Diversify your income streams- no matter what. This is a sign of strength, good planning, and flexibility.
Diversifying is Crucial
Volatile. If I had to describe life in our economic and social world right now it would be: volatile. So, we have to be prepared for anything! Over the past few posts, I’ve written about things I wish I knew before I started my career in music. Most of the topics are from my personal experience and from observing the careers of my friends, former classmates, and colleagues.
Finding the Beauty
My career is like my mug collection or my patchwork quilt. It’s lovely, it’s diverse, it’s scrappy, it needs tending to now and then, but it’s mine and I like it. I can add to it or I can change things around. It’s all up to me!
Truths
What I’ve learned over the past 20 years is this: no one job is “safe”
- Jobs come and jobs go
- Funding comes and funding goes
- Some regions have striving music education programs, some don’t
- Communities value different things
- Not every city has a thriving arts scene
- Interest in our craft comes and goes
- Art and Music have trends that come and go
While these are some truths I’ve learned, I also know this:
- I am steady
- I am resourceful
- I am creative
- I am capable of looking ahead
- My skills have value on and off stage
- People want to experience music
- Flexibility is crucial
- Live music and live music instruction have a place in communities
The Ebb and Flow
So, while there may be periods of chaos and periods of calm. I can trust in myself and so can you.
How many of you have been asked about what you want to study in school or what you do for a living? Then when you answer that you want to study music or you’re a professional musician you get a lukewarm response, or that’s not a “real” career vibe from the person you’re talking to?
You have no idea how many times I’ve had that conversation. While I may not sit in an office from 9-5 everyday, my job isn’t just one job or one task, and it is very much a job. Even when I have had “steady” W2 jobs, I’ve always had multiple income streams.
Why? Because it is smart not to just have one thing. Many orchestral musicians, college professors, and teachers with steady full time jobs teach private lessons and have other gigs too.
Connections!
In addition to the income, having multiple income streams also opens your world to more connections. More connections = more community. More community = more arts and music in the world. So, while practically, yes, it’s good to have multiple income streams, it’s also good just to have more music, music education, and arts advocacy out there in the world.
As mentioned, even if you have a full time music teaching job in school, there are still playing opportunities. I know many orchestra teachers who have playing and coaching gigs outside of school. While this option depends on where you live, it is very possible!
Read the Fine Print
Please note- some jobs have non-compete clauses and wording about taking on other work outside of your job. You need to read your contract really carefully to see what you can and cannot do.
Freelancers and Self-Employed Friends
For freelancers and those self employed musicians out there- you have to do more than one thing!
Here are some jobs that can be paired together:
- Teach private lessons
- in your home
- at a studio
- at a school (depends on where you live)
- Work with a youth symphony
- Coach sectionals at your local school orchestra program (where available)
- Join a regional orchestra (audition usually required)
- Sub with orchestras/chamber groups (audition usually required)
- Play events/gigs
- Work with an arts/music focused non-profit organization
- Create your own concert series
Now what?
Get out there, be creative, diversify your income, and rely on yourself. No one is coming to save you except for you! This may all seem kind of overwhelming, and I get that. Luckily, there are people who can help you!
Seek Career Guidance
I highly recommend working with someone who can help you focus on your strengths to diversify your income and help you find what works best for you. Here are a couple of people/programs/career coaches I recommend checking out:
Aspire Music – Dawson White
Angela Myles Beeching The Professional Musician’s Roadmap
There is no one shoe that fits all, not in our field. Being willing to be flexible, diversify yourself, and embrace multiple jobs can lead to a meaningful career in the arts. If you’re interested in a 1:1 consultation with me or have questions, send me a message. If I don’t have the answer I may know someone who does and can point you in the right direction! I’m here to help.
