People will say “You can’t make money in music.” I’ve heard it from strangers, friends, and even family members.

Though spoken with the best of intentions, to steer me towards more “secure” career choices, every time I heard them, I felt a deeper resolve to prove that music is not just a passion—it’s a viable and rewarding profession.

You can make money in music.

You can make a living in the music industry.

There’s so many ways to make money with music and in the music business.

With a little thought and research, I came up with a list of over 190 ways of making money in music, and organized it all into a nice easy-to-read infographic for you to digest.

What’s important is that you choose a path that’s aligned with your energy, personality, skillset, interests and ambitions. When you do that, you’re in the best position to excel in your field and earn money.

Let’s dive in.

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Align Your Skill sets, Personalities, and Ambitions and You’ll Unlock The Wealth

When it comes to making money in music, there’s simply no one-size-fits-all approach. Every musician is unique, with different skill sets, personalities, and ambitions.

Having that said, here are some things to consider.

Leverage Your Strengths

Your specific talents and skills are your greatest assets in the music industry. Whether you’re a virtuoso instrumentalist, a gifted songwriter, a skilled producer, or a savvy marketer, identifying and leveraging your strengths can lead to a fulfilling career in this business.

  • Performers: If you have a natural stage presence and love engaging with an audience, live performances, touring, and residencies might be your calling. Embrace opportunities to play at concerts, festivals, private events, and corporate gigs.
  • Composers and Songwriters: If creating music is your forte, consider writing for other artists, composing for film, TV, and video games, or producing custom songs for special occasions. Your creativity can flourish in various formats, from traditional scores to modern beats.
  • Producers and Engineers: If you excel in the technical aspects of music, focusing on mixing, mastering, and producing tracks for artists can be highly lucrative. Your expertise can transform raw recordings into polished masterpieces.
  • Educators: If you have a passion for teaching and sharing your knowledge, private lessons, group classes, online courses, and workshops can be rewarding avenues. Your ability to inspire and instruct can shape the next generation of musicians.
Image of mixing board by Alexey Ruban
Image of mixing board by Alexey Ruban

Find The Right Fit With Your Personality

Your personality determines which path will be most satisfying and successful for you. So, understanding your temperament and being honest about it can help you choose a path in the music business that aligns with your natural inclinations.

  • Extroverts: If you thrive on social interactions and enjoy being in the spotlight, performing live, teaching group classes, or engaging with audiences through platforms like YouTube and Twitch can be highly rewarding.
  • Introverts: If you prefer working behind the scenes or in more controlled environments, composing, producing, and creating online content can be ideal. Remote recording services and sync licensing allow you to contribute your talents without the need for constant public engagement.
  • Organizers: If you have a knack for planning and managing, roles such as tour management, artist management, and running a record label might suit you. Your organizational skills can help streamline operations and ensure successful projects.
  • Creatives: If you’re driven by innovation and artistic expression, focusing on composing, songwriting, and sound design can allow you to explore new realms of creativity. Your unique perspective can bring fresh ideas to the industry.
Image of person relaxing and listening to his recording by Eric Nopanen
Image of person relaxing and listening to his recording by Eric Nopanen

Be Clear About Your Ambitions

Your ambitions and long-term goals will ultimately guide your decisions and shape your career path. Identifying what you want to achieve will help you stay focused on your efforts and only pursue opportunities that align with your vision.

