How to Make Money as a Musician • 22 ways to make money as a Music Artist

If you’re a musician (or aspiring musician), you have absolutely been on the receiving end of the comments,

“Are you sure you know how to make money as a musician?”

“How are you going to support yourself?”

“What’s your backup plan?”

When I was 17 and picking my major for college, I found these questions annoying. I didn’t have a plan on how to make money as a musician, I just knew I wanted to do music.

As an adult with some life under my belt, I can see these questions in a better light – they were being asked out of concern and ignorance.

What most people know of the music industry is recording artists: big names who head up bands, release albums, and tour. Realistically, that kind of career happens to (yes, happens to) a minute percentage of musicians, and it is far from the main way music artists make money.

If that’s all you know of how you can earn money as a musician, of course you will be concerned that a loved one wants to pursue music as a career. But a music career is so much more than that! So whether you are on this page as a musician yourself, or are looking to support an aspiring musician in your life, here are 22 great ways to make money as a musician:

• Live Performances: Performing live at venues like bars, clubs, and festivals not only allows you to showcase your talent but also provides a reliable source of income through performance fees. Whether you’re strumming a guitar or belting out vocals, connecting with audiences in person can be both financially rewarding and emotionally fulfilling.
• Merchandise Sales: Selling merchandise such as T-shirts, posters, and CDs at your shows or online store is a great way to not only promote your brand but also generate extra income. Fans love to show their support by wearing your gear or decorating their space with your band’s posters, creating a win-win situation for both parties.
• Music Sales: Whether it’s through digital downloads on platforms like iTunes or physical sales at your gigs, selling your music directly to fans is a fundamental way to earn income as a musician. Each sale represents not just a transaction but also a connection between your music and the listener, making it a meaningful exchange beyond just financial gain.
• Streaming Royalties: With the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, artists can earn royalties every time their music is streamed online. While the payouts per stream may seem small, they can add up over time, providing a continuous revenue stream and reaching listeners worldwide with your music.
• Licensing: Licensing your music for use in commercials, films, and TV shows allows you to earn royalties and exposure beyond traditional avenues. Your songs can become part of the soundtrack to someone’s favorite movie or ad campaign, creating opportunities for recognition and financial compensation.
• Royalties from Performing Rights Organizations (PROs): By registering your songs with organizations like ASCAP or BMI, you ensure that you receive royalties whenever your music is played in public. From radio airplay to live performances, PROs collect royalties on your behalf, turning your creative work into tangible income streams.
• Teaching: Sharing your musical skills and knowledge through teaching can be both rewarding and financially lucrative. Whether you’re offering private lessons or teaching workshops at music schools, you have the opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of musicians while earning a steady income.
  If you want to dip your toes into the world of being a private music teacher, that’s an area of our expertise here at C&S Music! You can check out our guide on how to set up a great private music teacher website to get started.
• Session Work: Providing your musical talents as a session musician for recording sessions or live performances allows you to showcase your skills while getting paid for your expertise. Whether you’re laying down tracks in the studio or performing onstage with other artists, session work offers diverse opportunities to collaborate and contribute to various projects.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon enable artists to raise funds directly from their fans to support their creative projects. By offering exclusive rewards and incentives, you can engage your audience and turn their support into tangible resources for recording albums, funding tours, or pursuing ambitious artistic endeavors.
• Songwriting: Whether you’re writing hits for yourself or other artists, songwriting offers opportunities for earning royalties and recognition. Every time your song is performed, recorded, or licensed, you have the potential to generate income and leave a lasting impact on listeners worldwide.
• Music Production: Offering your expertise in music production allows you to help other artists bring their musical visions to life while earning income. Whether you’re crafting beats, mixing tracks, or providing guidance in the studio, music production offers opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the creation of compelling music.
• YouTube and Social Media: Utilizing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram enables you to share your music with a global audience and monetize your content. By engaging with fans through videos, live streams, and posts, you can generate income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and direct support from your audience.
• Live Streaming Performances: Hosting live concerts or performances online offers a convenient way to reach fans and earn income from the comfort of your own space. Whether you’re performing solo or with a band, live streaming allows you to connect with audiences in real-time and monetize your performances through ticket sales, virtual tip jars, and sponsorships.

• Music Publishing: Partnering with a music publisher can help you maximize the earning potential of your songs through licensing and placement opportunities. From securing placements in films and TV shows to negotiating deals with advertisers, music publishing offers avenues for expanding your reach and generating income from your compositions.
• Corporate Gigs: Performing at corporate events, private parties, and weddings provides opportunities for musicians to showcase their talent and earn lucrative paychecks. Whether you’re playing background music at a cocktail reception or headlining a company holiday party, corporate gigs offer diverse opportunities to perform and network in a professional setting.
• Crowdsourcing Platforms: Joining platforms like Fiverr and Upwork allows you to offer your musical services to clients worldwide and monetize your skills. Whether you’re composing custom music, providing audio editing services, or offering virtual music lessons, crowdsourcing platforms offer opportunities to showcase your talent and connect with clients seeking musical expertise.
• Music Supervision: Getting involved in music supervision for film, TV, and advertising projects allows you to curate soundtracks and license music for various media productions. By leveraging your knowledge of music and trends, you can help create immersive experiences for audiences while earning income through licensing deals and placements.
• Composing for Film/TV/Games: Writing original music for film soundtracks, TV shows, and video games offers opportunities for musicians to showcase their creativity and earn royalties. Whether you’re crafting atmospheric scores for dramatic scenes or composing catchy tunes for mobile games, composing for media projects allows you to contribute to storytelling while generating income from your compositions.
• Music Journalism/Blogging: Writing about music for online or print publications enables you to share your insights and passion for music while earning income. Whether you’re reviewing albums, interviewing artists, or analyzing industry trends, music journalism offers opportunities to engage with readers and monetize your writing through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
• Music Therapy: Using music as a therapeutic tool in settings such as hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers allows you to make a positive impact while earning income as a music therapist. You can group sessions, providing one-on-one therapy, or facilitating music-based activities, to offer opportunities to enrich lives and contribute to well-being while earning a living.
• Residencies: Securing regular performance slots at venues like bars, restaurants, and hotels provides opportunities for musicians to showcase their talent and earn consistent income. Whether you’re performing weekly sets as a solo artist or leading a house band, residencies offer stability and exposure in the local music scene.
• Grants and Funding: Applying for grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities from arts organizations, government agencies, and private foundations provides financial support for music projects and endeavors. Whether you’re recording an album, organizing a concert series, or pursuing research in musicology, grants and funding opportunities offer resources to bring your creative vision to life.

There are lots of ways that musicians can make money, many of them steady work that give solid, consistent paychecks. However, it is important to note that most musicians I know (including myself) do a combination of things on this list. If you’re willing to get creative and build up a few income streams, you can easily build a full-time income as a musician!

Getting creative, building multiple income streams, and being open to different opportunities is how to make money as a musician.

If you have any questions or want some guidance on how to get started, leave a comment or email us, we are here to help!