistant, try freelance writing, set up as an accountant, or utilize your IT skills. Remote work is increasingly available, allowing you to leverage other skills without being tied to an office.

These are challenging times for musicians and the live music industry. Establishing and formalizing alternative ways to make money can help you maintain your freedom and integrity while earning a decent living wage.

Are you looking for more guides and tips to elevate your music career? Check out more articles here.

Contributor

Micah Norris created king-rom.com after struggling to find quality ROMs. He built a site to compile the best sources of ROMs online. As a gamer, he understands that PS1, PS2, Nintendo 64, Gameboy C/A, Nintendo DS, NES, and SNES ROMs are hard to find from trusted sources. He encourages gamers, both new and old, to check out the ones he has found. Besides information on ROMs, he also writes about gaming and resources.