Maya Angelou once said that to make a true accomplishment, you need to love what you do.
Some people are lucky to have a job that they love. Unfortunately, for others, they have a job based on convenience, opportunity, and profit. Your current job position might be something that you kind of like but don’t love. It might be a high-paying job. However, you will not feel fulfilled until you do a job that you genuinely love.
If you love music, you can turn it into a full-time job. A lot of people may hesitate to transition their hobby into a profitable enterprise. However, many people who opt for this route are happier and more fulfilled.
There are many ways to start turning your love for music into your profession. Here are some ideas on how to get on the right track.
Make money by playing live
Playing on the street of the best cities for musicians to live may help you earn approximately $532 per day, assuming you get $21.22 per hour for 12.5 hours. If you are starting out, you may not get significant payments.
Then, make friends with other musicians in your area. Ask them if they have connections that can give you gigs so you can play live.
You need to play live at public locations, as it helps you build a fanbase. If you find a gig, do not mind the pay. Treat it as a step for you to increase your earning potential as a musician.
Start a YouTube channel
Apart from playing live on the street and somewhere else, you can also make money and turn your love for music into a full-time job by putting your music onto a YouTube channel.
Make a video of yourself singing and upload it to YouTube. From there, find ways to get enough traffic so you can make serious money. You can make covers of your favorite songs and upload them to your channel. If your cover is great, people will take notice.
Some pop stars started on YouTube. Justin Bieber, Tori Kelly, Shawn Mendez, and Dua Lipa are just a few of the musicians who started their careers on this video-sharing site before music producers discovered them.
Become a DJ
As you build your fan base on YouTube, you can apply for a job as a DJ by working at bars, private parties, and clubs. Millionaire DJs are focused on building their brand. Then, they put on big shows and do public endorsements.
Since you are just starting out, you may need to play popular songs from other artists. However, some venues may allow you to play your own tunes along with the popular songs. When they hear your music and people love it, they might follow you and become loyal buyers.
Sell merchandise
You can diversify and boost your earning potential by selling merchandise. Do not focus on T-shirts alone. Rather, make some buttons, stickers, and other merchandise and sell these items at your shows.
You can even put up a website and sell your merch. And on your YouTube channel, you may promote it along with your music. Merchandise is an easy way for you to sell after your audience sees you play. If they are caught up in the spirit, they will surely purchase your merch.
However, when making merch, try to keep your overhead down. Consider it as a way only to give you a nice little income boost. Passive income is always a good thing!
Find an unusual music-based job
Another way to earn money doing something related to music is to help other musicians. You can be a producer, or you can get some studio work. You may also wish to enhance your skills in booking shows. If you have design skills, you can perform cover art for musicians.
Stay true to your vision
It is easy to compare yourself to others. However, you need to stay true to your vision and brand. Be authentic in what you do. Do not copy the music of others. If you want to do covers, make them suit your unique style! Make everything your own. Your music business is a reflection of your unique view or perspective.
Promote your music
Your ability to turn your love for music into a full-time job will depend on how well and how often you promote your music. People must know your craft for them to find you and become your fans!
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About the Author
Catrin Cooper is a freelance writer and content managerfrom SanFrancisco.