For musicians looking for opportunities within the industry, there are a lot of small business ideas that are worth pursuing. In addition, there are many businesses that keep the music industry running as a whole, and these music businesses be an excellent fit for musicians with an entrepreneurial streak. In this article, we’ll go through some of the best business ideas for musicians and how to get started.
The Music Industry in 2022
The music industry has seen a serious boom with the introduction of streaming services. The live music industry, record labels, and the event industry are all witnessing a demand for musicians and different types of music businesses.
Why You Should Consider Starting a Music-related Business
Music lovers with a passion for business have a lot to consider. Whether you’re interested in music-related events, music publishing, or something adjacent to that, there are many lucrative business ideas that you can go for. You could even strike out on your own like many music producers have and start your own business by working with rising talent.
Top Business Ideas for Musicians
There are many great business ideas for those with musical talents and business acumen. We’ll review some of the top music industry businesses you can consider pursuing.
1. Music video director
The music industry comprises many individuals who go behind the camera to direct music videos. You can work with emerging talent as a music video director and bring their vision to life, including the creative direction.
2. Music Producer
Music production could be a good fit for you if your musical talents lie in not just melodies but also in putting together songs. You can work with musicians to produce songs from start to finish, including putting together the lyrics and the beat.
3. Music School
If you’re looking to teach the next generation of musicians and artists, you could start your own music school. This could include classes on music theory, instruments, vocal lessons, and other areas of music.
4. Music Blogger
If you love listening to music and are trying to figure out how to make money listening to music, becoming a music blogger could be a great fit. You could start a music blog with reviews, a music podcast, or write for a reputed music review site to share your opinion on the latest releases and music news.
5. Recording Studio Owner
If you’re willing to put up the initial investment to build your own recording studio, you could start your own recording studio. Recording artists can rent it out for specific periods of time for recording sessions for their music.
6. Music Therapy
Another growing area for musicians is music therapy for both adults and children. You can work with clients to provide therapy services through music, and this can look different based on your skills and talents, such as writing songs together, learning instruments, dancing, and more.
7. Record Label Owner
For music fans looking for the next big thing, starting your own record label could be a great fit. You can sign different recording artists or a musical act based on the genres you’re interested in or where you see the most potential.
8. Music Teacher
Many music schools are looking for qualified teachers for their students. You could become a music teacher for instruments, singing, and vocals, or even run some business classes that older students might be looking for.
More Profitable Music Business Ideas
There are many other music careers that you can pursue if you would like to play music. We’ll go through some more profitable music business ideas that could be a good fit.
9. Songwriter
If you like to write songs, you can become a professional songwriter. As a songwriter, you could write your own songs that you could pitch and sell to other musicians and record labels looking for new music to license and produce.
10. Music Store Owner
If you’re looking for ways to make music more accessible and available, consider starting your own music store. You could sell musical instruments or even start a music instrument rental service as well as records and music CDs.
11. Music Publicist
For those who are good at networking, a music publicist could be the right fit. You would work with journalists and record labels as a music promoter for recorded music and artists, including facilitating interviews, PR, and other efforts.
12. Recording Artist
For musicians that want to put themselves out there, becoming a recording artist has become a more viable option thanks to streaming music services. You can record and add music to music streaming platforms to gain new listeners. Here’s a resource on how to make money streaming on music platforms and other online video channels.
13. Video Game Audio Creator
Video games are all about the background music; they need talented audio creators to help set the scene and create that ambiance with theme songs. You can work with video game publishers to create the audio for the game, such as a theme song and other audio content.
14. Session Musician
Session musicians work with bands and vocalists that temporarily need a musician for their performance. For example, a band could need a drummer for a few nights to play a gig or a guitarist to add to their recording sessions. Based on your skills and talent, you could work with recording studios to work with their musicians.
15. Voice Coach
Many vocalists are looking for ways to strengthen their voices and train for a specific performance or event. You could become a vocal coach and provide private lessons to vocalists and musicians to prepare them for stage events.
16. Local Event Artist
Many local events seek musicians to perform, such as weekend concerts and seasonal festivals. You can also work with local businesses in the area, such as a wedding band business or a mobile DJ business, to book more gigs.
What Can Musicians Do to Make Money?
There are many options available for musicians that want to make money. You can start your own business, including blogging, music video direction, music distribution, a song licensing business, and other services within the recording industry.
What Business Can you Start As an Artist?
As an artist, you can start a business by becoming a session musician, working with music publishers to sell your songwriting, or starting your own record label to discover and nurture new talent.
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