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7 Different Ways To Make Money As A Musician

7 Different Ways To Make Money As A Musician

Making money as a solo musician, singer, or band can be challenging but it's not impossible. With hard work and of course skill you can find yourself in a comfortable position working for yourself or with your band. Here are just a few of the ways for you or your band to make money creating and performing music.

1. Performing at shows:

People want to see and get a great experience from a performance. This means if you already have music that's really good, you can take the next step of putting together a show, working with a venue, or creating your own venue.

Show prices for a new group/artist can range from donation to $10. The next step is incorporating things such as merchandise into every performance for additional earnings.

2. Touring:

Once you've put together a great show, take it out on the road. This way you can increase your fan base and get a great experience out of it. It's your regular show earnings multiplied! One thing to keep in mind is that touring can be pricey, but I will add something about that and low budget traveling in another hub.

3. Songwriting:

Many singers and groups collaborate with other writers or are looking for songs that are already written so this would be a great opportunity for songwriter to begin making some money. Go to open mics, showcases and the like to start meeting artists. Many times they will be willing if not looking for someone to work with on writing.

4. Producing:

Singers often have a hard time finding "just the right sound." I do not produce, but I have worked with many artists in studio and the amount of creative genius I have seen when a producer works with a talented artist is unparalleled. Prices should vary according to each situation, but remember to not cheat yourself.

Another route is working with your average Joe. Sometimes people are moved to write lyrics and are looking for the perfect music to it but cannot create it themselves. Here is a great opportunity to not only make some money, but also to have a new fan!

5. Studio Work:

There is always work to do in the studio whether it be background vocals, standing in as a studio or session musician for special recording projects. These rates can range from $50 flat to $500 flat. Hourly rates can also be charged. Depending on who and what it is for, a good estimate of what you can make would be between $35/hr - $100/hour. Then you'll have the rest of the day to go out and make some more money!

6. Busking:

Street performing is fun and you can really make money doing it. A few things to remember are; be courteous to other performers, bring food and water for yourself. Do have somewhere to put your earnings. Do check the weather so you can be prepared for the elements. Remain happy - Being angry about a slow day does not make people want to give you their hard earned money. Do bring your merchandise if you have some. You can make $0- $$$ in a day.

7. Merchandise:

Anything of yours that someone can buy from you is great to have. Start with the basics like a CD, QR code and download link. Tshirts are also great. Have these items available where ever you go. Have them at an online store, have physical copies at your shows, bring them when you busk. Order these items from places like reverbnation.com.

Lastly, ALWAYS have your business card with you! This is essential as you will never know when you will need it. Carry a few with you like you do your ID. It may open the door to your next opportunity to make money!

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LOSING NINETEEN

LOSING NINETEEN

BY JUDGE LYNN C.  TOLER

I lost Nineteen again today.  Abandoning himself to that wasteland we offhandedly call ‘the system’, he just walked away – casually  – like it was no big deal.  Some claim I shouldn’t say I lost him, though, considering what I do.  While I am a Black woman, I am also the person appointed to balance the books, which means, that, on this particular day, I am the one sending Nineteen to jail.

I am a judge in an inner-ring suburb, a place where middle-class stability stands in the shadow of urban distractions.  Here, Black, male and Nineteen is required to face the same dilemma every day; “Do I work and wait like momma said, or join the party down the street?”  Forced to choose before the calm sets in, Nineteen picks the wrong one.  Next thing you know, he’s standing before me, wondering what all the fuss is about.

It’s important to know that I am a municipal judge. Handling minor matters, I deal with assault, drug possession and carrying a concealed weapon charges.  Unfortunately, the size of the cases I see occasionally confuses Nineteen.  He views his mistake as a little thing that doesn’t warrant much concern.  I, on the other hand, see it as a small down payment on an incredible cultural cost.  “What’s with making me look for a job?” he asks.  “Why do I have to go back to school in order to stay out of jail?”  I’m fighting to keep the boy from becoming a statistic, and he doesn’t even care. So I plead, not for Nineteen to obey the law, but for him to do right by me.

“You owe every Black woman who cares for you an obligation you won’t be able to repay if you’re working off some ill-gotten debt to a society you don’t owe,’ I tell him. Some listen.  Most don’t.  My successes are few; I decide to give up at least once a week.  But I keep pressing because I don’t want to leave stranded the few I do manage to help. Those wins notwithstanding, my frustrations remain.

