5 of the Best Day Jobs when you are Starting out as a Musician
5 of the Best Day Jobs for When You're Just Starting Your Music Career
Contrary to what some movies may depict, some big-time record exec probably won't be lounging in a dive bar looking for his next star. Of course, some people get lucky and meet the right people, but you shouldn't bet your career on that. If you wanna get paid, you have to work hard for it, and in this industry, that can take years.
For those already stressing out, relax. Getting a day job doesn't mean you're giving up on the dream. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. You don't have to trade in your Hammond B3 for a silk tie, suede shoes, and a business haircut. There are plenty of jobs out there to supplement your income and also allow you to drudge your gear across town on a Tuesday night for $20 and some free beer. These jobs range from music related to musician convenient, but they'll all help support your career in one way or another. Let's get started.
1. Piano tuner
Before you say "I don't play piano, so I can't be a piano tuner," just keep an open mind. If you're a musician, odds are that you like music. Better yet, you probably have a good ear. Granted, a good ear isn't all it takes to be a piano tuner, but it's certainly a good start.
Think of a piano tuner as a piano mechanic of sorts. Besides making the necessary adjustments to the strings of a piano, aligning their intervals and getting them in tune, you can also perform basic repairs on the instrument.
2. Office temp
This one may create a bit of controversy but, once again, keep an open mind. Just the thought of working in a dreary office, wearing a tie, and decaying underneath the fluorescent lights of a cubicle is a depressing thought for many musicians. However, musicians should know more than anyone not to judge.As an office temp, you may be filing documents, answering phones, entering data, and doing other administrative duties, but it's not going to consume you. It's a
As an office temp, you may be filing documents, answering phones, entering data, and doing other administrative duties, but it's not going to consume you. It's a temporary job. Temp jobs have a predetermined start and end date. This allows you to plan your tours accordingly and rake in enough money when you're home. Being a temp allows you much more flexibility compared to full-time workers. If a temp assignment comes up that you're not interested in, feel free to pass on it.
3. Record/music store clerk
Now you're thinking, "This is more like it!" Working at a record store or music store is probably the dream day job for many musicians. It allows you to have free nights for gigs and practice while you spend all day working around what you love most.
Why this job is great for musicians is quite obvious. For one, musicians have vast musical knowledge. In a record store, you'd be using this knowledge to sell albums and assist customers with any questions. In a music store, you would know what equipment is best for the fellow musicians who come in.
4. Recording studio owner
Some musicians are already self-starters when it comes to recording their own music. If you're one of these people, why not combine your love for recording with a money-making venture? There are countless bands, solo artists, and voiceover actors out there with minimal (or no) knowledge of recording. That is where you come in.
5. Dog walker/pet sitter
Do you enjoy hanging out with dogs and cats on your time off? Why not get paid to do it? If it sounds like a cute and fun way to earn some spare change, you're not wrong. That being said, it can take a little bit of time to work up a solid base of customers. Once you get a few happy ones, though, expect a snowball effect to occur. People love their pets and only want the best for them. If you can prove that, you'll be set.
For more in depth look at day jobs for musicians visit Sonic Birds