Music isn’t just a passion — it’s a powerful income generator. Whether you’re a hobbyist, performer, or content creator, there are more ways than ever to turn your rhythm into revenue. You don’t need a record label or a massive following. What you need is creativity, consistency, and the right platform to connect your skills with people who value them.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 creative music side hustles — from digital gigs to real-world performances — that you can start today, no matter your experience level.
💡 Why Music Side Hustles
Thanks to digital tools and social platforms, musicians now have endless opportunities to:
- Earn passive or active income
- Build a loyal following
- Collaborate with other creators or businesses
- Diversify income beyond streaming platforms
Music connects emotion, culture, and community — three elements that sell. Let’s break down how you can build your own music-based income stream — one beat, gig, or jingle at a time.
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
🎧 1. Sell Beats & Instrumentals Online
Beat-making is one of the most scalable and profitable music hustles for producers.
Where to Sell:
Earning Potential: $50–$1,000+ per track depending on exclusivity
Tip: Offer both non-exclusive (cheaper, repeatable) and exclusive licenses for maximum reach.
| Platform | Focus | Income Type |
|---|---|---|
| BeatStars | Hip-hop, pop, EDM | Royalties + direct sales |
| Airbit | Wide genres | Licensing & custom orders |
| Soundee | Independent artists | Subscriptions & sales |
Wakewall Angle: Post your beats on your Wakewall profile and link your marketplace listings — fans and businesses can message you directly.
Click to download WAKEWALL today
🎙️ 2. Voiceover and Jingle Creation
If you can sing, speak, or produce catchy hooks, small businesses and podcasters need your sound.
Where to Start:
- Fiverr – Offer voiceovers or jingles
- Voices.com – Premium gigs for ads and narration
- Upwork – Freelance projects for branding content
Example: Create 10-second jingles for local businesses or YouTubers at $75–$250 each.
Pro Tip: Record sample demos in multiple tones — professional, upbeat, calm, etc.
🎚️ 3. Offer Mixing & Mastering Services
If you’ve mastered the art of audio polish, you can help other artists perfect their sound.
Needed Skills: DAW knowledge (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro), EQ, compression, and mastering chain techniques.
Where to Find Clients:
- SoundBetter (Spotify’s network)
- AirGigs
- Facebook musician groups and Discord communities
Average Rates:
- Mixing: $75–$300 per track
- Mastering: $50–$200 per track
Wakewall Tip: Post before-and-after audio clips of your mixes to attract local bands and creators looking for your touch.
🎤 4. Teach Music Lessons (In-Person or Online)
One of the oldest — and still most rewarding — ways to monetize music is through teaching. Whether it’s piano, guitar, or vocal coaching, your experience can help others find their rhythm.
Platforms for Teaching:
Rates: $25–$75/hour depending on experience
Idea: Host “mini-classes” through Wakewall posts — share short tutorials or promote paid sessions in your area.
🎥 5. Sync Licensing for TV, Film & Games
Your compositions could be featured in Netflix shows, indie games, or ads.
Where to Submit Music:
Potential Earnings: $100–$1,500 per sync + royalties
Tip: Focus on cinematic, mood-driven pieces — producers love tracks that fit emotion.
🎹 6. Sample Pack & Sound Effect Creation
Producers are always looking for fresh sounds. If you’re great at designing loops, textures, or samples — turn them into downloadable packs.
Where to Sell:
| Pack Type | Avg Price | What to Include |
|---|---|---|
| Drum Loops | $10–$30 | 50–100 WAV loops |
| Vocal Chops | $15–$40 | Harmonies, ad-libs |
| FX Packs | $20–$50 | Risers, impacts, transitions |
Pro Tip: Add a unique theme (e.g., “Lo-Fi Coffeehouse Drums”) to stand out in crowded marketplaces.
📱 7. Create Music for Social Media & Short-Form Content
Content creators constantly need royalty-free background tracks for Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts.
How to Start:
- Upload to Epidemic Sound or Artlist
- Sell loops or audio snippets on AudioJungle
- Create your own catalog on SoundCloud or Wakewall
Monetization: Passive royalties or creator partnerships
Wakewall Angle: Share sample clips in your profile feed and tag creators or businesses looking for music assets.
🎶 8. Start a Local Performance Gig
Whether you’re a solo musician or a small band, local venues, cafés, and community events are perfect for extra income.
Ideas:
- Acoustic nights at coffee shops
- Farmer’s markets or pop-up gigs
- Private party bookings
How to Find Opportunities:
- Local Facebook event groups
- GigSalad and The Bash
- Contact bars, restaurants, or small festivals directly
Income Range: $100–$500 per night
Tip: Record your live performances for your online portfolio — and share highlights on Wakewall to grow your fan base.
