|
Maxing Your Musical Mastery
 Earning More Without Learning More
Article by Kenny Love
Back to Commentary Index
Every musician has, at least, two methods he (or she) can use to proactively earn an income, yet, most only utilize
one method. As an example, most artists utilize performing as their primary source of income.
And, while many artists do have recordings, their recorded music is generally treated as an "aftermarket"
product. Or, more clearly, a product that is left to defend itself in the income producing arena.
So, in an effort to apprise you of more areas that you may (or may not) have considered for producing more income
from your local market, please review the below list of avenues artists can utilize to gravitate to a higher tax
bracket.
1. Live Performance
a. Night clubs
b. Weddings
c. High school functions
d. College functions
e. Company functions
f. Holiday parties
g. Summer outdoor parties
h. Grand openings
i. New company openings
2. Your Own CD For $ale
3. Private Teaching
There are always a large number of people, even in the smallest geographical areas, who would like to learn to
play an instrument, if only they knew someone who could teach them. And, you don't need a college degree to teach
someone to play an instrument.
Actually, I find that most people are, initially, really only seeking to be introduced to an instrument and, basically,
interested in learning how to get sound out of it in order to not be embarrassed, instead of seeking virtuosity.
4. Public Teaching
Do you reside in a fairly sized town, or in a college area? If so, why not consider teaching classes for a couple
of hours, one or two nights at a nearby community college? Community colleges are almost always open to new ideas
for continuing education classes, as long as there isn't already a similar class on their current curriculum.
Even if there is, perhaps, you can still get on the curriculum by putting a spin or angle on your class, in the
interest of making it different from the current class. For example, instead of simply offering a standard guitar
class, why not add a specialty to it, such as "Jazz guitar," "Rock guitar" or "Classical
guitar," etc.?
5. Studio Session Work
How many local artists do you encounter who are trying to produce their own CD? Probably, quite a few. if so, why
not hire yourself out as a studio session musician? In order to make this pay off well, you will probably need
to study various commercial genres of music, i.e., Country, Rock, Urban, Jazz, etc., in order to be flexible enough
to
work and earn from it consistently without limitations.
6. Songwriting
Another area that most artists aren't true masters in, at least, for some time. If you are, however, a seasoned
songwriter, who understands the process fairly well, i.e., when enough is enough, or not, in terms of content,
this can be a rewarding source of income for you. Just be sure to cover yourself on the "writer royalty"
end with
your performing rights organization.
7. Arranging
While many artists can put songs together generally, I find that many beginning songwriters are not adept at arranging
their material according to commercially accepted standards. For instance, maybe a bridge or hook is too long.
or, perhaps, an instrumental intro
could be shortened for radio.
And, maybe, the entire song is too long for radio, as radio is still a stickler about the length of music, preferring
to remain safely within the confines of the 3 - 4-1/2 minute range for commercial sake.
Fixing all of these kinds of things equates to commercial arranging. And, you can probably help out a lot of artists,
particularly, neophytes in perfecting their original material.
8. Radio/TV Jingles
Why not add some income by approaching businesses in your area and offering to write an original score for them?
If you live in a decently sized town, i.e., Chicago, Detroit, etc., it is likely there are companies that are already
seeking someone with your skills, but don't know you exist.
9. Ad Agencies/Public Relations Firms
You could also contact area advertising agencies and public relations firms in order to align yourself with them
as a resource for jobs that they acquire.
10. Area Stage Plays
How about you and/or your band providing live background music for area plays that are being produced locally or
regionally? You could approach high schools, college drama departments and community theatre groups. Even dance
troupes might be open to the idea as well.
Hopefully, this handful of ideas can inspire you to come up with other outlets for maxing your musical mastery
and, ultimately, maximizing your income potential.
-----
Kenny Love has
an extensive background in both the Music and Writing industries. Learn about the new services that he is providing
to unsigned and independent recording artists in response to today's shaken and fractionalized Music industry by
sending an email request to klmubiz@getresponse.com. |
|
|
Submit An Article for Consideration!
Would you like to submit an article for publication at MusicBizAcademy.com? If you have music-related expertise
you'd like to share with other musicians including career tips, how to's, or general music business-related articles,
please feel free to send them our way. We'll be glad to consider them. Submit your article! |
|
|
|
untitled
|
Follow The
Music Biz Academy
on Twitter. Get instant notifcation of new music promotion tips tips, music business articles, resources and news. It's all business, all the time.
Subscribe FREE...
to the Music Biz Academy newsletter! Music promotion tips, articles, site recommendations, and industry news will be delivered
to your inbox. Details Here.
How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet
This easy-to-read guide to music promotion teaches you how to effectively sell your music online! Learn what works
and what doesn't from a musician who's now promoting music on the Internet full time! More....
Get Educated...
Master the Music Biz!
Online Courses. Many Programs. Learn Day or Night.
Details Here.
Our Top 20 Articles
21
Songwriting Tips
How
to Write an Artist Bio
Mastering
Your Music
Improve
Your Press Kit
Sell
Your CDs Online
Performance
Contracts
What's
a Record Deal About?
Inside
Record Labels
A
Legal Checklist
How
to Write a Press Release
Record
Distribution: 25 Tips
Guerrilla
Marketing Tips
How to Make a Living w/ Music
Internship
Do's & Don'ts
Starting a Music Business
Reasons
Demos Are Rejected
Artist/Band
Interview Form
Facts
About Music Licensing
Planning
A Radio Campaign
Tax
Tips for Musicians
Lots
More Articles...
The Complete Guide to Starting
a Record Company
This
wonderful book guides you step
by
step through the process of starting up your own independent record label.
It
includes vital advice on how to retain lawyers and accountants, construct budgets, sign artists, navigate
artist contracts, find a distributor and how to develop and
execute an effective marketing plan.
More...
MySpace
Music Marketing
With tens of millions of registered
users, MySpace.com has become a
godsend for countless independent artists. If you're not promoting your music on MySpace yet, you
need to start - right away. Everything
you need to know, including tips
and tricks, interviews with successful
MySpace bands, and how to fine-tune
your MySpace profile for maximum
punch. The perfect "how to"
guide for MySpace beginners, especially!
More...
Music Is Your Business
Christopher Knab and Bartley F. Day's expanded edition of "Music Is Your Business" is filled
with more insights into the business side of being a successful
musician or band. Included are chapters on both Internet and traditional
music marketing methods. The essential legal issues you need to
know are explained as are music contract tips, how to license your
music, attract
distributors, get radio airplay and create a
demand for your music. More...
How to Be Your Own Booking Agent
Jeri
Goldstein’s award-winning
resource for artists and musicians is artfully organized into 510 pages
of savvy advice, realistic methods and action plans for the performing
artist. The book is a step-by-step guide through virtually all aspects
of the music business. It's a fantastic resource, a MUST-READ and a
favorite here at the Music Biz Academy. One of the best, most in-depth
books written about how to run your own music business. More...
Guerrilla Music Marketing Handbook
This is your guide to independent music success secrets, featuring over 175 ways to thrive and prosper with your
own band or record label. Goal setting, networking, lists of distribution channels, offbeat promotional ideas.
It's all here! More....
The Indie Bible
With 350 pages containing over 10,000 contacts, including music reviewers and radio stations, The Indie Bible
is a resource for songwriters and musicians who wish to have their music heard, reviewed, or considered for radio
play. More....
All Content © 1996-2009
Midnight Rain Productions.
All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy |
|
