7 Musician Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 30th, 2023

Become A Musician

A musician writes, records, performs, markets, and sells original songs, albums, and merchandise. As a musician, you can build your business by creating music and connecting with fans.

With the rise of social media, music streaming, home recording technology, and direct fan access, indie musicians can build profitable artistry-driven businesses themselves.

To start, hone your craft and find your unique creative niche. Master your instruments, produce demos of songs showcasing your style, and play small local venues to build an early following.

You can leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share your music as you build out a catalog of content. Also, release songs on major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music so fans globally can listen, save, and share your work. Sell merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and posters on your own website to generate additional income from your growing following.

By perfecting your sound and engaging possible fans through social media, streaming, performances, and direct outreach, you can build a thriving long-term business around your artistic passion and originality.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a musician:

1. Miguel de Maria, Elegant Spanish Guitar ($36K/year)

Miguel de Maria, a former desk job worker, discovered his passion for playing Spanish guitar while tending bar at a venue featuring live entertainment. After stepping in to help a backup band, he realized his talent and began pursuing a career as a freelance guitar performer. By leveraging personal contacts, word-of-mouth referrals, and a high-quality website, Miguel has built a successful business, earning around $3000 a month. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Miguel remains optimistic about the future of his business as events gradually resume.

How much they make: $36K/year
How much did it cost to start: $1.5K
Current team size: 0

Leaving A Boring Desk Job To Make A Living Playing Spanish Guitar At Events

Miguel de Maria, a former desk worker, built a successful freelance guitar performance company generating $3000 monthly by leveraging personal contacts and creating an online presence that includes a professional website, business cards, and contracts.

About

Miguel started Miguel de Maria, Elegant Spanish Guitar about 20 years ago

Revenue

Miguel grew the business to $3K/month

Costs

It cost Miguel $1500 to start the business

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Becoming A Musician: Everything You Need To Know

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So... can you actually make money with a musician?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

So... can you actually make money with a musician?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

5. kennesaw

Where they're located: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Website traffic: 1.65M/month

6. Billie Eilish

Happier Than Ever | Album Out July 30

Where they're located: ميرنكني, Anjouan, Comoros
Website traffic: 530K/month

7. Music Industry How To

Where they're located: Ngambé-Tikar, Centre, Cameroon
Website traffic: 420K/month