We’re in the middle of an exciting time for musicians, songwriters, and composers. The music industry is evolving quickly and adapting to the realities of our new digital world.
But there’s one thing that has remained a constant: the need for skilled musicians.
As a musician, you are in high demand, and it’s never been easier to make money from your craft. And what’s great about that is you get to choose how you want to earn your living as a musician.
Whether you want to be a freelancer or work on staff for someone else, your options are limitless.
We’ve outlined 11 reasons why so many musicians love the freelance lifestyle!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Flexibility: The freelance lifestyle offers musicians the freedom to work on their own terms and schedule. |
| 2. Creative Independence: Freelancing allows musicians to explore their artistic vision and pursue projects that align with their passion. |
| 3. Diverse Opportunities: Musicians can take advantage of a wide range of opportunities in the freelance market, from live performances to studio sessions and online collaborations. |
| 4. Control Over Projects: Freelancing empowers musicians to choose the projects they want to work on, enabling them to focus on genres, styles, or themes they are most interested in. |
| 5. Networking and Collaboration: The freelance lifestyle opens doors to connect with fellow musicians, industry professionals, and potential collaborators, expanding their network and fostering creative partnerships. |
| 6. Personal Growth: Freelancing challenges musicians to develop skills beyond their musical abilities, such as marketing, self-promotion, and business management, contributing to personal and professional growth. |
| 7. Work-Life Balance: Freelancing offers the potential for a better work-life balance, allowing musicians to prioritize their personal lives and pursue their musical aspirations simultaneously. |
| 8. Income Potential: The freelance lifestyle presents opportunities for musicians to earn a higher income through diverse revenue streams, such as performances, music licensing, teaching, and online platforms. |
| 9. Adaptability: Freelancing equips musicians with the ability to adapt to changing trends, technologies, and market demands, ensuring their music remains relevant and appealing to audiences. |
| 10. Global Reach: With the internet and online platforms, freelance musicians can reach a global audience and collaborate with artists from around the world, transcending geographical limitations. |
| 11. Personal Fulfillment: Above all, the freelance lifestyle allows musicians to pursue their passion, find fulfillment in their work, and live a life centered around their love for music. |
1. You Can Make Your Own Hours
As a freelancer, you can decide when to work and when to take a break. If you want to start at 3 am and finish at 7 am, you don’t have to worry about getting in trouble for not showing up at 9 am. This is especially helpful for musicians who have odd schedules—it allows them to get work done around their band practice time or while they’re on tour.
According to the article on why many people freelance using their mobile devices, mobile technology has revolutionized the way freelancers work. It offers flexibility, convenience, and the ability to work on the go, making it an attractive option for musicians embracing the freelance lifestyle.
2. You Can Work From Where You Like
As a freelancer, you can decide when to work and when to take a break. If you want to start at 3 am and finish at 7 am, you don’t have to worry about getting in trouble for not showing up at 9 am. This is especially helpful for musicians who have odd schedules—it allows them to get work done around their band practice time or while they’re on tour.
3. You Don’t Have To Answer To Anyone But Yourself
This really is the best part of freelance life! As long as you keep your client happy and deliver what they expect on time, no one is going to care how many times you left the house today or if you took an afternoon nap.
4. You Have Time To Spend With Family And Friends
There’s nothing quite like being able to work your own hours, and that can be especially important if you’re a musician and you have a family (which is often the case). Your kids are only young once, and when you have a freelance schedule, you can make sure you’re always there for them when they need you.
And what about your friends? You’ve worked hard to build those relationships, and being self-employed means you can devote more time to maintaining those friendships—and even build new ones!
5. You Can Quit When You Want
Maybe today is just not your day. You’re tired, or maybe there’s something going on in your life that’s just too much for you to handle right now. When you’re an employee at someone else’s company, it might be difficult for you to take time off without notice—but when you’re your own boss, it’s easier than ever!
As the article “Freelancing Is Hard, but It Will Be Worth It” highlights, freelancing comes with its challenges. However, the rewards, such as autonomy, increased earning potential, and a sense of fulfillment, make the journey worthwhile for musicians seeking creative freedom.
6. You Can Work As Much Or As Little As You Like
If you want to work extra hard one month and take a break the next, then go for it! You don’t have to worry about having enough money coming in every month because you get paid per project rather than by how many hours you put in at work.
