How to Make $30,000 with Your Music Before Years End
As an independent musician and/or recording artist, if you
did *NOT* earn $30,000 (or more) with your music alone
last year, let's jump right in and get you started with doing
so this year. Again, bear in mind that the main necessary ingredient is
"consistency" of every aspect, and on a weekly basis. Remember! This is a worst case scenario, in regard to
what you should be able to easily earn within each aspect,
and you are very likely to earn much more. The "lead generator(s)" in each aspect reflects the various
resources that you will use to obtain results in these areas. So, here is the financial mathematical layout. [---GIG EARNINGS---] Practically any band should be able to market and promote
itself well enough to obtain, at least, one gig per week,
whether the band is based in a metropolitan or rural setting,
and whether it performs on a fulltime or part-time basis. So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at getting one gig
per week: 1 Gig X 1 Week @ $300 X 4 weeks = $1,200 per month Lead Generators: * Contacting venue managers and bookers directly
* Signing on with an area booking agent
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Contacting area performance theaters
* Host your own gig at an area hall or theater
* Contacting high schools for performances
* Contacting college student activities offices for
performances
* Low-cost college newspaper ads for possible gigs
* Low-cost college radio ads for possible gigs
* Your website calendar gig notices/tours Note: Provide your media kit and business card to
prospective clients. [---GIG CD SALES---] As you are already aware, most gig employers will allow
you to sell your music during performances. So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at getting sales
during gigs, with a minimum of 100 people at each gig, and
with 10% (10 sales) of the crowd who, after witnessing your
mind-blowing spectacular performance, suddenly realize
that life is not worth living, and they simply cannot go on
unless they own a copy of your CD: 10 sales X $10.00 (per CD) X 4 weeks = $400 per month Our monthly sub-total is now $1,600 Lead Generator: * Your incredible stage performance that left them
mesmerized.
* Your website for additional sales [---TEACHING---] Right now, in your own area, there are innumerable people
who would like to learn to play your instrument, or be able to
sing as half as well as you. So, why not teach them how to
do so while earning a bit of income doing it as well? So, in our worst case scenario, let's say you teach only one
day each week, with only two students, at one hour each,
while charging $10 per student, per lesson: 1 day X 2 students X $10.00 (per student) X 4 weeks = $80 per month Our monthly sub-total is now $1,680 Note: If you decide to devote an entire day of the week to
teaching, say 8 students/8 hours, your income increases to
$80 per day/$320 per month. You can also consider contacting area community colleges
that will likely be receptive to your classes within their
"Continuing Education" program, which can even pay a bit
more money. And, if time allows, why not get the best of
both worlds, so to speak, by teaching both independently,
as well as within the college system? Lead Generators: * Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Contacting high schools to post notices/fliers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* News releases to area radio and print papers
* Feature interviews on area radio and in newspapers
* Your website with your class notices Note: Provide your credentials to student prospects in the
forms of a resume and/or portfolio. [---ONLINE SALES---] Just a few noted sites include: CD Baby ( http://www.cdbaby.com )
The Orchard ( http://www.theorchard.com )
Amazon.com ( http://www.amazon.com )
New Artist Direct ( http://www.newartistdirect.com ) With fairly decent online promotion, at the least, you ought
to be able to realize an average of 3 sales per week from
each of these sites. While all may not produce those 3
sales individually each week, some of them are likely to
produce more than 3 sales, dependent upon your
promotional efforts, of which should still average out to
3 sales each. However and again, let's review a worst case scenario: 4 sites X 3 sales each X $7.00 = $84 X 4 weeks = $336 Our monthly sub-total is now $2,016 Lead Generators: * Peripheral online sales from gig audiences
* Low-cost ads in area weekly newspapers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* Internet marketing and promotion on music message
boards, music forums, and within discussion list signature
files
* News releases to area radio and print papers
* Feature interviews on area radio and newspapers
* Your website sales [---WEDDINGS---] Though weddings occur within every month of the year, the
biggest and most traditional month for weddings is June.