  • Financial Security: If your primary goal is to achieve financial stability, consider diversifying your income streams. Explore multiple avenues such as performance, teaching, producing, and licensing to create a steady and reliable revenue flow.
  • Artistic Fulfillment: If your passion lies in artistic expression, prioritize projects that allow you to explore and develop your creative vision. Seek out collaborations, compose original works, and engage in experimental ventures that satisfy your artistic soul.
  • Impact and Influence: If you aim to make a significant impact in the industry or inspire others, focus on roles that allow you to reach a broader audience. Create educational content, participate in community events, and use your platform to advocate for meaningful causes.
  • Growth and Development: If you’re driven by continuous learning and personal growth, pursue opportunities that challenge you and expand your skillset. Attend workshops, collaborate with diverse artists, and stay open to new experiences and technologies.
Image of musicians performing in a bug venue by Pawel Bukowski
Image of musicians performing in a bug venue by Pawel Bukowski

Massive Making Money In Music List

Music is the overarching industry, but there’s so many specific fields you can get into within this industry to make money, other than just being in a band and performing live. Keep an open mind and you’ll find a unique path that resonates with you.

Performance and Touring

  1. Live Concerts
    • Solo Performances
    • Band Performances
    • Collaborations with Other Artists
    • Tribute Bands
    • Residency Gigs (ongoing performances at a venue)
  2. Festivals
    • Music Festivals
    • Arts and Cultural Festivals
    • Seasonal Festivals (e.g., summer, holiday)
    • International Festivals
  3. Private Events
    • Weddings
    • Birthday Parties
    • Anniversaries
    • Holiday Parties
    • Charity Events
  4. Corporate Gigs
    • Corporate Parties
    • Product Launches
    • Award Ceremonies
    • Conferences
    • Team Building Events
  5. Street Performances
    • Busking
    • Pop-up Performances
    • Market and Fair Performances
  6. Cruise Ships
    • Long-term Contracts
    • Short-term Contracts
    • Theme Cruises
  7. Residencies
    • Hotel Lounges
    • Clubs and Bars
    • Restaurants
    • Themed Attractions

Music Production and Sales

  1. Selling Physical Albums
    • CDs
    • Vinyl Records
    • Cassette Tapes
    • Limited Edition Releases
  2. Digital Downloads
    • iTunes
    • Bandcamp
    • Amazon Music
    • Artist’s Own Website
  3. Streaming Revenue
    • Spotify
    • Apple Music
    • Tidal
    • Deezer
    • YouTube Music
  4. Merchandising
    • T-shirts
    • Posters
    • Hats
    • Stickers
    • Physical Bundles (e.g., album + t-shirt)
  5. Bundles
    • Digital Album + Bonus Tracks
    • Album + Exclusive Merch
    • Special Edition Packages

Songwriting and Composition

  1. Writing for Other Artists
    • Pop Songs
    • Genre-Specific Songs (e.g., country, hip-hop)
    • Ghostwriting
  2. Commissioned Works
    • Custom Songs for Individuals
    • Personalized Messages and Songs
  3. Jingles for Advertisements
    • Radio Ads
    • TV Commercials
    • Online Ads
  4. Film Scores
    • Feature Films
    • Short Films
    • Documentaries
    • Indie Films
  5. Video Game Music
    • AAA Titles
    • Indie Games
    • Mobile Games
    • Game Trailers
  6. TV Show Themes
    • Sitcoms
    • Dramas
    • Reality Shows
    • Animated Series

Teaching and Education

  1. Private Lessons
    • One-on-One Lessons
    • In-Person or Online
    • Multiple Instruments
  2. Group Classes
    • Workshops
    • Band Camps
    • Ensemble Classes
  3. Online Courses
    • Pre-recorded Courses
    • Live Online Classes
    • Membership Sites
  4. Workshops and Clinics
    • Genre-Specific Workshops
    • Technique Clinics
    • Masterclasses
  5. Educational YouTube Channel
    • Tutorial Videos
    • Live Streams
    • Q&A Sessions
  6. Music Schools/Academies
    • Founding a Music School
    • Partnering with Existing Schools
  7. Instructional Books and Ebooks
    • Method Books
    • Technique Books
    • Theory Books

