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Step 1
Know what your limits are. Some people are willing to play anywhere, anytime for pay that varies greatly. Others are more selective and only want to play in certain venues or only with certain income requirements. Neither decision is right or wrong, but making this decision early can help guide one's instrumentalist career.
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Step 2
Seek out orchestral opportunities in smaller towns. While being in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is a dream job, it won't likely happen the year after you complete your musical studies. Instead you should ferret out jobs in smaller towns. Places such as Lexington, Kentucky, have orchestras as well, and while the pay may be lower, these opportunities are great steppingstone opportunities for young instrumentalists.
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Step 3
Consider giving lessons. Musical lessons are one of the rites of passage in childhood. Even if you have to resort to an instrument-such as piano-that is not your primary instrument, you can earn money helping others with their music. Don't just seek out middle school kids learning to play; colleges require music majors to take private lessons, and you will get paid through the university for these jobs.
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Step 4
Look for camps, clinics and other places where experts in specific instruments may be required. Thousands upon thousands of high school students go to band camp each year, and these camps use younger, but successful, musicians to teach sections and other skills. These gigs are good summer work and typically pay decently.
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Step 5
Offer yourself as an instrumentalist for hire. People often hire instrumentalists to play at weddings, anniversary parties and other special occasions. Restaurants also hire out musicians to perform background music on certain evenings. Even after you have landed on-going work, seek out these gigs to add to your experience and bank account.