Just yesterday, one asked me to stop bothering him.  “You’re not my mother,” he said. “Why are you messing with me?  Just let me do my time.” Lots of them, in fact, ask me to leave them alone.  They tell me, “It ain’t no thing.”  But, more often than not, the phrase that I hear is the chilling “I can jail.”

Of course, I know I only see the problems.  Nineteen represents himself, well, in large numbers everywhere.  I have seven I claim outright, you know – not currently Nineteen – but Black and male.  One I married; four came with him, and two I produced on my own.  The older ones have already been Nineteen.  They’ve had their troubles, but they’re all okay now.  The ones I made myself, however, are still young; they have a lot to learn.

Living well in a world that does not always see your clearly is a difficult thing to do.  My boys must be able to ignore those who ridicule their efforts to do well in school while remaining strong even among those who find that strength intimidating.  Tough lessons, these, but they must learn them if they are going to do Nineteen the right way.  I don’t want them standing before some judge who may see them as a statistic.  If they mess around and get before the wrong guy, then where will they be?

 Jail, of course, is the answer to that question.  The very same place that I wound up sending Nineteen today.  Frustrated because I can’t fix the world, and Nineteen won’t let me help him live better in it, I shake my head, but must move on.  I have thirty more cases to hear.

“To jail or not to jail?” that is the question.  How hard am I supposed to try without his help? Doesn’t he see how so much of the harm he causes lands right in some sister’s lap? That is why I told Nineteen he owed me. “Consider the sisters in your life,” I say.  “It isn’t always about you”.  Then I remind him that, whether or not he understands it, when you jail, we do to.

Become a Part of the future generation of Radio today!

Become a Part of the future generation of Radio today! 

Program Director(s) – We are seeking individuals who will assist with the programming of our stations. Responsible for the entire on-air product, the PD governs the sound of the stations. Responsibilities included content preparation, working with show producers and overseeing scheduling.

Hosts/Co-hosts – Have a great personality? Want to have your voice heard by the world? Then this opportunity is for you. We are seeking individuals for network shows. Opportunities included hosting your own show or co-hosting a show. General responsibilities include interviewing, networking, show preparation and working closely with your production team.

Promo Reps/ Ambassador – We are seeking individuals who love to network, attend events or just party! This position does not require any specific skills and does not have huge responsibilities. You mainly need to tell everyone you know and meet about AUMA while enjoying being a part of an exciting team!

Marketing/Promotions Coordinators – These position(s) are designed to work closely with our marketing and promotions division. The general responsibility is to assist in the coordinating and implementation of our marketing and promotions campaigns per project (shows/events). MPC's work with AUMA Reps, however, their positioning has more specific tasks which are determined per genre, channel or show assigned to.

Project Coordinator(s) – Works with the Project Managers to ensure division projects runs smoothly. PC's are assigned to a network project (show or event) and oversee the project from beginning to end. PC's also attend events and work closely with MPC's to ensure their assigned project is a success.

Event Coordinator(s) – Works with the Event Manager on the development and implementation of AUMA events, contests, etc. in which the network creates or will be involved in.

Music Director(s) – Love Music? This opportunity is best suited for music lovers. This person manages the station's music library and works with the program director in selecting new recordings to be played as they are submitted by artists and record companies. The main responsibility involves listening to music, discovering new music and music placement. These positions are genre-specific. We are seeking multiple music lovers who can assist with one or multiple genre music placement. This position works closely with the Program and Operations Managers.

- Announcers are a radio station's "voice" and are often the people with whom the public identifies. This person introduces programs and music, reads commercial copy and public service announcements, and is involved in the overall public presentation of the station.

Radio Receptionist(s) – is the public face of the station greeting a wide range of visitors including local contributors and listener? Provides general office support with a variety of clerical activities and related tasks. The receptionist will be responsible for answering incoming calls. This position is ideal for understanding all the aspects of how a station operates.

Radio Station Manager(s) - ensure the smooth daily operation. On a day-to-day basis, a RSM must supervise and coordinate the schedules, workflow, and responsibilities of various departments and providing communication. RSM are also responsible for the success and profitability of the Station and must have enough technical knowledge to understand the operation of all station equipment.

Editor - The person who edits footage and pictures taken by the AUMA crew. AUMA editors work with producers,

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