25 Profitable Business Opportunities for Musicians (Full List)
Are you interested in starting a music related business idea but unsure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many business ideas for musicians to become entrepreneurs and build innovative products/services in this line of work.
We put together below the most profitable music business ideas you can start today in 2023.
Here they are:
1. Become a music blogger
A music blog covers different topics of interest among music lovers. With the music industry so popular in 2023, it is a great time to start a music blog. A music blog offers you a chance to get as creative as possible and is also a precious tool to help you promote and publicize music genres.
Starting a music blog is as easy as selecting a music niche. Identify topics of interest and create shareable content.
Hi, my name is DJ Tobander and I’m running a blog with the same name. I’m writing about djing and am also selling info products like “How to start DJing” or “How to get more Bookings” but mainly I’m selling collections of great DJ Sets for special occasions like weddings or NYE.
I’m not selling the music itself but the name of the songs and in what order the DJs were playing them. DJs should never copy the style or whole sets of other DJs but they should definitely inspire themselves by looking at what other DJs are playing where and when.
2. Start a music school
For those with a passion and love for music, starting an online music school is a great opportunity to start your music tutoring business. Not only will you gain customers locally but also globally. Besides, starting an online music school is an opportunity to work from anywhere and at your preferred time.
Whether you are brand new to teaching music online or you have been teaching online but looking for some fresh inspiration, you can incorporate different to your online music school. examples include:
- Teaching church music online
- Teaching children’s choir
- Youth & adults’ choirs
- Teach live video sessions using online meeting platforms
- Choir, band & orchestra
A warm welcome to all the readers. Thanks to Starter Story for the encouragement and motivation by covering our story.
Definitely, music heals. It helps to improve concentration and memory. Usage of the left and right brain and coordination helps us to enhance our grasping ability. Yoga helps to de-stress and helps stay fit. Arts definitely helps us to unwind ourselves.
3. Start a guitar company
Guitars are versatile, portable, accessible, and affordable musical instruments. Besides, guitars can be self-taught, or you can learn online.
If you are passionate about guitars, consider starting a guitar company. There are different entry points ranging from guitar production, guitar sales, and distribution company or even guitar repair. To start the guitar business, identify your target market, and create a business plan. You must register a business name and meet all the licensing requirements.
My name is Adam Klosowiak and I’m the cofounder and CEO of KLOS Guitars, a company that builds durable, portable, and great sounding sleek carbon fiber guitars and ukuleles.
KLOS Guitars launched on Kickstarter in June of 2015 and did $33k in sales that year. Now, four years later, we’ve shipped to over 70 countries and all 50 states and we’re doing over $100k per month in sales mostly on Shopify.
4. Create a voice recording platform
A voice recording platform can be used to edit, record, and repair audio.
Businesses use voice recording platforms to communicate with customers and provide responses 24/7. The voice recording software is connected to a telephone line and prompts the customer to leave a recorded message.
Therefore, creating a voice recording platform that can serve businesses and different organizations can be profitable.
The best voice recording platform supports MIDI recording & editing and offers a ton of effect plugins to enhance the voice recording quality and ensure appealing audio tracks. You do not need programming/coding skills and app development skills to create a voice recording platform. You can hire programmers to develop the platform from scratch.
5. Start a karaoke bar business
Karaoke bars provide karaoke equipment so people sing publicly on a set stage. The karaoke bars are high-traffic and can generate income quickly compared to standard nightclubs. Karaoke bars feature essential lighting and giveaways to encourage singers and their participation and let the booze flow!
We are Kelli Bielema & Vanessa Resler and we run The AirScream, a mobile karaoke lounge in a vintage Airstream located in Seattle, WA. The AirScream is an experience like no other where we bring the trailer to your special event, park it & let the party ignite! Our customers are marketing and brand specialists who want a unique activation at their events that bring people together. We also work with event planners who plan corporate parties as well as private social celebrations like birthday parties and weddings.
We are new to the market and are slowly scaling up as we get comfortable with our processes so we can perfect everything before we debut to the public. Currently, we are operating focus groups with event planners & vendors, our friends & family and with upcoming pop-up events at select locations where we truly will experience The AirScream in the wild.
