4 Ways for Musicians to Earn a Living During the Pandemic
From Guest Contributor Stephanie Haywood
The pandemic has been a disaster for artists. Even as music venues expand their schedules, many musicians are still struggling to make ends meet.
Thankfully, vaccinations are underway and things are finally looking up for all the industries hurt by the pandemic. But what does the future hold for musicians? To Tony Productions shares some ideas to help you pay the bills and continue growing your music career during this difficult time.
Start a Side Business
If you’re waiting out the pandemic to go back on tour, consider launching a side business in the meantime. Musicians have all kinds of tools and talents at their disposal that can serve as the foundation for a successful business. Using your skills and world-class audio equipment, you could work as a songwriter, lyricist, transcriber, or audiobook narrator. You could even write jingles for advertisements or use your vocal skills for voice acting!
Before starting your business, be sure to handle all of your legal obligations so you can avoid issues down the road. For example, you should consider obtaining an IRS EIN (also called an IRS business number) so you can differentiate your business finances and make tax time easier. An EIN is also important if you plan on hiring employees.
Teach Music Lessons Online
Working as an online music teacher is another great way to put your talents to good use during the pandemic. Get started by building a website where you can promote your services and start collecting leads. Bandzoogle recommends including a music page to offer some insight into the kind of music you play and a pricing page so potential students can view your rates. You could even integrate a subscription payment plan so students can subscribe to access live lessons and other helpful resources.
Plan a Covid-Safe Concert
If you’re itching to get back on stage, don’t let the pandemic stop you! Try to get inventive and host a concert with social distancing. For example, you could use fences to separate pods of people, allowing for the recommended distance in front of an outdoor stage. Another option is to have a more traditional concert setting but make proof of vaccination and masks a requirement. And regardless of which option you choose, provide hand-washing stations and sanitizer, and consider performing temperature checks on attendees.
Host Virtual Performances
One of the best ways to grow your music career during the pandemic is to get active online. Virtual concerts are likely here to stay, even as music venues open back up. They provide you with an opportunity to share your music with people who may not be able to come out to a show. While virtual concerts aren’t quite the same as in-person shows, they can be surprisingly immersive and engaging for your online audience. Performing virtual shows is a great way to connect with your fans and keep building excitement around your personal brand.
You can host a virtual show on a number of different platforms. GoDaddy explains that most musicians are using Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch for streaming their home performances. Just be sure to test your audio before going live. You may want to invest in a new microphone to ensure that your music sounds great to everyone listening from home!
People working in the music industry were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities online for musicians looking for side gigs as we all wait for life to return to normal. Launch your own business, host a virtual concert, or start teaching music lessons online. This additional revenue stream will continue to benefit you long after the pandemic ends!
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