How to Earn Money as a Musician During the Pandemic
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Among all the economic sectors hit by the pandemic, the live music industry faced some of the biggest challenges. Social distancing restrictions have put live shows on hold for over a year, and musicians everywhere are reeling from the blow to their income. Thankfully, technology provides another avenue for musicians to make money while social distancing. The ideas below will help you diversify your income and pay the bills until touring can start back up again.
Launch Your Own Music Business
Becoming an entrepreneur in the music industry is a fantastic way to take control of your earning potential. As Recording Connection explains, there are many different ways to generate revenue in the music world. You could offer services in production, audio engineering, music licensing, publishing, film scoring, sound design, and more. You could even launch an e-commerce store and sell your own merch!
Establishing the groundwork for a successful business starts with certain legal technicalities, so don’t overlook this important — albeit boring — first step. For example, you will need to decide how to structure your business and register with your state. You should also consider securing an Employer Identification Number (EIN) so you can hire employees, open a business bank account, and establish your business as a separate legal entity. The easiest way to do this is to apply for EIN online.
Host a Live Music Event from Home
Not keen on starting a business? If you’re just looking for ways to continue performing during the pandemic, you have several options. For example, many musicians have shifted to live streaming their performances online. You can host at-home concerts on YouTube, Twitch, and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You could even organize a live concert in virtual reality! Just make sure you pay special attention to acoustics and microphone placement so you can optimize the sound quality for your online audience.
Plan a Socially Distant Performance
Depending on where you live, you may even be able to perform to live audiences in person, as long as you take special precautions to keep everyone safe. You could organize a drive-in concert and broadcast your music through car radios or plan an outdoor event and sell a limited number of tickets so everyone can maintain a safe distance. People are also looking to hire musicians to perform personal birthday concerts for friends and family from your driveway!
Start a Patreon
DIY Musician suggests starting a Patreon page as another potential way to generate income right now. Patreon, a subscription-based membership platform that enables creators to earn money directly from fans, has become more popular than ever during COVID-19. This works best for musicians who already have a loyal fan base and a means to reach out to these people, such as a popular social media page or a thriving YouTube channel.
Offer Virtual Music Lessons
If you’re still an up-and-coming musician, offering virtual music lessons could be a great way to earn money from home while you establish yourself as an artist. You don't need a formal music education to do this, though it certainly won't hurt. You could build your own website, produce lessons for YouTube, or host private lessons over Zoom. Online learning platforms like Skillshare and Udemy will enable you to create and online courses. You could work one-on-one or teach a class — it’s all up to you!
To say the pandemic has been hard on musicians is an understatement. While you may have had to put your shows on hold, the pandemic is a great opportunity to pursue other creative gigs and diversify your income. Use this time to grow your brand, connect with your fans online, and build your music career into something bigger than yourself!
Big thanks to Charles Carpenter of Healing Sounds for this great guest blog!