6. Start a music streaming app
Music streaming apps allow the consumption of audio content in different formats. The global music streaming market recently recorded a CAGR of 14.7%, and experts project it will reach $29.45 billion in the next few years.
The rising penetration of digital platforms and the growing use of smart devices are some factors boosting the market growth. Therefore, developing a music streaming app in 2023 can be a great chance to make money.
My name is Nimrod, and I am the CEO & co-founder of OnlinePianist, a mobile application that makes it super fun & easy to play one’s favorite songs on the piano.
7. Create an online course
Online course businesses are one of the fastest-growing online business models. Creating an online course is an awesome way to generate extra income because it allows you to monetize the knowledge you already have. More people are taking online courses every day, and the COVID pandemic has accelerated that, with some online learning platforms having seen 15-fold growth in the number of users.
Another advantage is that these new platforms are so easy to use for instructors that you don't have to worry at all about the tech side of the business. You just need to focus on creating exciting content that is informational & engaging at the same time.
Starting an online course allows you to eliminate some of the huge costs associated with setting up a physical training facility, and it's a great way to reach as many people as possible.
Hey! We are Kelan and Brittany Kline the founders and co-owners of the popular personal finance blog The Savvy Couple.
We are currently on pace to make over $250,000 this year alone with our personal finance blog!
8. Become a local event artist
Event artists make the audience more centered, increase event PR, attract new artists, and build a good brand profile.
Becoming an event artist is easier than you think. All you need to do is choose a niche and work on attracting foot traffic to the events. Be creative and work on your communication skills.
9. Become a music tutor
Are you passionate about music or looking for a profitable coaching business? How about becoming a music tutor?
To start a music coaching business, decide your target audience and location and set your rates. For example, you can meet new students through a community event, online, or a music club, or target the local community. Set rates for your music classes and advertise your business to get as many clients as possible.
Hi! I’m Jacques Hopkins, creator of Piano In 21 Days. My online piano course helps adults of all ages learn to play piano as fast as possible. Most of my students are people who never had the time or failed piano lessons before. Some are retirees who are excited about a new hobby but don’t want to wait years for results. Others are busy parents or professionals who need a low-pressure, flexible learning schedule.
My business brings in five figures every month, and I built everything from the ground up. I knew I had a unique take on piano lessons, but I had to learn everything about digital entrepreneurship and marketing in real time. It took a lot of effort, but it worked: I quit my engineering job and have been supporting my family this way for over eight years now.
10. Become a band manager
A band manager is a professional representative and advisor for a music band. The manager helps the artists build a successful music career, get them clients, and negotiate contracts on behalf of the band.
To be a successful band manager, you must have a passion for artist management. Fluency in the artistic language of music and relentless drive for music will help you perform well. To kickstart your career, you can practice with the local choirs or music groups. Then, you can diversify to established bands as you gain band management skills.
11. Become a sound engineer
Sound engineers assemble, operate, and maintain the technical equipment for recording, amplifying, enhancing, mixing, and reproducing sound.
To become a sound manager, you must complete an audio production course, music theory training, and sound engineering degree. To acquire these skills, you can attend a vocational school or degree program that trains and hands-on experience for your future audio engineering career.
12. Become a sound effects producer
Sound effect editors recreate the realistic ambient sounds that films portray. To become a sound effect producer, complete a sound engineering course or a relevant course to earn sound designer skills. Secure an internship to practice and hone your skills.
My name is Aaron Hsu. I started Blerp in my junior year of college after I made the viral Shia Lebouf soundboard app. In the first few weeks after launch, we had over 100K downloads. It was at that moment I realized there was an opportunity to make a full sound sharing platform instead of downloading one off soundboard apps at a time.
Blerp takes a small cut of soundpack sales. We’re excited about bringing more ways for creators to monetize their brand and their most iconic moments.
13. Start a music therapy company
Are you passionate about helping people cope with emotional and mental problems through music? Starting a music therapy company can turn your passion into a profitable business.
As a music therapist, you will work with people of all ages and use music to help them through emotional or mental problems, learning or physical disabilities, development disorders, life-limiting conditions, or other physical illnesses.
