It’s no secret that the path to a highly paid musician may take a while. A musician’s income can be unstable, and it also directly depends on the fame of the musical artist. So, you’ll need to do something else for a living. It’s okay, but there’s a problem. It can be important for you as a young musician to have enough time for your creative development. Your essential goal is to find a financially stable and flexible job. A non-musical job can make you feel like it takes away from your music. It takes up all your time and drains your energy. How can you find a way around this? Are there jobs that let you do your favorite and creative work, and at the same time get a stable income?
We’re glad you asked, because here is a list of our best jobs for musicians.
1. Music teacher
Teaching music is the most obvious option, and so it’s the most popular job. Nowadays, vocal lessons are becoming more and more popular. Thus, the demand for a good teacher is increasing.
Moreover, this job has several benefits. You are fully in charge of the schedule and the number of students. You can work as a freelancer or teach at a music school. There’s an opportunity to give lessons online too. Now, the online option has become extremely valuable since many jobs in music industry are susceptible to pandemic restrictions.
2. Jingle writer, composer
A jingle writer is a songwriter and composer who creates songs for adverts. There are also a lot of composer jobs in such areas as movies, theatre, TV, etc.
The main task of the composer is to convey thoughts and feelings or tell a story through music. It’s a great way to develop your creativity and to widen your network of contacts.
3. Sound designer
There’s another option for you if you prefer to work with sound. Sound designers have their hand in a lot of everyday things and phenomena, working with sounds of weapons in the movies, the voiceover of websites, and mobile applications. Even the sound of announcements in the subway or at train stations are things created by these professionals.
A musical ear, deep knowledge of music structure, and the ability to communicate and perceive other points of view are the most important. An appropriate response to criticism is also necessary for this industry. There can be a lot of edits to your work. You should treat them calmly and not take it too personally. Everybody, including your customer, has their vision of creativity.
4. Arranger
Imagine that you want to record a song, but you can only whistle the melody. In this case, an arranger can help you. Arrangers determine the necessary instruments for your song and how to record it to make a hit. Musical literacy, a sense of style, and knowledge of music editors are essential skills. And the ability to play various musical instruments can be useful too.
5. Music journalist
Working as a music journalist you have a chance to share your passion for music with your audience. There are many media options for music journalists to choose from. The more skills you have—art, photography, research, musicology, or video editing—the more aces in your hole you have. It is also worth mentioning that most music journalists should be music photographers.
It makes sense that you’ll work to very tight deadlines. So personal admin and organization are key for managing your time effectively and you could still spend enough time on your music practice. You can make great industry connections while you are doing artist interviews, album reviews, and concert reviews.
6. Wedding DJ
Are you proud of your superpower of creating the right ambience and setting the mood to make everyone dance? Then a wedding DJ job is a great option for you. All you have to do is make a playlist considering the groom and bride’s wishes. If you are keen on recording some covers, you’ll also have an opportunity to play your compositions to increase the number of your loyal fans.
7. Sound tech
If you have a good ear, know the equipment, and have experience in live sound gigs, you’ll probably suit this job. A good concert won’t take place without a good sound tech, even if there are brilliant musicians.
Sound techs are also in demand on radio and television. Sound engineering knowledge is necessary for creating any media content.
8. Music critic
Are you proud of your good sense of style, knowledge of the theory and history of music? Do you also have general erudition and the ability to express your thoughts competently? If yes, you’re welcome to try a music critic job.
The profession of a music critic is closely connected with music journalism and musicology. This is a person who evaluates and analyzes musical works. At the same time, the critic’s assessment should be as objective as possible and based on the strengths and weaknesses of the work.
9. Piano tuner
It’s not necessary to be a pianist. Having an excellent ear and conception of the instrument is enough for hiring as a piano tuner. You’ll get flexible hours and regular clients since a piano requires periodic service. Tuners are more in demand now because they’re retiring, and the young ones aren’t replacing them, so this skill becomes a professional advantage.
You might think that a synthesizer replaced a piano a long time ago. It’s true. But let’s not forget about showrooms, concert halls, orchestras, and schools all having pianos that need to stay in tune.
10. Restaurant performer
It’s a great option to mix business and pleasure. Here you practice your music skills without worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills.
Final thoughts
These music jobs allow you to get experience and make useful connections in the music industry. These options also provide the most important thing—a stable salary.