Session Work

  1. Studio Sessions
    • Recording for Artists
    • Album Sessions
    • Single Tracks
    • Background Vocals
  2. Live Session Work
    • Touring Bands
    • Backup Musicians
    • TV Performances
    • Award Shows
  3. Remote Recording Services
    • Online Session Work
    • Collaboration with International Artists
  4. Jingle Production
    • Writing and Recording
    • Producing Full Jingles
    • Sound Branding

Licensing and Royalties

  1. Sync Licensing
    • Film Placements
    • TV Show Placements
    • Advertisements
    • Video Games
  2. Performance Royalties
    • Radio Play
    • Live Performances
    • Public Broadcasts
  3. Mechanical Royalties
    • Physical Sales
    • Digital Sales
    • Streaming Platforms
  4. Print Music Royalties
    • Sheet Music Sales
    • Digital Sheet Music
  5. Neighboring Rights
    • Public Performances
    • International Collections

Digital and Online Opportunities

  1. Patreon or Crowdfunding
    • Monthly Subscriptions
    • Exclusive Content
    • One-Time Contributions
  2. YouTube Monetization
    • Ad Revenue
    • Channel Memberships
    • Super Chats
  3. Twitch Streaming
    • Live Performances
    • Interactive Q&A
    • Music Creation Sessions
  4. TikTok Content
    • Viral Music Challenges
    • Short Performances
    • Promotional Content
  5. Podcasting
    • Music Industry Podcasts
    • Educational Podcasts
    • Artist Interviews
  6. Creating and Selling Sample Packs
    • Drum Kits
    • Loop Packs
    • Synth Presets
  7. Online Collaborations
    • Virtual Bands
    • Remote Songwriting

Music Production and Engineering

  1. Mixing and Mastering Services
    • Independent Artists
    • Record Labels
    • Film Scores
  2. Producing for Other Artists
    • Full Album Production
    • Single Track Production
    • Co-Productions
  3. Beat Making and Selling
    • Leasing Beats
    • Exclusive Beat Sales
    • Beat Store Platforms
  4. Sound Design
    • Synth Patches
    • Sample Libraries
    • Custom Sounds

Music Business and Administration

  1. Music Publishing
    • Managing Song Catalogs
    • Securing Sync Placements
    • Admin Services
  2. Artist Management
    • Career Planning
    • Booking Gigs
    • Contract Negotiations
  3. Booking Agency
    • Tour Planning
    • Event Booking
    • Festival Coordination
  4. PR and Marketing for Musicians
    • Press Releases
    • Social Media Management
    • Content Creation
  5. Running a Record Label
    • Artist Development
    • Distribution
    • Marketing
  6. Music Law and Legal Services
    • Contract Drafting
    • Intellectual Property
    • Legal Advice

Creative and Technical Services

  1. Instrument Repair and Maintenance
    • String Instruments
    • Wind Instruments
    • Percussion Instruments
  2. Custom Instrument Building
    • Guitars
    • Drums
    • Unique Instruments
  3. Live Sound Engineering
    • Front of House
    • Monitor Engineering
    • Venue Sound Systems
  4. Lighting and Stage Design
    • Concert Lighting
    • Stage Setups
    • Special Effects
  5. Tour Management
    • Logistics Planning
    • Travel Coordination
    • On-the-Road Management

Miscellaneous

  1. Writing Music-Related Articles/Blogs
    • Music Theory
    • Gear Reviews
    • Industry News
  2. Reviewing Music
    • Album Reviews
    • Concert Reviews
    • Single Reviews
  3. Curating Playlists
    • Streaming Platforms
    • Genre-Specific Playlists
    • Mood-Based Playlists
  4. DJing
    • Club Gigs
    • Private Events
    • Radio Shows
  5. Offering Music Therapy
    • Individual Therapy Sessions
    • Group Therapy
    • Workshops and Seminars

Curiosity unlocked! See what I’m experimenting with inside My Sandbox.

Ways To Make Money In Music (Infographic)

Making Money In Music - Ways To Make Money In Music Infographic
Making Money In Music – Ways To Make Money In Music Infographic

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