July 3, 2022 • 3 mins read

5 Side Gigs For Musicians

By Jacque Alec

It is a fact that musicians have to hustle a lot harder than most people to make ends meet. The music industry is tough and only the truly passionate and determined musicians make it big.

Music is a very rewarding and glamorous profession but the road to success is often long, difficult and filled with many challenges. This is why most musicians have to supplement their income with other gigs or jobs.

Side gigs or jobs for musicians can be anything from teaching music lessons to being a session musician or wedding singer. In this blog post, we will explore 5 side gigs that are perfect for musicians.

Teaching Music Lessons

This is probably the most popular side gig for musicians. It is also one of the most rewarding as you get to share your passion for music with others and help them develop their skills.

Teaching music lessons is a great way to earn some extra income. There are many different ways to teach music lessons, so you can tailor your teaching style to suit your students.

You can also choose to teach either private or group lessons, depending on your preference.

Session Musician

A session musician is a musician who is hired to play on recordings or live performances. Session musicians are usually hired when the artist does not have the time or resources to record all of the instruments themselves.

Being a session musician can help make money as a musician as it can be very well-paid. It is also a great way to meet other musicians and make connections in the music industry.

So at the same time, you are building your music community exposure while making some extra cash.

Wedding Singer

Wedding singers are hired to perform during the ceremony, reception or both. Being a wedding singer is another way to earn extra money as a musician as weddings are often big events with a lot of people in attendance.

Wedding singers usually have a repertoire of popular songs that they can perform, so you will need to be familiar with a wide range of music. You will also need to be able to take requests from the bride and groom as well as their guests.

Working as a wedding singer can be a lot of fun as you get to perform in front of a large audience and make people happy on their special day.

Busker

A busker is a musician who performs in public places, such as on the street or in subways. Busking can help you earn extra money as a musician as you can usually make a lot of money in tips.

Busking is also a great way to get your music out there and build up a following. It can be a lot of enjoyment as you never know who will stop to listen to your music or how much money you will make.

However, it is important to note that busking is not always legal, so you should check with your local authorities before you start.

DJ

DJing can hone your talent in music, and it is a great way to earn some extra money on the side. You can DJ at clubs, bars, parties or even weddings.

DJing can get your music to be listened to and meet new people. It can also be a lot of fun as you get to play your favorite tunes and watch people enjoy themselves.

If you are a musician struggling to make ends meet, be sure to check out one of these side gigs. They are a great way to increase your income and can even lead to a full-time career in music.

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the music. After all, that’s what it’s all about!

Share this article

Keep Reading

View All

Get Paid Gigs as a Musician: How to Turn Your Talent into Income

If you’re a musician looking to monetize your skills, you’re not alone. Many talented artists struggle to figure out how to turn their passion into a paycheck. The good news? There are more opportunities than ever to get paid gigs as a musician, whether you’re performing live, recording remotely, or offering music services online. Find […]

Share this article

April 18, 2025

How to Create Stunning Videos on a Budget

Creating a music video can be a game-changer for emerging artists. A great video helps your music reach new audiences, boosts your online presence, and gives fans a visual connection to your sound. However, producing a high-quality video doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a bit of creativity, planning, and some smart use […]

Share this article

April 11, 2025

Vampr: The Music Networking App That Builds Your Music Career

In today’s music industry, connections matter just as much as talent. Whether you’re a solo artist, producer, session musician, or part of a band, having the right network can open doors to collaborations, gigs, and career opportunities. Vampr, the leading music networking app, makes this process easier than ever, helping you connect with industry professionals […]

Share this article

April 4, 2025

WIN Audio-Technica Studio Gear & Vampr Pro

Vampr’s April Challenge: Refer a Friend to WIN! Whether you’re a budding producer, a seasoned songwriter, or just starting out in music, having the right gear can take your sound and your confidence to the next level. That’s why we’re giving you the chance to win a game-changing studio bundle, just for spreading the word […]

Share this article

March 30, 2025

Remote Music Production: How to Create and Collaborate from Anywhere

The music industry has evolved, and today, musicians no longer need to be in the same studio—or even the same country—to create incredible tracks. Thanks to technology, remote music production has made it possible for artists, producers, and engineers to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere in the world. Why Remote Music Production is Changing the Game […]

Share this article

March 28, 2025

How to Create a Merch Line That Fans Love

A guide to designing, pricing, and selling merch that resonates with your audience. Merchandise is more than just an income stream—it’s a way for fans to connect with you and show their support. A thoughtfully designed merch line can strengthen your brand, deepen your relationship with fans, and even help grow your audience. Here’s how […]

Share this article

March 21, 2025