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9 Tips for Making Money Online from Your Music

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Today, I’d like to share with you some practical tips for making money online from your music. The stereotype of ordinary musicians being constantly broke is still floating around. This by itself is bad enough, but what’s worse is how much it discourages young musicians from fully pursuing their creative dreams.

 

The truth is that not only is it possible to make money from music, but the technology we have now means that making money online from your music is so much easier than it ever has been in the past.

 

Licensing

Creating music for use in soundtracks is a great way to turn instrumentals and music that doesn’t fit your usual genre into an extra source of income. Indie music licensing is growing more and more as film, tv and commercial producers are looking further afield.

Tutorials

If you’ve been spending years or even decades mastering your instrument, why not show others how to get to where you are now? All you need is a good quality camera and a microphone, which you may already have. Both are relatively inexpensive. Plus, with ad revenue from sites such as Youtube.com they can quickly pay for themselves.

 

Ghostwriting

Much like being in a supermarket, music can be a ‘cash or credit’ situation. You can either take credit for your work, or take cash. Once you’ve developed a bit of a following you can take both, but it’s nice to know you can start getting paid very quickly by writing music for others to perform. This is incredibly common in the music industry, and many of the biggest music stars actively use ghostwriters.

 

Mastering

Finding somebody who can master a track or even an entire album is easier than ever thanks to websites such as Fiverr and other platforms that allow people with different skill sets to collaborate. By mastering music for a fee, you can make a very healthy income and build a formidable skill set at the same time.

 

Digital Sales

This can either be through your own website, or through a third-party such as iTunes. Be aware that third party retailers will take a commission of the total price, which can be quite high.

 

To get the most exposure, make sure you gather a few favourable reviews from friends, family and anybody else you can persuade. This will dramatically increase your chances of selling online to people who may have never heard of you before.

 

High quality artwork

I know, I know. You’re a musician so why should you care about how the album looks? However, you’re missing a great opportunity to show off your band’s aesthetic with a visual representation as well as having a bit of fun. High quality, interesting artwork is also much more likely to catch somebody’s eye as they flick through all of the music available to them – so it translates to more sales and downloads too.

 

Crowdfunding

You don’t have to work 8 hours a day at a job you don’t want just to fund your music, nor do you have to persuade a record company. Instead, take your music public from day one and encourage others to chip in to help take it from a concept to a polished album or single. Online crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter or Gofundme are excellent for this.

 

Podcasting

Doing guest appearances on internet radio shows and podcasts is a great way to boost your profile. Just like a normal radio show, being part of an interview or doing a live performance is a great way to reach a massive audience without having the hassle of building one from scratch. Be sure to let the listeners know where they can find your music online for download or streaming.

 

Micro-producing

Instead of creating whole tracks, create tiny snippets of music. This can be in the form of loops, sound effects and samples. Developing new content for other music producers is much more exciting now thanks to user-to-user online marketplaces being supported by DAW developers. You can get in on the action in tons of different ways. Everything from programming brand new VSTs to making presets.

 

By now you should be feeling much more confident about having a career in the music industry. Whoever told you that you can’t make money online from your music was wrong.

 

Author bio:

Zac Green is chief editor of popular music blog ZingInstruments.com. He believes that music isn’t just a thing you do – it’s a mindset, an attitude, a way of life.

 

 

 

How to Maintain Your Piano Properly

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If you enjoy playing music or listening to others play, owning a piano can be a great privilege. Proper maintenance will help make the instrument last and keep it sounding good for years.

On the other hand, neglect could considerably shorten the lifespan of the instrument. How can you keep your piano looking and sounding great? Here are some piano maintenance tips for artists. Let’s explore now!

 

Choose an ideal location

 Pianos are sensitive to extreme temperatures and high humidity. Since it is mainly made from wood, the instrument is highly susceptible to humidity changes. The wood expands and shrinks with fluctuations in humidity.

This, in turn, changes the tension on the strings and could make the device go out of tune. In extreme cases of humidity changes, the soundboard can warp. This makes the entire instrument collapse calling for a major rebuilding or even replacement.

Keeping the instrument in a controlled environment is necessary. Ensure that you maintain consistent levels of temperature and humidity in the room where you store the device. Humidity can be controlled using a humidifier during winter and a dehumidifier during summer.