7. It Is Easier To Get Started Than Ever Before!
There are countless online platforms such as Upwork for musicians where you can sell your services as a freelance musician for very little money (or for free). This is great because it means that anyone can get started without having to invest too much time or money.
8. It Is Cheaper Than Ever To Be A Freelance Musician!
If you’re willing to work hard, there’s never been a better time in history to be your own boss as a musician—from the software that helps you manage your clientele and schedule your gigs down to getting clients online.
9. You Are In Control Of Your Career And How It Progresses
There’s no need to wait for your manager or agent to tell you what to do next. You can make all of those decisions on your own! As a musician, this is especially important because there are so many variables that go into creating an album or performing live at shows.
From working with producers, engineers, and other musicians while recording an album to booking venues, sound technicians, and other people who will help make the show happen when it comes time to play live concerts.
In the article “How Freelancing Gave Me the Life I Always Wanted,” musicians can discover inspiring stories of individuals who pursued the freelance lifestyle and found the personal and professional fulfillment they had been seeking. It showcases the transformative power of freelancing for those looking to align their passion for music with their career.
10. There Are More Opportunities Than Ever Before For Musicians
The music industry has changed tremendously over the past thirty years. The traditional record label model is no longer relevant—and that’s a good thing! Gone are the days when major labels dictated what songs will be on the radio and how they will be promoted.
Now, you are free to do the things you want with your music and promote it however you want. You can create your own marketing plan, find an audience through social media, and stand out from other musicians by creating your own brand.
11. They Enjoy The Variety
Another reason why so many musicians love being freelancers is that they get bored easily without constantly-changing tasks. Most musicians have other projects going on besides just their main band; they might be working on side projects with friends or writing music for movies or TV shows when not performing live at venues around town. The variety of these tasks keeps them motivated and excited about their career.
5 Steps To Finding Jobs As A Freelance Musician
Our team of expert freelancers has put together five steps to becoming a freelance musician, so you can avoid hours of research and just get on with the fun stuff.
1. Find your niche
What kind of music do you want to make? What kind of instruments do you play? What kind of genres are you most interested in? There are a lot of musicians out there, so it’s really important that you stand out.
2. Get training
Your education doesn’t have to stop after college! Take some classes, find mentors, and keep working on your craft. It’s never too late to be the best musician you can be.
The article “The Future of Work Is Here, and Freelancing Leads the Pack” examines the changing landscape of work, with freelancing taking center stage. Musicians can explore how freelancing offers opportunities for growth, adaptability, and a flexible work-life balance, making it an ideal choice for those who value creative independence.
3. Research the competition
Before diving in headfirst, take some time to consider how many other freelance musicians are currently out there, and what each of them does best. Make a list of the pros and cons associated with each one, then decide what specific niche needs to be filled that no one else seems to be offering yet. By doing so, you will stand out
4. Make connections with other musicians
Networking is so important for finding work, making connections with venues, and getting your name out there as a musician. Building relationships with other musicians—especially ones who are already well-established—can also help you learn new things and improve both your skills and your business approach.
5. Create a portfolio site
If a gig is looking for someone who specializes in electric bass, they’re going to look through your past work and decide whether or not you’re right for the job based on what they find there. Make sure your site looks professional and gives off the right vibe!
Musicians interested in pursuing freelancing as a means to achieve a full-time income can gain valuable insights from the article “Freelancing for a Full-Time Income: A Ghostwriter Shares His Story.” It presents a firsthand account of a ghostwriter’s successful journey, illustrating the possibilities and strategies musicians can employ to establish a sustainable freelancing career.
Final Thoughts
Depending on your personality, there’s a freelance music career out there for you. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or you’re ready to make music your profession, a successful freelancer makes sure they are providing value to their clients. As these five steps highlight, it’s never too late or too early to turn your passion into a career. And with a little effort, patience and perseverance, you can do it.
Further Reading
Living Life as a Freelance Musician: This blog post explores the unique experiences and challenges of living life as a freelance musician. Gain insights into the freelance music industry and learn tips for navigating this career path.
Freelance Life at Work: Stories and Insights: Discover real stories and insights about the freelance life at work. This resource provides a deeper understanding of the freelancing experience across various industries, including valuable lessons and best practices.