🧑💻 9. Freelance Songwriting or Ghostwriting
Some artists need help finishing lyrics or refining melody ideas. If writing comes naturally to you, this is a lucrative creative gig.
Where to Find Work:
Rates: $50–$500 per song, depending on rights
Pro Tip: Write for niche genres — lo-fi, commercial jingles, or K-pop style hooks — where competition is lower.
💻 10. Launch a YouTube or Podcast Music Channel
Create educational or entertainment content about music, such as:
- “Music theory explained simply”
- “Lo-fi creation livestreams”
- “Gear reviews and tutorials”
Monetization Options:
- YouTube Ad revenue
- Affiliate marketing (link gear from Sweetwater)
- Patreon or memberships
Wakewall Use: Share episodes, notes, and updates — and use reminders for your publishing schedule.
🎤 11. Start a Street Performing Routine
Busking (public performing) remains one of the most organic ways to build audience loyalty.
Best Locations: Farmer’s markets, downtown walks, art fairs, festivals
Tips:
- Display your social handles and QR code for tips
- Mix covers and originals
- Record your sessions for online clips
Income Range: $20–$200/day depending on location and traffic
Bonus: Some performers get discovered or booked through Wakewall after posting local clips!
🎧 12. Offer DJ Services or Event Music
DJs are always in demand for weddings, birthdays, corporate parties, and nightlife.
Get Started:
- Learn using Serato DJ Lite or VirtualDJ
- Promote through GigSalad or Wakewall’s local event feed
- Offer themed playlists — 80s, EDM, or chill cafe sets
Earnings: $150–$1,000 per event depending on size
| Gig Type | Audience Size | Payout Range |
|---|---|---|
| House Party | 20–50 | $100–$300 |
| Club / Bar | 50–200 | $250–$700 |
| Wedding / Event | 100–300+ | $500–$1,000+ |
🧑🎤 13. Sing on Fiverr or Session Platforms
Session singers can earn money providing vocals for projects across genres. You don’t need to be famous — just professional and reliable.
Try These Platforms:
Average Pay: $75–$500 per track depending on genre and turnaround
Tip: Offer add-ons like harmonies or vocal tuning for upsells.
🪩 14. Curate Playlists for Brands or Events
If you have a great ear for mood and vibe, playlist curation is a surprisingly profitable niche.
Who Needs It:
- Cafés and boutiques
- Small brands for in-store music
- Event planners for background playlists
How to Start:
- Build sample playlists on Spotify or SoundCloud
- Pitch services via SoundCampaign or SubmitHub
- Create themed playlists — e.g., “Morning Mindset” or “Sunday Vibes”
Wakewall Idea: Create a post category for “Local Business Playlists” and tag restaurants or salons that might feature your music.
🛒 15. Sell Music Merchandise & Digital Downloads
Turn your art into wearable branding. From T-shirts to lyric posters, fans love owning tangible pieces of your music.
Where to Sell:
Digital Merch Ideas:
- Sheet music PDFs
- Sample packs
- Album art templates
Pro Tip: Bundle your products — e.g., “$10 for 3 tracks + lyric poster” — to encourage higher sales.
💼 How to Combine These Hustles
Many musicians stack side hustles for diverse income streams.
| Combo Strategy | Example |
|---|---|
| Producer Package | Sell beats + offer mixing/mastering |
| Performer Package | Local gigs + YouTube livestreams |
| Teaching Brand | Online lessons + merch + Patreon |
| Social Creator | Short-form music + playlist curation |
Wakewall Advantage: Post updates from all your income streams in one place — fans, clients, and collaborators can follow along, comment, and message.
🎯 Keys to Succeeding with Any Music Side Hustle
- Start small, grow steadily. Focus on one niche before branching out.
- Promote yourself professionally. Use high-quality cover photos and sound clips.
- Be consistent. Regular posting, sharing, and engaging build trust.
- Offer value. Teach, inspire, or entertain your audience — don’t just sell.
- Collaborate. Team up with creators or businesses through Wakewall, Fiverr, or local events.
🎵 Wakewall: The Musician’s Growth Platform
Wakewall helps you blend your art, hustle, and audience in one connected ecosystem:
- Post your music, gigs, and updates publicly
- Use reminders for practice, releases, or event days
- Share photos and video teasers
- Network with businesses or creators who need your sound
Whether you’re producing in your bedroom or performing downtown, Wakewall helps your music reach people — and pay off.
🪄 Final Thoughts
The music world has changed — you don’t need fame to make a living. With creativity, digital tools, and consistent effort, anyone can turn their passion into profit.
Each hustle on this list gives you a way to:
- Earn income
- Connect with fans and creators
- Keep your art alive on your own terms
So tune up, plug in, and start today — your next rhythm could become your next revenue stream.