The ideal temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ideal humidity is 42%. Avoid placing the instrument next to high traffic doors, fireplaces, heaters and air conditioning units. Such areas tend to have inconsistent temperature and humidity levels.

 

Proper storage

When not in use, it is advisable to keep the piano covered. Covering the instrument prevents accumulation of dirt on the keys. Some pianos come complete with a cover. However, if you don’t have a ready-made cover, you can always source one from a local store or online.

It is advisable to uncover the piano at times to enhance air circulation. This will help prevent the growth of mold, as this could have detrimental effects. Pianos with ivory keys need some exposure to light to prevent the keys from turning yellow. 

 

Ensure that you keep liquids very far from the instrument. Spillages are a leading cause of piano damages. Damages resulting from liquid spillages tend to be irreversible. Abstain from drinking while playing music. You may accidentally spill your drink and ruin your treasured music box!

 

Proper handling

While in use, a piano should be properly handled. Avoid leaning too heavily on it; this could exert undue pressure on the keys. Do not use the instrument as a shelf by placing too many items on it.

Avoid putting books and other stationery on the piano. Don’t allow your pets to climb on the instrument. This could leave some unpleasant claw marks ruining the natural appeal of the device. Pet hair and fur could also adversely affect the device’s sensors and other components. 

 

Always ensure that the piano is properly plugged into a power source. Often, many electronics malfunction due to improper plugging and faulty electrical outlets. Musical instruments are no exception.

Avoid plugging the device into an overloaded power outlet alongside other gadgets. This could interfere with the overall performance of the piano and also result in its destruction. 

 

Regular cleaning

You may not be able to completely prevent dust from accumulating on the piano. It is, therefore, necessary to clean the instrument regularly. Instead of using water, use a clean, dry cloth. If you happen to use a damp cloth, ensure that the piano is dried immediately.

Aerosol cleaners and other cleaners that contain silicone and solvents should not be used. Check the manufacturer’s notes to learn about the acceptable cleaning methods. Always wash and dry your hands before touching the piano. This helps curb transfer of dirt from your hands to the instrument.

 

Frequent tuning

A piano’s international pitch standard is A-440 cycles per second. The instrument gets out of tune especially when it is not in use. This makes it unpleasant to play and listen to.

Regular tuning will help you reap the best sound from the piano. It is recommended to have domestic pianos tuned at least once every six months. Tuning is also recommended right before the instrument is played.

Avoid do-it-yourself tuning; instead, get a professional technician to tune the instrument. It takes skill and expertise to restore the device to its proper pitch. Technicians may either use electronic tuning devices or aural techniques.

 

Identify the right technician

A piano is a lifetime investment. Your objective should be to make it last as long as possible. Regular maintenance by a qualified technician will enhance the life of the instrument.

Besides tuning, other necessary maintenance procedures include voicing and regulation. In the case of significant damages, you will need restoration and rebuilding services. A good technician will walk with you all the way.

 

Conclusion

Above all, as an independent musician, keep playing your piano! This will help keep all the moving parts in good condition. It will also help you identify any problem that may arise at an earlier stage.

 

What do you think about this guide? Please leave your comment below.

 

Author Bio

I’m Alex Frank who has worked sound technology industry for ten years now. Today, I am an affiliate blogger who likes to educate my audience more about audio technology. Visit Music Instruments Center to find all information about music that you need.

Independent Musicians “Bloom” at youbloomDublin Music Summit & Festival

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The youbloom Mission Achieved

In the words of The Key Regimes, who performed songs from their debut EP at youbloomDublin, “education and community” are the aspects of youbloom’s mission that they relate with most. “There is never enough of either”, they stated.

 

How does youbloom provide this through youbloomDublin? Just ask the artists who performed.

 

The Key Regimes, who were “blown away with the quality of the bands playing over the weekend”,  relaxing before a set at youbloomDublin

 

Community and Education Fostered at youbloomDublin

“Having a sense of community is extremely important for musicians”, Pixie Saytar, a three member band who played a set at 4 Dame Lane, stated. The ability to form a connection rather than a competition allows artists to “feel a part of something bigger”. Pixie Saytar believes a community atmosphere is “vital to growth as both an artist and a person”.

