Multiple Income Streams: How I Make Money as a Musician

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Selling MIDI packs online
3. Patreon
4. Live performances
5. Teaching music
6. Library music
7. Music production courses
8. Custom scoring work
9. Challenges and rewards of a music career
10. Conclusion

How I Earn a Living as a Full-Time Musician and Music Producer

Hello friends! Today, I'd like to share with you how I make a living as a full-time musician and music producer. My name is Stevie B, and on this channel, we explore all things musical. So, let's dive into how I pay the bills.

1. Introduction

Being a musician and music producer is both fulfilling and challenging. It requires a combination of creativity, talent, and entrepreneurship to make a sustainable income in the music industry. In this article, I will break down my income streams and discuss the various avenues through which I generate revenue.

2. Selling MIDI packs online

Starting from the lowest income stream, I sell MIDI packs online through my website, productionmusictools.com. Although I make relatively little money from this venture, I still receive a decent amount of traffic on the website. I offer some products for free, but I plan to expand my offerings to include more MIDI and sample packs in the future.

Pros:

• Potential for growth in the future
• Website traffic brings exposure to my brand

Cons:

• Currently generates minimal income

3. Patreon

Patreon is another stream of income for me as a musician and music producer. It allows me to provide exclusive content and deeper insights into the production process to my patrons. I also offer personalized guidance and feedback to my patrons, creating a closer connection with my fans. Patreon income may seem small individually, but it adds up and provides a meaningful contribution to my monthly earnings.

Pros:

• Provides extra value to my fans
• Offers a direct way for fans to support my work financially

Cons:

• Relies on the loyalty and support of my fan base

4. Live performances

Live performances used to be a significant source of income for me, but the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted this stream of revenue. Currently, I am slowly returning to live gigs, although the income remains relatively modest. Each gig typically earns me a couple of hundred dollars, which helps cover some expenses. However, I eagerly await the return of a more thriving live music scene.

Pros:

• Direct connection with the audience
• Opportunities for networking and exposure

Cons:

• Reduced income due to COVID-19 restrictions
• Uncertainty in the live music industry

5. Teaching music

Teaching music unexpectedly became a substantial source of income for me. Initially starting as a mobile guitar teacher, I quickly realized the benefits of grouping students together for classes, which improved time management. I currently have around eight students, which take up a few hours of my week. Teaching provides a stable income and allows me to share my passion for music with others.

Pros:

• Stable and consistent income
• Opportunity to inspire and mentor aspiring musicians

Cons:

• Limited income potential based on available time for teaching

6. Library music

Library music, also known as music licensing, has become a staple of my monthly income. I upload my tracks to various non-exclusive royalty-free libraries, earning enough to cover my rent each month. I believe there is still significant growth potential in this industry, and I actively explore different libraries to expand my reach. Mastering your production skills is essential, but don’t overlook the importance of finalizing your tracks. By mastering your audio tracks with powerful tools like Mixea, you can significantly enhance the quality of your music. My success in the music licensing world inspired me to start this YouTube channel and the Production Music Academy.

Pros:

• Passive income from licensing existing tracks
• Opportunity for significant growth and exposure

Cons:

• Highly competitive industry
• Requires consistent production of high-quality tracks

7. Music production courses

Over the past few months, I have dedicated more time and energy to developing music production courses. While this has slightly impacted my monthly income from library music, it has been supplemented by the sales of these courses online. Creating courses allows me to connect personally with aspiring musicians, and the positive feedback from students is incredibly rewarding.

Pros:

• Personal connection with students
• Opportunity to provide valuable guidance and knowledge

Cons:

• Requires time and effort to create and market courses
• Monthly income may fluctuate based on course sales

8. Custom scoring work

Custom scoring work has been my main source of income as a musician and music producer. It was this income that allowed me to quit my job as a barista and pursue music full-time. Scoring projects range from short-term, high-pressure assignments to long-term collaborations that span over a year. While these projects pay well, they also require significant effort and adherence to strict timelines.

Pros:

• High-paying projects
• Opportunity to work on meaningful and inspiring projects

Cons:

• Potential for contract cancellations or early terminations
• Intense time constraints and pressure

9. Challenges and rewards of a music career

Being a full-time musician and music producer comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. The journey is often unpredictable, with periods of financial uncertainty and the need for adaptability. However, the satisfaction of pursuing a passion and the joy of creating music outweigh the difficulties. It takes perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to embrace opportunities.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, making a living as a full-time musician and music producer requires diversifying income streams and exploring various avenues in the music industry. Selling MIDI packs, Patreon support, live performances, teaching, library music, music production courses, and custom scoring work are all viable ways to generate income as a musician. While each stream has its own pros and cons, they collectively contribute to a fulfilling and sustainable career in music. So, if you are passionate about pursuing a music career, remember that with perseverance and the right mindset, anyone can achieve their goals.

Highlights

• Diversifying income streams as a full-time musician and music producer
• Selling MIDI packs online: Potential for growth and freebies
• Patreon: Providing extra value and building a supportive fan base
• Live performances: Navigating challenges and waiting for the return of thriving gigs
• Teaching music: Sharing passion and mentoring aspiring musicians
• Library music: Opportunities for passive income and growth
• Music production courses: Personal connection and positive feedback from students
• Custom scoring work: Main source of income and meaningful collaborations
• Challenges and rewards of a music career: Unpredictability and joy of pursuing a passion

FAQ

Q: How long did it take for library music to become a substantial source of income? A: It took a few years for library music to become a significant part of my monthly earnings. It required consistent uploading of high-quality tracks to various non-exclusive libraries.

Q: How can I start selling MIDI packs online? A: Starting your own website to sell MIDI packs is a good way to begin. Focus on creating quality content and promoting your products through social media and online communities within the music production niche.

Q: What are the benefits of teaching music as a source of income? A: Teaching music provides a stable and consistent income while allowing you to share your passion with others. It also offers an opportunity for personal growth and mentorship.

Q: How can I break into the custom scoring industry? A: Building a portfolio and networking with filmmakers, production companies, and other industry professionals can help you break into the custom scoring industry. Building relationships and showcasing your skills are essential in securing scoring projects.