You’ve tried private teaching but found it wasn’t for you. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck when it comes to music jobs.
There are more options than you may expect. Some may be harder to find than others, but you don’t have to teach to become a professional musician.
Keep reading to learn about some excellent career paths!
1. Performer
One of the most obvious music jobs outside of teaching is performing. You can get a lot of different performance-based jobs.
If you play an orchestral instrument, you can audition for any openings in orchestras. Some larger orchestras offer full-time positions, but most smaller orchestras are only part-time.
Outside of the orchestral world, you can work as a soloist. You can find freelance gigs in your area at churches and other venues.
And if you enjoy working with others, you can start an ensemble. Then, you can look for gigs for your musical group to perform at.
For the tech savvy musician, there’s also remote recording. I’ve done a bit of this work, and I really enjoy it since I get to perform but somewhat more on my own terms.
2. Composer/Arranger
Perhaps you like writing your own music, so you decide to become a composer. A composer writes original music from scratch.
Meanwhile, an arranger takes music already written and adapts it for a new instrumentation or setting. A composer can be an arranger as well and vice versa.
To get work as a composer or arranger, the fastest way to earn money is to get commissions. You write music that a client wants, and they pay you for the project.
Another option is to do consortium projects. One or two performers will lead the project, but other musicians can join for a smaller fee than what they’d pay to commission you to write music.
If you’re looking for more passive income, you can self-publish your sheet music. Then, you’ll be able to make money every time someone makes a purchase.
3. Music Blogger
A music blogger makes money from writing about music, typically on a blog or website. I’ve made money from this very blog and another blog that I run.
The best ways to make money as a music blogger are from display ads and affiliate sales. However, you can also sell your own digital products to make more money.
For better or worse, these options can take time to become profitable. If you want to make money sooner, you’ll want to find clients to hire you for your music blogging services.
I did this for a couple of years, and it was a great option. Now that I have a different full-time job, I’ve stopped working with clients so that I can focus more on my other content.
You can also use your music blogging skills to write about other topics. That can help you fill up your client roster and make more money.
4. Music Retail Associate
Another one of my favorite music jobs I’ve had is that of a music retail associate. You get to work in a music store and be around instruments and accessories.
The exact job will vary between music stores. I’ve worked for the largest music store in the country as well as a small music store, and both are great but different in many ways.
Of course, this job is similar to other retail jobs in that you often have to work weekends and holidays. But it can be a great option if you’re an expert in music.
Compared to some of the other music jobs out there, retail can be stable. You’ll almost certainly be a traditional employee rather than a contractor.
And if you get a full-time music retail job, you’ll qualify for benefits. Plus, you may still have time on the side to work on other music projects.
5. Musical Instrument Repair Tech
If you like working with things, consider learning instrument repair. You can go to school for it at a few different colleges throughout the US.
Another option is to find a repair technician who will hire you as an apprentice. That way, you can learn the skills you need and maybe even earn money in the process.
Once you’re trained, you can get a full-time job at a music store or in a repair shop. You can also strike out on your own and set up your own repair business.
Depending on the route you take, you can learn to repair a few different instruments. Or you can specialize in repairing the instrument that you play.
Compared to other music jobs, this one requires you to be good with small things. You’ll also need to have a lot of patience, especially when learning to repair instruments.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t want to teach music, you can still have a wonderful career. These are just a few of the best music jobs that don’t involve teaching.
Whether you want to work as a freelancer or find a more traditional full-time job, you have options. And if you want to work for yourself, check out The Freelance Solution!
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