And, right now, in your own area, there are quite a few
being planned for this summer. Weddings are one of the
most lucrative income generators for musicians, because
families generally are very liberal in spending on them, and
go all out, so to speak, for this special day for their
daughters. So, in our worst case scenario, let's say you can get, at
least, one wedding gig per month, at $1,000 per gig (more
wedding gig opportunities are likely during summer months
especially): $1,000 X 9 months = $9,000 Our monthly sub-total is now $3,016 Lead Generators: * Caterers & Catering Services
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Your website notices of your availability for weddings
* Providing your business card to area upscale restaurants
that cater wedding receptions and banquets
* Your business card left with flower shops
* Your business card left with jewelry stores
* Your business card left with bridal shops
* Your business card left with tuxedo shops
* Your business card left with bridal services Note: You should also provide your business card to
wedding attendants who inquire about your services for
upcoming functions that they may be hosting in the future. [---WEDDING CD SALES---] You may also be able to sell your CD at weddings, however,
ASK FIRST when coordinating your performance
arrangements. Attendants usually interact with the band, as
it is a happy occasion. If you are allowed to sell your recordings at weddings, you
should do so passively by having your CDs placed near the
performance area in a conspicuous position. However, I would not "hard sell" (repeatedly mention) the
CD from the stage, unless of course, a wedding coordinator
decides to do so, or states that you may do so. So, in our worst case scenario, let's say, at least, 100
people attend each wedding (more are likely to attend
many weddings), with 10% of them purchasing your CD: 10 sales X $10.00 (per CD) X 1 month = $100 Our monthly sub-total is now $3,116 Lead Generator: * Your performance
* Your website notice [---RETAIL STORE CONSIGNMENT SALES---] Since stores won't be laying out cash in advance for your
music, you should have very little problem consigning your
music to retailers. A word of advice is for you to not consign more than five
copies per per store, per 30-day period, at any time.
Limiting copies to stores will allow for sufficient time in your
product moving off retailer shelves. Consider getting your product consigned with, at least, five
area retailers. However, if there are not enough music
stores in your area, consider consigning it with other
retailers such as; bookstores, flower shops, jewelry stores,
and any other such retailer that gets quite a bit of traffic
and might be interested in carrying your music. You will, generally, be required to present retailers with your
own consignment form, and I have created one that you can
freely download and customize for your own use at: http://www.MuBiz.com/CnsnmtFrm.html Just be sure to duplicate it so that both you and the retailer
have copies. So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at your area retail
possibilities: 5 Stores X 5 copies X $8 (your take) = $200 per month Our monthly sub-total is now $3,316 Lead Generators: * Low-cost classified or display ads in area newspapers
* Low-cost radio ads
* Low-cost cable television ads
* News releases to all forms of media
* Feature interviews at local television, radio stations and
print media
* Music reviews in your area print media
* Your website listing area stores carrying your music Note: Provide your media kit and business card to retailers
in order to further influence their decision in consigning
your product. [---PRODUCTION---] Did you produce your own CD? If you did, and if people are
raving about how great it is, why not consider producing
other area bands as well for some extra cash? Between now and the end of this year, you should be able
to produce, at least, two acts for, at least, a $1,000 fee
each. Lead Generators: * Word of mouth and fellow musicians you know
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* Your website notice of your production skills
* Fliers in music instrument stores Note: Provide your media kit and business card to contacts. As our monthly sub-total is $3,316, providing a grand
sub-total of $29,844, when you add on your $2,000
production fees for both bands that you produce, your
minimum grand year-end total comes to $31,844. As I stated at the beginning of this article, each of these
aspects contain 'bare bones' minimum figures in respect to
what your earning potential is within them. * Special Note: In each of these areas, it is very likely that
you will experience repeat business, as well as word of
mouth promotion, which will further add to your annual
income this year, thus, creating the potential for doubling or
even tripling your income. Kenny Love is president of http://www.MuBiz.com, a radio promotion and media publicity firm that also provides business and career services to musicians.
Related News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why New Musicians (Rappers) Fail: Three Reasons and Solutions
Despite the title of this article, the purpose of it is actually to HELP new emcees AVOID some common traps on their journey to learning how to rap better. You can come up with a million reasons why new rappers fail?or why any artist fails for that matter, but we've boiled the list down to three specific to new emcees.
The Secrets of Correctly Stringing Your Guitar
Why do you care about stringing your guitar you may ask.
Well the reason is simple. It will make you sound better
because if your guitar is properly strung, you will get longer
natural sustain.
Les Paul Vintage Gibson Guitars
Les Paul vintage Gibson guitars were first produced
in 1952. These guitars were the first solid body electric
that Gibson had made. The 1952 version of the Les
Paul vintage guitar has a gold top nitro-cellulose
lacquer finish, and no serial number. This Gibson
was designed by Les and included Kluson tuners,
a pair of P90 pickups, and retailed for $210.
Prepare for the Master (CD Mastering)
Many artists are still confused as to what goes on during a mastering session. This article will try to shed some light on the last step before fame and riches (well, at least the last step before duplication), and help you with preparing your music before sending to a mastering studio.
Living Life Loud
Change is good. Just ask the millions of unsigned artists worldwide trying to get their music heard. Since the music industry is changing drastically, unsigned musicians are able to make their music available to listeners. Record labels are realizing new techniques need to be created in order to promote music, and find new talent.
