caddywumpus
03-03-2009, 09:00 PM
It's getting harder for some to make ends meet. The traditional routes of earning a living as a musician are starting to dry up a bit as people are becoming more frugal in the current fragile economic state. What are some ways to keep the money coming in steadily for working drummers during this time of financial crunch? (and, I'm not looking for "Go mow some lawns!" or anything like that...keep it music-related please)
Here are some of my suggestions;
1. Fill up your teaching schedule. Put up flyers and hand out cards (with permission, of course) at local music shops, schools, community centers. Ask your students if they have any friends who are interested in taking lessons. It never hurts to ask, unless you're coming across as begging. Explain to them that you have some open slots in your schedule and are looking to fill them up. Also, you can tell them that if they really enjoy the lessons they take from you, this is a way they can spread the joy...
2. Up your networking prowess. Keep your ears open as well as your communication with your musician friends/acquaintances. Keep a musician black book where you keep their contact info and what they were currently doing the last time you talked with them. Keep in touch with them periodically. Every month or couple of weeks if you can. Refer jobs to them, if you come across any--they'll be more inclined to return the favor to you if they come across something themselves. By keeping in constant contact with them, you'll be building a relationship with them as well as staying in the forefront of their mind.
3. Support the arts. If you get a chance to go see some local musicians (hopefully ones that you know), go do it. Talk with them (networking) and get to know the other musicians that they play with. In conversation, of course, let them know what you're doing and that you're looking for work/projects/students/whatever. Tell them they should check out YOUR band or bands sometime. If you build a friendship with them over several times seeing them and staying in contact, chances are they'll become more interested in checking out what you're doing. Get them on the guest list if they want to come. It doesn't hurt to scratch another musician's back, so to speak. If you support other people, they will be more likely to support you (but don't expect it 100% of the time--some people just aren't wired that way).
These are some broad ideas. Anyone else? Any specific (or gerenal) tips for musicians trying to still carve out a living in these tough times?
Here are some of my suggestions;
1. Fill up your teaching schedule. Put up flyers and hand out cards (with permission, of course) at local music shops, schools, community centers. Ask your students if they have any friends who are interested in taking lessons. It never hurts to ask, unless you're coming across as begging. Explain to them that you have some open slots in your schedule and are looking to fill them up. Also, you can tell them that if they really enjoy the lessons they take from you, this is a way they can spread the joy...
2. Up your networking prowess. Keep your ears open as well as your communication with your musician friends/acquaintances. Keep a musician black book where you keep their contact info and what they were currently doing the last time you talked with them. Keep in touch with them periodically. Every month or couple of weeks if you can. Refer jobs to them, if you come across any--they'll be more inclined to return the favor to you if they come across something themselves. By keeping in constant contact with them, you'll be building a relationship with them as well as staying in the forefront of their mind.
3. Support the arts. If you get a chance to go see some local musicians (hopefully ones that you know), go do it. Talk with them (networking) and get to know the other musicians that they play with. In conversation, of course, let them know what you're doing and that you're looking for work/projects/students/whatever. Tell them they should check out YOUR band or bands sometime. If you build a friendship with them over several times seeing them and staying in contact, chances are they'll become more interested in checking out what you're doing. Get them on the guest list if they want to come. It doesn't hurt to scratch another musician's back, so to speak. If you support other people, they will be more likely to support you (but don't expect it 100% of the time--some people just aren't wired that way).
These are some broad ideas. Anyone else? Any specific (or gerenal) tips for musicians trying to still carve out a living in these tough times?