HOMEGROWN MUSIC... AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: MAKIN' MONEY WITH HOMEGROWN MUSIC

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

And that's where this issue's column comes in. I've been earning a share of my income by pickin' and singin' for several years, so I can make some suggestions that might just help you find a few of those groups of paying listeners.

I'd like to point out right from the start, though, that I'm not promoting the notion that you can become self-sufficient by playing music. In most cases (the exceptions being mainly tiresome gigs in nightclubs or bars that will support you for a year or so) the only way to actually earn a living from music is to spend a lot of time on the road.

Now, this sort of work could provide an acceptable lifestyle for nomadic individuals who don't mind living in a truck or school bus, but the constant wandering that it requires would be pretty much out of the question for homebodies who prefer to spend time around the home or farmstead. On the other hand, If you already keep your expenses to a minimum—either by growing your own food or owning your home—an occasional "extra" source of income may be all that you need. Either way—whether you hope to become a full-time "pro" or just aim to feed the cookie jar every once in a while—you'll probably have to start at the bottom.

GIVE YOURSELF A JOB!

And that starting point, in terms of playin' for pay, is the kind of gig that you don't have to audition for, because you hire yourself . I'm talking, of course, about singin' on the street! There's usually not a whole lot of money in this sort of work. In fact, $20 a day for three or four very strenuous sets Is about the best you should expect . . . unless your act is extremely novel and you happen to be playing during the Christmas season.

Remember, too, that (for some strange reason) It's illegal in many areas to just set yourself up on a corner and play. So— unless you've seen other "street acts" on your intended spot—It's best to check with the police department before you start to perform. Also, many places (Seattle's Pike Place Market and the entire city of San Francisco, for example) require a somewhat expensive "street singer's" license, and I haven't heard of any new permits being granted in the latter city at all.

What you'll be doing, should you decide to try one of these "do it yourself" jobs, is singing and playing your heart out—with your hat, guitar case, or whatever opened invitingly—in the hopes that people will brighten up and salt that container with a little spare change (or even an apple or an orange!).

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print