Music is more than passion — it’s a skill that can be monetized in dozens of ways. With the rise of streaming, online learning, and social media, musicians have more opportunities than ever to earn extra income while doing what they love
Whether you play an instrument, produce beats, sing, or just love curating playlists, there’s a side hustle that fits your style.
💡 Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Income examples are based on industry averages and may vary depending on skill level, demand, location and time of posting.
For more information, check out these pages below:
- Copywriting: What Jobs, Where to Learn, and Possible Income
- The Niche Finder: Browse Ideas to Start Your Journey
- Smart Hustles & Side Income Strategies Guide to Earning More
- For more ideas, check out our Niche Ideas Category
- Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
15 Creative Music Side Hustles
| Side Hustle | What You’ll Do | Earning Potential | Best Platforms/Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Music Lessons (Online or Local) | Teach guitar, piano, voice, or any instrument. | $20–$80/hour | Lessonface, TakeLessons, Zoom |
| 2. Beat Selling & Licensing | Create and sell beats to artists or content creators. | $50–$500 per beat | BeatStars, Airbit, SoundClick |
| 3. Session Musician Work | Record parts (vocals, guitar, drums) for other artists. | $50–$300 per track | Fiverr, SoundBetter, local studios |
| 4. Songwriting & Lyric Writing | Write songs for singers, commercials, or YouTubers. | $100–$1,000+ per project | Songbay, TAXI, direct pitches |
| 5. Live Gigs (Cafés, Bars, Events) | Perform covers or originals at small venues. | $50–$300 per gig | Local bars, festivals, weddings |
| 6. Street Performing (Busking) | Play in public spaces with tip-based income. | $20–$200/day | High-foot-traffic spots |
| 7. Cover Songs on YouTube/TikTok | Share covers to grow audience + ad/sponsor income. | $100–$5,000+/mo (with growth) | YouTube, TikTok, Instagram |
| 8. Music Production for Podcasts/YouTube | Create intros, jingles, and sound effects. | $50–$500 per track | Fiverr, Upwork, Podbean |
| 9. DJing Events or Parties | Mix music for weddings, parties, or clubs. | $300–$1,000+ per event | WeddingWire, GigSalad, local events |
| 10. Playlist Curation | Build Spotify/Apple playlists and monetize. | Ad/Sponsorship income | SubmitHub, PlaylistPush |
| 11. Selling Stock Music | Upload royalty-free tracks for creators. | $5–$100 per download | Pond5, AudioJungle, Epidemic Sound |
| 12. Karaoke or Open Mic Hosting | Run music nights for bars or community centers. | $100–$400 per night | Local venues |
| 13. Music Blogging/Reviews | Write reviews or guides on music and gear. | $200–$1,000+/mo (ads/affiliates) | Medium, own blog, Wakewall posts |
| 14. Custom Songs as Gifts | Write/record personalized songs for weddings, birthdays, proposals. | $100–$500+ per song | Songfinch, Fiverr, personal site |
| 15. Music Tutoring Apps & Courses | Build a digital course (e.g., “Piano for Beginners”). | $500–$5,000+/mo (scalable) | Skillshare, Udemy, Teachable |
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings depend on your hustle:
- Side income: A few gigs or lessons a month could bring in $200–$800.
- Steady part-time: Teaching, session work, or beat sales can bring $1,000–$3,000/month.
- Full-time potential: DJs, producers, or course creators can scale to $5,000+/month.
📌 Key takeaway: The more you combine multiple hustles, the more stable your income becomes.
Click to download WAKEWALL today
Skills That Help You Succeed
- Consistency: Posting content regularly or gigging weekly.
- Marketing: Promoting yourself on socials, Wakewall, and local listings.
- Networking: Connecting with artists, venues, and event planners.
- Adaptability: Offering services online and offline.
Case Study: From Guitar Lessons to Full-Time Income
A guitarist in Chicago started with 3 students at $30/hour. Within a year:
- Grew to 15 weekly students ($450/week).
- Picked up weekend bar gigs ($300–$600/month).
- Uploaded lessons to YouTube, growing to ad revenue.
👉 Combined, these streams brought in $2,000–$3,000/month, without a music degree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Relying on one platform (e.g., only busking or only Fiverr).
- ❌ Underpricing yourself — set clear rates and stick to them.
- ❌ Ignoring promotion — talent alone won’t get you discovered.
- ❌ Skipping contracts — always confirm terms with clients.
How Wakewall Can Help Music Side Hustlers
Wakewall isn’t just for businesses — it’s perfect for creatives too:
- Reminders: Track gig dates, lesson schedules, or song deadlines.
- Notes: Store setlists, lyrics, or music ideas.
- Business wall: Post music updates, gig flyers, or student openings.
- Discovery: Local fans and students can find you through hashtags (#GuitarLessons, #LiveMusic, #CustomSongs).
👉 With Wakewall, you stay organized and visible — making it easier to grow your side hustle into a steady business.
Final Thoughts
Music is more than passion — it’s opportunity. From beat selling and teaching lessons to hosting karaoke nights or writing custom songs, there are countless creative ways to turn your skills into extra income. By setting fair prices, diversifying your side hustles, and using tools like Wakewall to stay organized and promote yourself, you can build a sustainable path where your music pays you back.