11 Reasons Why Musicians Have It Good (or at Least Better Than Some): Dive into the reasons why musicians have unique advantages and opportunities in their careers. This article highlights the positive aspects of being a musician, including creative fulfillment, flexibility, and the potential for success.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between a musician and a freelancer?
A musician makes music. A freelancer is self-employed and can choose what type of work he or she wants to take on. Freelancers sell their services to clients who want to hire them.
Why do so many musicians love the freelance lifestyle?
For many musicians, the freelance lifestyle is just a dream. It means fewer distractions, more time with family, and—let’s face it—not having to go to work at 9 am every day. They’ve seen people like them make it work and they’re wondering how they can get there too. What’s holding them back?
Why aren’t more musicians taking advantage of freelancing?
A: Many musicians want to be free of the typical 9-5 schedule, but they don’t know where to start. They’ve heard about sites like Upwork, but they’re not sure if that’s the right fit for them. Musicians are busy people! Many don’t have the time to sit down and figure out which platform is best for them.
What are some of the other benefits of being a freelance musician?
You’ll have the flexibility to pick and choose projects that work for you. You can also live anywhere and travel without worrying about leaving your job behind!
Will I always be able to find work?
Yes! In fact, there’s nearly endless work available in the music industry. You can choose to focus on one area or branch out into several niches—the choice is up to you. And with the amount of work available, you can pretty much set your own schedule and take time off when you want. It’s very flexible!
What is the first step when starting to freelance?
The first step you should take when starting freelancing is to know what you want to do. You should know what genre you want to play and what type of business you want to work for.
Why do you love freelancing?
Because it gives me the freedom to travel and work from anywhere, whether that’s my home studio, a coffee shop, or a beach in Costa Rica!
How much money do you make?
It really depends on the gig. I’ve made anywhere from $150 to $2000 for a single project! The flexibility is amazing. I can take on as many clients as I want at once—or none at all, if I’m taking time off to travel or record with my band!
Can I make money?
Yes. Even if you’re touring and playing at gigs for fun, you can still use your skills to make money. You might create music for video games, create arrangements for other musicians to play, or even record music in a studio.
What if I don’t want to be a musician?
There are other options—you could be a sound engineer, lighting technician, stage manager, etc., and work in the music industry without being a musician yourself.
Can I make this my full-time job?
Yes. More than half of all workers in the U.S. today are freelancers of some kind, so it’s not weird or uncommon at all! And now that more people are working remote jobs, you can do it from anywhere in the world!
What are some of the downsides of being a freelancer? Anything I should be careful about?
One downside is that you don’t always have someone there to help if something goes wrong. Another downside is that you don’t always have people to bounce ideas off of and collaborate with. And a third downside is that you have to do all the paperwork yourself!
Are there certain kinds of musicians who are more likely to freelance than others?
Jazz musicians are most likely to freelance, while classical musicians are least likely to freelance.
What’s so great about freelancing for musicians?
Musicians are able to spend less time worrying about work and more time focusing on their art. They can set their own schedules, choose projects they’re passionate about, and be their own bosses. Whether it’s taking gigs in different cities or working on an album in their home studio, freelancing allows them to do what they love without sacrificing their careers.
How can I make sure I’m constantly getting new gigs?
Reach out to a bunch of different venues and ask them if you can play there. If you don’t have contacts, try asking around for recommendations to places that might hire you, or look for a music promoter and see if they can help you.
How do I find work-life balance?
You’re a freelancer now, so there’s no one telling you what hours you should be working. Try setting aside specific times to work and schedule it in your calendar—these are your “office hours.” Be sure to block out time for yourself too, so you can recharge!
What happens if I don’t get paid?
Make sure that the venue has your contact info, including your email address and phone number. If you send an invoice and they don’t pay by the deadline, follow up with them to make sure they received the invoice in a kind but firm tone. If that doesn’t work, then depending on the amount of money involved, consider hiring an attorney or filing a civil lawsuit against them in small claims court (which is designed for people who don’t have attorneys).
I’m a musician. Why do people think I’d make a good freelancer?
Well, first of all, you have an incredibly valuable skill set and a robust network to tap into—so the odds are pretty good that once the word gets out, people will want to hire you! But that’s not even the main reason so many musicians go freelance. The real reason is that the freelance lifestyle gives us control over our schedules and our lives in a way that makes it possible to keep playing music when we want to.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.