Earning Money As A Musician

There’s no getting around the fact that this has been a hard year for independent musicians. The vast majority of musicians make their money from live performances, and the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to that industry. Now, it’s become imperative to get creative with different revenue streams. Fortunately, there are still ways to make money in music. And the hard work you put in now, as well as the strategies you learn along the way, are sure to benefit you long after this pandemic is over. 

Become a freelancer.

 As with so many other industries, you can thrive as a freelance musician. By creating a profile on an online job platform, you can begin building your name and attracting clients with your unique skills. Songwriting, composition, and music production services are some of the most popular niches for freelance musicians, but you can also get hired for engineering, playing events, and so much more. 

Teach lessons. 

There has never been a better time to teach virtual lessons. Even with restrictions loosening, people are spending more time at home, and many of them are looking for new skills to learn. And some are specifically trying to find a creative outlet. Lessons usually run for about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can use a video chat app like Zoom or Skype.

Embrace live streams.

Live streams are the closest thing you will get to a live show right now. And technically, a live stream still is a live show — it’s just virtual. Many artists have embraced this art form and figured out how to make it creative and effective. As long as you have the equipment and know-how to produce high-quality audio and video, you can get your performance across with lots of people tuning in. Also, you can sell tickets for the event (or incorporate a digital tip jar) just like you would for a live show in the old days!

Use your website.

Even with the popularity of social media, your website is the virtual face of your product. Make sure it’s up-to-date, engaging, and has all the information and content that you want the world to see and hear. There are many ways to use your website to supplement your income. Selling music and merch directly to your fans is perhaps the most straightforward strategy. However, you can also drive traffic to your site by posting blogs, videos, and other content, which can ultimately lead to a stronger fan base and more sales of your products. 

Get on all streaming platforms. 

Album sales are nothing like they used to be. Nonetheless, streaming revenue can still provide you with a legitimate source of income. Make sure you are uploading your music to all of the major streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

Monetize your videos. 

Musicians make money on YouTube and social media all the time. Usually, this happens when their music is used on someone else’s channel or on their own. Anytime your songs are heard on platforms like these, you can get a cut of the ad revenue. Try to create as much quality content as you can, and shop it around to YouTube stars and social media influencers.  

Do you want your child to learn an instrument? Your child will achieve great results and love studying music at School of Music and Drama. Call 732-219-1850 to learn more.

Special thanks to Charles Carpenter

We Are Partnering With Applaud Our Kids!

...and we are absolutely thrilled. AOK is a foundation that provides arts education - music, drama, art, dance and more - to students in New Jersey who other wise would not be able to afford them. In addition, Applaud Our Kids does virtual open mic nights, recitals and provides students the opportunity to perform and share what they are learning.

 Over the years our School has given back in the form of need base scholarships and by joining AOK we know we can help so many more families. If you know a family who is in need and has a child who is interested in the program please contact us or Applaud Our Kids for more information today.

Are you looking for a studio that has great results?

A few of our well known students including pop superstar Charlie Puth, Phoebe Ryan, award winning songwriter Shannon Corsi and singer songwriter Colton Kayser can all attest to the simple fact that sometimes they felt like they weren't improving and wanted to quit music. Thankfully for them, their parents and all of us they didn't! Please take a look at the following Path to Musical Success Chart and know that when your child starts studying music with us they are in the right place and will be learning from a caring, qualified, friendly University trained professional.

Becoming A More Confident Performer

What’s a Performance?

Performance can be defined as an act of staging or presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment. When getting ready to perform, whether it's for mom and dad in the family room, one of our School of Music and Drama recitals or in a big concert hall in front of thousands of fans nerves and anxiety can come into play to derail our best efforts to deliver the music the way we want; relaxed, with confidence and feeling. As we prepare for our Spring Recital I've come up with a few strategies to help ease any unnecessary performance anxiety.

• Know your music. It sounds simple but regular practice with close attention to detail is crucial
• Bring your music. Even if you have practiced your songs until you could play them in your sleep bring your sheet music. Sometimes in front of an audience you lose your place and if you have your music you'll be fine
• Visualize yourself playing well and hearing applause and seeing smiling faces in the audience. Doing this often before performing will greatly improve what happens on stage
• Remember that the greatest musicians in the world make mistakes ALL THE TIME. If during your performance you miss a note or lose your place continue on as if nothing happened. That's what the pros do when it happens to them
• Realize we are all on your side. Everybody in the audience including your family, your friends, your peers and your teachers want you to do well so crush it!
• Keep in mind this is all part of a long journey. You will hear some students on the recital who are more advanced musicians than you are and some who are less advanced. If you continue studying and enjoy playing your instrument you will keep improving 
• HAVE FUN! Wear a silly tie or a fancy dress, make a joke before you play and when you're done give a big bow to the audience with a huge smile on your face as a way to thank them for listening and for cheering for you!