So, you're a music student learning all kinds of great music related things. But then one day comes and you're walking across a stage wearing a funny looking cap and gown and a diploma is placed in your hands. Now what?
I tend to think about this a lot. In less than a year the school train will be over for me and I'll have to start making money. I have two choices: plan now, or ignore reality.
Planning requires information. And if you're planning how you're gonna eat after you graduate with a music degree, you better have lots of information about what professional musicians do to earn income, what their expenses are, and what skills are necessary to not only establish yourself musically but also business-wise.
Getting your business hustle on isn't covered in core music classes... and it's a shame because you'll never need to know what year that isorhythmic motet was written by that one guy, but you'll probably need to know how to keep your finances in order. (There is a trend in schools now to prepare students with this kind of real world knowledge- IU has an extracurricular program called Project Jumpstart that is focused on this)
Start preparing yourself now by gathering information. Here's a great set of case studies about artist revenue streams that every music student needs to read. Study them, take notes and prepare your skill sets accordingly while you're still in school. Now's the time, so get reading!
The main website:
Artist Revenue Streams
Specific studies/information:
Case study: Jazz Bandleader/Composer: These case studies are a must read!
Case Study: Jazz Sideman/Bandleader: Especially take note of the summaries at the end of the studies.
How can you make money with music?: With these 42 different revenue streams.
This information is a reality that every music student faces eventually. Start thinking about this now while you're in school, and you'll be well equipped and informed when you are thrust out into the "real world."
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