How to Have a Day Job as a Musician

When working as a musician, as in most creative fields, it is difficult to find enough work to make a living. If you are holding down a full time job and trying to be a musician on the side, it can be hard to find the time to perfect your skills and the energy to shine when you perform. Sometimes it looks like a no-win situation. But it is possible to succeed as a musician full time.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Practice. You can't just want to be a musician, you have to truly be skilled at what you do. Take the time to perfect your craft. While you will continue to grow throughout your musical career, you will need to sound tight and professional before you get out in front of people.

2. Have patience. Very few people achieve overnight success in the field of music. That means you probably can not quit your day job right away. Take the time to come up with a long term plan. You can start performing part time during the evenings and weekends. Your contacts and opportunities will grow over time and as you build a reputation.

3. Decide if you would like to be a solo act or work with other musicians. Both have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Often a solo musician or duo can get more overall work than a large band because of limited space in many venues. On the other hand, large bands may be hired at upscale, well-paying venues that wouldn't consider hiring a solo act. If you choose to work with other musicians, be sure you have compatible ideas and personalities. Teaming up with other musicians is almost like a marriage.

4. Approach music as you would any other business. This means paying attention to sales and booking, bookkeeping, advertising and the IRS.
   
   You'll need to keep excellent records and make sure everything is done in legally. An excellent way to get started in any type of business is to contact the Senior Core of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.). This group of retired successful business executives offers information and advice to people starting small businesses. You can find S.C.O.R.E. locations all across the United States. Their services are free and you can meet with them on a regular basis to keep your business on track.

5. Think creatively about your gigs--don't limit yourself to night clubs and bars. It is not all about glamour, being a working musician means being paid to make music in all kinds of situations. For example:
   
   - Often nursing homes and other senior residential communities hire entertainers regularly and at a good hourly rate. Most of these gigs are only an hour long and you will take home about the same pay as you would for three to four hours at a club.
   
   - Local arts councils and town governments often hire musicians for events at an excellent rate.
   
   - Even libraries often pay musicians to give concerts in all musical genres.
   
   - Fairs and festivals are another source of performance opportunity. Try your local 4-H fair.
   
   - Try rehabilitation hospitals. They often have a budget for entertainment.
   
   - Schools are surprisingly some of the best paying venues for musicians. If you can work out a program which is educational as well as musical, you may be able to perform at school assemblies. In many communities, school assembly work alone pays well enough to quit your day job if you can get hired for enough of them.
   
   - Play private parties. Wherever you play, be sure to mention that you are available to play private events. These gigs are great money when you can get them!

6. Believe in yourself. Trying to book gigs, like any type of sales work involves a certain amount of rejection. This doesn't mean that you aren't great at what you do. Hang in there and keep trying. Eventually your efforts will pay off.