How can I make a living as a musician?

Many people dream of making a living as a musician, but the music industry can be notoriously difficult to break into, and even harder to make a sustainable career from. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to turn your passion for music into a profitable career. We look at answering the question: How can I make a living as a musician?

Here are some tips for making a living as a musician:

1. Diversify Your Income Streams

One of the most important things to keep in mind as a musician is that you will likely need to rely on multiple sources of income to make a living. This might include live performances, teaching, songwriting, music production, licensing, merchandise sales, and more. By diversifying your income streams, you can ensure that you have a steady flow of money coming in even if one source of income dries up.

2. Build a Fanbase

No matter what type of music you create, building a loyal fanbase is crucial for making a living as a musician. This means promoting your music through social media, playing live shows, and creating content that engages your audience. You can also use email marketing, crowdfunding, and other strategies to connect with your fans and keep them coming back for more.

3. Embrace the Business Side of Music

While making music is obviously a creative pursuit, it is also a business, and you need to treat it as such if you want to make a living from it. This means learning about marketing, networking, contracts, and other aspects of the music industry. You may also need to invest in yourself and your career by hiring a manager, publicist, or other professionals to help you reach your goals.

4. Network with Other Musicians and Industry Professionals

Networking is another essential part of building a career in music. You can attend industry events, join online groups, and connect with other musicians and professionals in your area. This can help you learn about new opportunities, collaborate on projects, and get your name out there in the industry.

5. Continuously Improve Your Skills

No matter how talented you are, there is always room for improvement. This means practicing regularly, taking lessons or workshops, and staying up-to-date on new trends and techniques in your field. By continuously improving your skills, you can stay competitive in the industry and increase your chances of success.

6. Be Patient and Persistent

Making a living as a musician is not easy, and it often takes years of hard work and dedication to achieve success. However, if you are patient and persistent, you can overcome obstacles and make your dreams a reality. Keep in mind that success in the music industry is often a slow and gradual process, but if you stay focused and determined, you can reach your goals.

In conclusion, making a living as a musician is possible, but it takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the business side of the industry. By diversifying your income streams, building a fanbase, networking, continuously improving your skills, and being patient and persistent, you can turn your passion for music into a profitable career.

If you are wanting to become a full-time musician, level up your social media following and monetise your music? Join the Collision BACKSTAGE community HERE!

• Grow a community online that supports your music and work as an artist and awesome human.
• Build credibility as a drummer in your space and genre so you can book more projects.
• Start monetizing your skills, gifts, and hard work so you can make music your main thing.