10 Ways You Can Make Money as A Musician Without Signing a Label

Creating music is an important part of your life if you’re a musician. But creating and marketing music is hard work. And unfortunately, it’s hard to make a full-time income from playing music unless you have a record deal with a major label. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to make money in the music industry and earn money from live shows or record sales. 

Here are ten ways to make money as a musician that doesn’t involve signing with a label.

1) Create Your Music Gear

There are many types of musical equipment available for sale online. From guitars and amplifiers to keyboards and synthesizers, the options are endless. If you want to learn how to play guitar but don’t want to buy one new every time you get bored, check out some used gear on Craigslist. Or better yet, create your gear by building something yourself!

2) Sell Music Licenses Online

You may not be able to afford the latest electronic drum kit, but you could still sell digital copies of your songs online. Many people use sites like iTunes and Amazon to download their favorite artists’ music, so if you have a song that you’d like to share with others, consider selling licenses online instead of giving them away for free. You’ll earn a bit of money from each sale while also helping promote your music and potentially growing your fan base.

3) Play Live Shows

If you’ve ever wanted to perform at a concert, now is the perfect time to do it! There are tons of places worldwide where musicians gather to play for fans. Check out local venues in your area or look online to find out about big events happening near you. The more exposure you get, the more likely that someone will ask you to join their band!

4) Make Money With YouTube

Music videos are everywhere these days. They pop up on TV shows and websites all over the Internet. Some of the most popular music videos feature famous musicians performing new songs. Why not upload your videos? You can make money from ads placed on your video pages, and you might even be featured on other artists’ channels as well.

5) Teach Music Lessons Online

If you love teaching music lessons, why not offer your services online? Sites like Udemy and Teachable let anyone teach courses online, which means you can start making money right away without having to invest a ton of money into setting up a physical studio. Plus, since you’re teaching from home, you won’t have to worry about finding space for students to practice.

6) Offer Music Lessons In Person

If you’re interested in learning how to play guitar or piano but don’t want to take online classes, you should try offering private lessons in person. Find a place to rent a room for your lessons, or set up shop at a coffee shop or library. It’s a great way to meet potential students, and you can charge a small fee for your time. Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you need to give up practicing.

7) Start A Band!

Want to become a rock star? Want to write your songs and play them for audiences? Starting a band is one of the best ways to make money as a musician. Whether you form a cover band, a metal band, or a country band, there are plenty of gigs to be had in almost any city. Artists like Christopher Sluka, who originally signed with major labels for his first three albums (Mitsubishi Meldac and Time-Warner CGD), have released all subsequent albums on their independent label and publishing company. 

Sluka is an internationally recognized artist who has been captivating audiences worldwide with his progressive alt rock of music with his band with the same name. The band has also released two studio albums in Japan. Even though Sluka the Band is a rock band, they are known as storytellers for our times. They have garnered a worldwide audience for their albums through social media.

8) Record Songs for Other Artists

If you have a good ear for music, you can often get paid to write songs for other artists. This is especially true if you already know how to play an instrument but don’t have a record deal yet. Try contacting some of your favorite artists and asking if they’d be willing to hire you to write some original songs for them.

9) Perform At Festivals and Events

Festivals and concerts are a great way to make money as a musician. Not only do you get to play with large crowds of people, but you also get to travel and meet new fans. Check out the local listings to see if any festivals or events are coming up near you. You can also post ads on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to advertise your performances.

10) Create Merchandise for Fans

The best way to make money as a musician is to build a strong fan base. Once you have a following, you can create products that will help you connect with your fans. You can create t-shirts, posters, stickers, phone cases, and much more. These items can be sold online, at shows, or even given away as gifts to your fans.

Final Words

Making money as a musician isn’t easy, but it’s possible! No matter what type of music you play, you can always make money by sharing your talent with others. The key is to be creative and think outside the box.

What are some of the ways you make money as a musician? Share your ideas in the comments below!