this post in Blogthis post in Blog
Back
Black mug on desk that says hustle.

July 3, 20223 mins read

5 Side Gigs For Musicians

By Jacque Alec

It is a fact that musicians have to hustle a lot harder than most people to make ends meet. The music industry is tough and only the truly passionate and determined musicians make it big.
Music is a very rewarding and glamorous profession but the road to success is often long, difficult and filled with many challenges. This is why most musicians have to supplement their income with other gigs or jobs.
Side gigs or jobs for musicians can be anything from teaching music lessons to being a session musician or wedding singer. In this blog post, we will explore 5 side gigs that are perfect for musicians.

Teaching Music Lessons

This is probably the most popular side gig for musicians. It is also one of the most rewarding as you get to share your passion for music with others and help them develop their skills.
Teaching music lessons is a great way to earn some extra income. There are many different ways to teach music lessons, so you can tailor your teaching style to suit your students.
You can also choose to teach either private or group lessons, depending on your preference.

Session Musician

A session musician is a musician who is hired to play on recordings or live performances. Session musicians are usually hired when the artist does not have the time or resources to record all of the instruments themselves.
Being a session musician can help make money as a musician as it can be very well-paid. It is also a great way to meet other musicians and make connections in the music industry.
So at the same time, you are building your music community exposure while making some extra cash.

Wedding Singer

Wedding singers are hired to perform during the ceremony, reception or both. Being a wedding singer is another way to earn extra money as a musician as weddings are often big events with a lot of people in attendance.
Wedding singers usually have a repertoire of popular songs that they can perform, so you will need to be familiar with a wide range of music. You will also need to be able to take requests from the bride and groom as well as their guests.
Working as a wedding singer can be a lot of fun as you get to perform in front of a large audience and make people happy on their special day.

Busker

A busker is a musician who performs in public places, such as on the street or in subways. Busking can help you earn extra money as a musician as you can usually make a lot of money in tips.
Busking is also a great way to get your music out there and build up a following. It can be a lot of enjoyment as you never know who will stop to listen to your music or how much money you will make.
However, it is important to note that busking is not always legal, so you should check with your local authorities before you start.

DJ

DJing can hone your talent in music, and it is a great way to earn some extra money on the side. You can DJ at clubs, bars, parties or even weddings.
DJing can get your music to be listened to and meet new people. It can also be a lot of fun as you get to play your favorite tunes and watch people enjoy themselves.
If you are a musician struggling to make ends meet, be sure to check out one of these side gigs. They are a great way to increase your income and can even lead to a full-time career in music.
Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the music. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
Share this article

Keep Reading

View All

Recording Vocals at Home, A Complete Guide.

Recording vocals at home

Share this article

February 21, 2025

How College Radio Functions as a Music Community Platform

College radio has long been a launchpad for independent artists. Unlike mainstream stations, college radio functions as a music community platform, providing a space for niche genres, underground acts, and emerging talent to connect with passionate student DJs and dedicated listeners. This unique environment allows artists to build their audience, gain credibility, and form valuable […]

Share this article

February 14, 2025

Understanding Metadata: How to Tag Your Tracks for Maximum Exposure

A beginner-friendly guide to music metadata and why it’s crucial for distribution and discoverability. Metadata might not be the most exciting part of being a musician, but it’s one of the most important. Without proper tagging, your music can get lost in the digital shuffle, making it harder for listeners to find and for you […]

Share this article

February 7, 2025

The Rise of Lo-Fi: How to Connect with Musicians to Create Chill Beats  

In recent years, the lo-fi (low-fidelity) music genre has surged in popularity, becoming a go-to soundtrack for studying, relaxing, and unwinding. With its mellow beats, nostalgic samples, and atmospheric soundscapes, lo-fi has carved out a unique space in the music world, offering both listeners and creators a laid-back, calming experience. For emerging producers, the genre […]

Share this article

January 31, 2025

From Garage to DSPs: How to Successfully Launch Your First EP

Releasing your first EP is a major milestone for any emerging artist. It’s your chance to showcase your unique sound, connect with new fans, and take a step forward in your music career. However, launching an EP requires more than just great songs—you need careful planning, strategic promotion, and the right resources to bring it […]

Share this article

January 24, 2025

How to Use Email Marketing to Grow Your Fanbase

Email marketing may not be as flashy as social media, but it remains one of the most powerful tools for artists to connect directly with their audience. Unlike social media platforms, where your content can get lost in a crowded feed or be affected by algorithm changes, email allows you to engage with your fans […]

Share this article

January 17, 2025