Creating Stark Atmospheres
One of the things New Age pianist George Winston is known for is what he can do with just a few notes. In fact, in his piece Colors/Dance from the CD "Autumn" he uses an ostinato pattern in his left hand to create a wonderful stark mood.
Art of the Recording Engineer: From Michael Jackson to Mutant Radio, Matt Forger Speaks Out
Interviewed by Scott G (The G-Man)
Why Play Guitar?
As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced with people in all walks of life who, for all different kinds of reasons, believe that playing the guitar will add something to their lives. Most people that are just starting the guitar for the first time are young (pre-university) although certainly not all. One of my favorite students last year was a 65-year-old retiree who wanted to learn enough to be able to start a bar band with his friends.
Performing, Whats the Big Deal?
Performance anxiety is not something that only happens to musicians, singers, actors and dancers. It happens any time we feel pressure to "perform" in a specific situation or over a period of time. Writing a book or creating a painting or sculpture may evoke symptoms as well.
Reaching For The Soul Zone
Every searching artist wants to get there. It's that magical place where something takes over, you know, when something bigger than you whispers in your ear and says "Relax - I'll take it from here!"
Health and Beauty Tips for Your Brass: Keep It Shiny!
Did you know that the health and beauty of your brass instruments require extra special attention? It's true-their wellbeing and happiness depend upon it. While we're not talking about putting your tuba on a weight-loss program or taking your trumpet to the spa for a makeover, you do need to treat your brass instruments with care or they'll refuse to come out and play. So, grab that brass and get ready for a workout-it's time to clean!
What All Do I Have to Know to be a Really Good Piano Player?
Many students ask me a question that goes something like this:
"What all do I have to know to be a really good piano player?"
Does Reading Make Music?
When you read music you are deciphering the printed page and transferring the information to the keyboard. You might say that you are decoding what the composer or arranger put on the page . The symbols put on the paper by the composer are the only means he or she has to convey his/her musical ideas to the performer, hence to the listener.
Green Day: Punk Rock Masters Taming Mainstream Radio Their Way
Before they got together as Green Day, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool were merely three extraordinary hopefuls hoping and looking for their big break. The trio has no formal training and got their 'practice' from playing for free at punk clubs on Gilman Street in Berkeley, California. Out on the streets is where the 3 talented individuals got their big break ? they turned from punk rock's most unlikely success story to a remarkable band with a series of chart-topping hits. Together, they sold more than 10 million albums and won a Grammy Award in the process. It's been a long journey for the trio who started out singing out in the streets.
Creating Within Limits
When I first started playing the piano I wanted to learn how to compose. The idea that I could create something tangible really appealed to me.
Musicians: What Chords Do You Absolutely, Positively Have To Know?
As you probably know, there are thousands and thousands of different chords in music - everything from basic major chords to minor 7ths to 13ths to suspensions to poly-chords. Someday, you might want to learn all those chords if you don't already know them.
Suzuki Violin Vs Traditional Violin
The Suzuki violin method has come to dominate the way violin is taught in America and throughout much of the world. Mention the Suzuki violin method to music educators, and you will get a variety of responses. While it is common for some teachers to mix elements of Suzuki violin method with the traditional approach other teachers either love or hate the Suzuki method. Let's examine the Suzuki violin versus the traditional violin below.
Things To Know When Shopping For A Guitar Amplifier
Guitar amplifiers are a major part of your tone. Some amps can do many things well, while others excel at producing specific tonal qualities. When shopping for a guitar amplifier, you will have to choose between a Tube or Solid-State model, and whether you want a combo, or separate head and speaker cabinet.
The First The American Idol Kelly Clarkson
There is a lot more to the story that meets the eye, at least, where Kelly Clarkson, the American Idol, is concerned. Her rise to the top of the charts was not an easy one and any struggling singer-wannabe can probably identify with the grit and determination this young pop singer has shown. Kelly Clarkson was born Kelly Brianne Clarkson April 24th 1982 in the small town, Burleson in Texas.
Legend Vega Releasing New Pop CD
Legend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this summer, Personal Space. Fans characterize Legend's style as a cross between Mariah Carey and a female version of Ricky Martin. She was born under the lights of Broadway in New York City but raised to the beat of Salsa and Merengue on the hot sands of Puerto Rico. Legend Vega is an experienced singer, songwriter, and model. She has just finished recording her newest CD with all of her own material. Her mainstream pop style and her Latin background make her an excellent crossover artist for the U.S. market. Her album features a broad mix of pop music recorded in English but with many Latin influences.
|