 

To Pixie Saytar, the educational aspect of youbloom is also important in that it’s about “sharing your expertise with others”, and meeting industry figures removes some of the big bad scariness.

 

Pixie Saytar striking a pose at youbloomDublin

 

 

For others, such as Dandelion Tea, youbloom is about “building a community that supports artists” and learning from others in that community. They quoted Vaughan Williams who once said that “the composer must not shut himself up and think about art, he must live with his fellows and make his art an expression of the whole community.”

 

ELLYD, who returned to youbloomDublin this year as a solo artist, playing some tunes

 

Successes and Takeaways From youbloomDublin2017

CARRON is hoping to make it to youbloomLA this year. The two sisters are thankful for the advantageous music industry contacts they made who can offer valuable tips for artists such as themselves. They also look forward to possibly “performing [with them] in the near future”.

 

Dandelion Tea also saw success in that they were “booked for another gig straight after.” Overall, many artists felt as though their performances were well received by a nice crowd. In the words of ELLYD, “it’s always a pleasure to play at youbloom!”

 

 

 

The Music Industry: Artists’ Outlook

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YoubloomDublin2017

At around noon on Thursday, June 1st, Dublin’s atmosphere became a bit more community-minded. More specifically, it became a bit more nurturing towards those who possess a love of music.

 

Sixty independent musicians based in multiple countries—from Portugal to Sweden—would play a unique gig during that weekend at the youbloomDublin Music Summit & Festival, an independent music conference and festival. Its uniqueness stems from the fact that youbloom caters specifically to unsigned artists with the intention of altering the current unsustainability of said artists.

 

How do they accomplish this? Well, just ask the artists themselves who performed at youbloomDublin three weeks ago.

 

Oski Bravo at youbloomDublin

 

But first, let’s take a step back.

 

The Music Industry Exposed

The music industry is extremely skewed: a few hundred artists make 75% of the revenue. Smaller artists usually remain unseen because they simply don’t have the support they need to grow their business. These music industry statistics and the monopoly effect lead artists like Oski Bravo, who performed at youbloom Dublin for the first time, to insist that the music industry is a “pigsty”.

 

Back to the Ocean, an alternative band who played twice at youbloomDublin, also attests to the demanding aspects of the music industry in that independent musicians basically must figure out how to get fans on their own. They’re “expected to have world class recordings, [a] big fanbase, professional videos and social media profiles, and [a] business orientation”.

 

Back to the Ocean rocking out at youbloomDublin for their first performance at the festival

 

A Love of Music

But for many, even though the odds seem insurmountable, the love for the craft is greater.

 

“It felt like a natural progression for both of us”, CARRON stated. For the two sisters who played at youbloomDublin in Phoenix Park on Saturday and The Globe on Sunday, it began with “leading roles in shows like ‘Annie’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and ‘The Sound of Music’” along with violin and vocal lessons.

 

They believe the music industry standard is quite high, particularly in Ireland with artists such as Hozier attaining success. However, they are hopeful for what it means for them in that “[they] must always be progressing too, writing new music and taking part in as many live events as [they] can”.

 

CARRON striking a pose at youbloomDublin

 

For others, such as Dandelion Tea, who performed at 4 Dame Lane on Saturday, “Music is just something that always made sense. [It’s] an intangible form of art that can impact so many people in a big way. We felt we had something unique to say and music was the language we could best express it in.”

 

The music industry may receive complaints, but as Dandelion Tea said, pictured here feeling the music at youbloomDublin, “that’s the nature of monetizing art.”

 

The overwhelming nature of the music business may discourage artists to pursue music, but many still do simply because they couldn’t imagine themselves doing anything different. It’s this overwhelming love for music that fuels artists and youbloom members alike.

 

 

Podcast #3: Wallis Bird

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Donal Scannell speaks with Wallis Bird about life and music in this installment of his podcasts. Wallis Bird is a singer/songwriter from Ireland whose 5th and latest album came out in September of last year.

 

 

https://art19.com/shows/born-optimistic/episodes/78cbb9b8-6192-4af1-b6ef-7d4ef8d68083

 

Podcast Host:

Donal Scannell co-founded Gigstarter as a crowdfunding tool for planning and funding tours. Described as the Kickstarter for gigs, the web tool is a way for concerts to be crowd funded by fans. Donal is also creative director at production company Scanarama.