Student years are full of new acquaintances, experiences, and fun. However, many people lack financial independence and may struggle to make ends meet. Therefore, students often turn to their skills, which can be monetised.
Some of the skills that can be monetised may include writing, graphic design, and tutoring. Yet, since many people learnt to play musical instruments as children, their music skills can bring them money too. Today, we are going to share how you can do it. Keep reading to find out more!
Top 6 ways to earn money using music as a student
1. Teaching music lessons
The first way to make money with your music skills is to teach others. Whether it’s music theory, vocal tutoring, or playing a musical instrument, you can offer private lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. This can be a great way to earn money while also sharing your passion.
You can advertise your services through social media, flyers, or word of mouth. Additionally, offering online lessons can expand your potential client base beyond your local area. Be sure to offer package discounts to encourage people to pay for more lessons up front and not drop out midway.
If you worry that your academic life can suffer, don’t be. You can easily find papers writing services online to delegate your college tasks to others. Such services offer professional writers that can do research, editing, and proofreading for your paper, as well as write it for you. This way, you’ll have more time to devote to earning money from musical lessons.
2. Performing at events
Another way to make money using your music skills is to perform at events. This can include weddings, corporate events, special occasions, and private parties. Although landing your first client may be difficult, word of mouth and social media can be effective ways to spread the word about your services and attract potential clients. As a student, you have a wide network of potential customers and people who can refer you to their friends and family.
To initially attract more clients and build a portfolio, you may consider offering your services at a reduced price. Additionally, you can attend parties and networking events to reach more people. Don’t be afraid to contact local businesses and organisations. They could be interested in your services as well.
3. Selling your compositions on stocks
If you are more interested in creating music than performing, the next option is for you. Many musicians sell their tracks on stock content platforms. These platforms allow you to earn money by licensing your music for use in videos, commercials, and other multimedia projects. Selling music on stocks is a great way to make passive income while focusing on your studies.
Make sure to upload your tracks to many different stock marketplaces to reach more clients and skyrocket your chances of sales. Shutterstock, Depositphotos, Adobe Stock Audio, PremiumBeat, Storyblocks, Mixkit, and Pixabay are some of the most popular stock platforms.
Sometimes platforms make guidelines for their contributors to make sure they are uploading in-demand files that their customers will buy. Use them to increase your chances of selling tracks year-round. However, you can predict which songs are requested by customers each month by looking at the list of upcoming events and holidays.
4. Creating original music for media projects
If selling stock music doesn’t appeal to you, you can create original music for media projects. The difference is that when you upload your tracks to stock content platforms, you are only paid for one download, but the buyer can use it as many times as they like.
In the case of original music for certain projects, you may be able to negotiate a higher fee for exclusive usage rights. This means the buyer will be unable to use the music for any other project or purpose. You can earn even more money by selling full rights to the song to them.
To be considered for such a project, you must have a strong music portfolio and demonstrate your ability to compose high-quality, original compositions that align with the client’s vision and brand. Additionally, networking and developing relationships with industry professionals might boost your chances of being considered for these types of jobs.
5. Take part in music competitions
Having musical skills and learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits to it. Later, you can participate in music competitions to earn some money doing what you love. You might go online for local music competitions or ask around at music schools and studios in your area to discover one. Apart from earning money, participation in such events can be a great way to showcase your talent and potentially gain recognition in the industry.
6. Performing on the streets
Last but not least, you can make money by performing on the streets. If you live in a city with a big stream of tourists, it’s possible to earn a decent income by showcasing your talents and collecting tips from passersby. However, it’s important to check local laws and regulations before starting street performances.
You can connect with other students or musicians and perform together. This will increase your chances to gather more cash. Make sure to play popular songs from time to time so people can recognize them and sing along. This can attract more attention and increase the likelihood of receiving tips. Also, consider promoting your performance on social media platforms in order to reach a larger audience.
You might also pick unique and eye-catching outfits to attract even more attention to yourself. Consider doing bright make-up and hairstyles, as well as wearing attention-grabbing accessories. These extra efforts can help you stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression.
Bottom line
There are many ways for students to make money using their music skills. From teaching music lessons to selling their compositions online, students can leverage their talents to earn some extra cash. However, it’s critical for students to explore these opportunities and choose the ones that work best for them. This way, they can not only earn money, but also gain valuable experience and exposure in the music industry.
