Give Music Lessons ($30-$100 Hour)
As a musician, its really easy to find ways to give music lessons. If you have one or even two instruments fairly mastered, you can start training even if they are young.
I know its one of the most basic options, but you don't necessarily have to see this as just any other boring opportunity. Why? There are a lot of shifts when it comes to learning music, including new ways to present learning opportunities (online instead of in person).
You could always do the traditional face to face, which is usually aquired by either connecting locally with friends or family. You can alternatively offer local music lessons online, where you can connect outside of your circle. A couple good websites to host your service would be on popular ones like Fiverr or Preply.
Alternatively, you can create premade courses for music theory, production, or really any other category. You then post these courses as video tutorials on websites like Udemy. With this you can easily earn passive income, as you created a resource that reaches more than just one student at a time.
Provide Voiceover Services ($20-$30 Hour)
As a musician, you have much better trained ears and voice to diction and understand what sounds good and what sounds off. Performing voiceover services would be great gig for Musicians, especially if you have a singing talent (even if its not lead singer level).
I know of many artists who provide this service as a side gig because usually they already have the proper gear to do this, or they get good reviews doing it. To get started you just need a:
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Good microphone
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Interface
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Quiet ambient
Most of the best chill gigs are found on Upwork or Fiverr. However you can also find them on sites like Voices or ACX for audiobooks. This is also a great gig if you want to find ways to earn money reading books.
Create Unlicensed Music ($20-$150 Month)
I have seen a lot of smaller musicians create unlisenced music and still make a few bucks from it. While you may not always get the credit, people are thankful that you offer something they could use without the need to pay a huge fine.
Most people who use music like this always donate to the artist. If they dont, which they may not in the first few songs. Over time you will start receiving small contributions. The key is to have:
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Multiple music pieces catering to multiple genres
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Post on seperate platforms, not just one
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Feel free to publicize your offer of free music
A couple good platforms you can get started on would be popular places like Audiio or EpidemicSound.
Make a Music Youtube Channel ($50-$1,000+ Monthly)
Music channels on Youtube are extremely popular. Whether you want to make a channel full of LoFi music, or even dub techno. You can easily re-use tracks or create new ones with similar loops. All you have to do is put an image and then upload 2-3 hours worth of music.
The music doesnt have to all be extremely unique, as most people use this music for studying, work, or even to go to the gym. Keeping the music consistent, even if it seems boring, usually keeps the listeners retention longer.
I personally use these types of Youtube videos daily, and I see thousands of viewers using small creators playlists. Its a great way to earn passively and get your name recognized as well! A few popular examples I think are great inspirations would be Essential Classics or Celine who make study sessions!
Take on Weekend Gigs ($200-$2,000+)
Weekend gigs are a rather common side hustle for Musicians. Whether you have connections or maybe find a few run down shows online. Nevertheless, it has always been a great way to be recognized, or atleast earn a bit of cash.
You can take on multiple types of weekend gigs too, not just to help out small bands when the bassist calls in sick. A few ways you can play on the weekend could be:
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Performing for a wedding: Lately weddings have been more than over the top, and most are requesting for artists to come and play live shows at their ceremony. You can find gigs like this on Facebook marketplace or in local gig sites.
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Perform at church: Local churches, especially megachurches pay their band members to contribute for weekly events. Even if. you aren't religious, a majority will still allow you to play. They are really easy sets too, making it an easy job for anyone.
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Find a local band: If you are at music school or maybe already know of a few musicians, try to reach out to those with bands and see fi they need a guy to play. Most of the time, they need a drummer or a guitarist ehre and there.
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Be the go to fill in: If you cant catch a main role in a band, put yourself forward and make yourself available as the fill in or extra band member. You may not get paid as much, but you could get more recognition this way.
Be a Concert/Event Stage Hand ($15-$70 Hour)
Maybe you don't want to play directly in a band, but you are still a casual musician looking for a foot in the door for the Music Industry. Well I was a stage hand and producer of live events for 2 years at an internship, and I would know a thing or two about getting yourself a job as a Concert Stage Hand.
First, you need to know most music gigs are usually word of mouth, you won't find them directly on websites like Freecash. However, you can search for stage hand jobs with local searches on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or even Glassdoor.
Many Event Coordinators and large companies are looking for stage hands. It helps if you are in a rather popular city. If not, don't fret (pun intended), you can find some cool ways to listen to music and earn money, even if that means playing a game on Freecash with a cool soundtrack.
