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Given that it’s difficult for musicians to monetize their art even at the best of times, it’s necessary for performers to find creative and safe ways to earn a living. Today, New Lease Music offers a few ideas for hard-working musicians looking for new ways to earn.
Live Streaming Concerts
Even if you can’t play venues, you can still live stream performances using digital technology. For fans at home, the option to attend a live concert, even virtually, can be a fun way to escape stress and find relief in music. Don’t set your ticket fees too high, though; people are less likely to shell out for a virtual concert than for an in-person one. Try to find that sweet spot where enough people will want to hear your music at a fee that is reasonable for them and worthwhile for you.
If you plan on streaming a concert, be sure that your performance area looks the part. If you have some old furniture you plan to use to dress the set, reach out to a local reupholstery company to see about having the furniture refreshed. You can read online reviews of local companies to get a good idea of their service before choosing a company to go with. Good looking furniture makes a great small performance backdrop.
Online Music Classes
Not everyone is cut out to teach or enjoys teaching, but for those who do, online classes can be a great opportunity to make money while sharing their expertise with other music-lovers. Parents of children who are homeschooling might especially be interested in accessing high-quality music lessons for their children online. Other types of classes you could offer include music appreciation, music history, and composition.
Outdoor Performances
Talk to your local park service or cultural center to see about organizing an outdoor concert at a set venue. Find out if your area farmers market would be interested in hosting you as a performer. Ditto Music explains you could even set up in a popular public place as a street performer — though it’s important to be aware of city laws, and whether you need a license.
Outdoor performances are also a great chance for networking with other local artists. By collaborating with other local musicians, you can expand your audience and also set the stage for future collaborations and projects down the road. You’re stronger together than you are apart!
Creating Digital Products
Creating digital products is a great way for a musician to make passive income, which will allow you time to work on your art, or to pursue other money-making ventures. Besides downloadable songs or compositions you could also create soundtracks and sound effects to be purchased by video makers. You could also sell ringtones or beats. The great thing about a digital product is that once you create it and set it up for sale, your work is done — but every time anyone purchases access or use, you get paid.
If you lack certain business skills or need a website created, you can hire freelancers to fill in gaps. Don’t overlook talent from other countries since you can often hire top performers for less cost than domestic freelancers. If you go this route, it’s important to set up an account with a reliable and easy-to-use money transfer service, which is a convenient and affordable way to pay your overseas freelancers. This might even end up forming the basis of your own home business!
Last but not least, look for free online tools that can help you design cool artwork for your digital products. As an example, if you don’t yet have a logo and your budget doesn’t have any wiggle room, look into a free logo design tool that allows you to build your graphic using premade templates. This is a good way to create a logo while you’re saving up money to have a graphic designer take a wholly unique approach to your idea.
Other Ideas When You Need Extra Money
If you need alternatives for earning beyond monetizing your music, you can find additional ways to earn as a freelancer depending on your other skills or training. Start by taking advantage of free resume templates to highlight your varied skills in a professional-looking style that gives you an edge over the competition. Consider offering your services as a personal assistant, a branding coach, a copywriter, or a call center rep, to fill the gaps between creative income opportunities. You could also work as a delivery driver, or a pet sitter, if you’re interested in getting out of the house more often.
People need art and connection in their lives. Even if you aren’t able to provide in-person concerts or classes, there are more ways than ever to enjoy and share music remotely.
If you’re an independent or unsigned artist, get your music heard on New Lease Music!
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