To start the music therapy company, consider earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and register for clinical training or a supervised internship where you will harness your skills. To practice, you must pass the national board certification exam administered by a certification board for music therapists.
14. Become a music video director
A music video director is the head of music video production from initial conception to final editing. The director conceives of the video's artistic and dramatic aspects while instructing the music act, the technical crew, actors, models, and dancers.
To become a music video director, learn the basics of film-making with photography. Then, purchase filming equipment and produce amateur music videos to prepare you for learning the job.
Alright guys I’m Jordan Williams, I am the Founder and Owner of Snake Oil Music News. I am a massive fan of music and finding new bands and artists specifically in the Indie Rock’N’Roll genre proving that Rock’N’Roll is still alive and kicking even though some people would say it finished years ago.
However, we do have a website where you can buy Snake Oil Music News merchandise from T-Shirts, Beanies, Bucket Hats, etc which helps fund equipment that we use for content and any events that we put on.
15. Start a music podcast
Would you want to share your passion and music skills with other people? Or perhaps you are in a music career and looking for ways to expand your revenue streams? If you match these criteria, becoming a podcast host could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums for online audio, and it's not expected to slow down any time soon. But unlike traditional radio, podcasts are driven by content creators passionate about sharing stories with their listeners.
One of the main benefits of starting a podcast is the minimal investment needed. All you need is a computer or phone with a microphone and a way to host it online. You can even create one on your website if you want.
Hello, my name is Annette Thomas. I am the Creator and Founder of The Digital Vibe Podcast and Network. The Digital Vibe Podcast started as a Podcast and evolved to become a Network that comprises, a podcast, a publishing company, a network of affiliates, and a global brand that is networked and heard all around the world!
If you sum up all of these income streams it would be around $20k per month.
16. Start an instrument repair business
If you have a high level of technical aptitude for instrumentation engineering, you can start an instrument repair and restoration business as a part-time job or a full-time business.
As an instrument repair professional, your normal operations will include buying spare parts and fixing or repairing faulty parts. Typically, repair specialists fix instruments for players from all walks of life, from beginners to amateurs.
My name is Allen Chiang, and I founded Retro Radio Farm, where I repair and restore old radios. I offer Bluetooth MP3 upgrade if the customer wants to play digital music.
Right now, I make about $50K a year for the work I put in primarily on weekends. While it’s highly profitable, it has not yet lucrative enough yet for me to quit my day job. Although, the business has been growing 20% every year.
17. Become a music app developer
The music app developer is a programmer who creates apps for mobiles for both Android and iOS devices. The music app development business targets creating various apps that give musicians and their fans a user-friendly experience.
To become a music app developer, first, touch up on your skills. There are several courses available online. Once you obtain the certification, choose your niche and focus on your skill set.
Then the best way to showcase your work is to build a portfolio website where you will display your skills, projects, and testimonials. Another way to promote yourself is to create your brand and start a blog. This will, in turn, build a network, and you will be able to connect with people and attract more clients.
Hello! My name is Ian Chen and I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Discotech, we are essentially OpenTable for Nightlife.
Since surviving the Covid pandemic which ravaged our industry, we have been generating over $1M a month in gross sales, and netting between 10-15% of that as our net revenue.
18. Become a dance choreographer
Dance choreographers create compositions and plans and arrange dance movements and patterns for dances, especially ballets. Choreographers also develop different interpretations of existing dances for an individual or group of dancers.
To become a dance choreographer, you will need to take training lessons. You may pursue a degree in musical theater and take relevant dance coursework. The training enables you to master different dance types and learn how to create dances.
Turning a passion into a 6-figure business is the goal of many entrepreneurs, and Jennifer Sobel has made that happen.
She has taken her long-term passion for belly dancing and used her three years of knowledge in digital marketing to build a successful belly dancing coaching business online.
Her company is called TheBellyDanceSolution.com and she inspires hundreds of women to attain their positive body goals with the help of belly dancing.
Jennifer uses belly dancing as a tool to live a healthy and happy life and helps her clients live a stress-free life while guiding them to regain their confidence & self-esteem.
Listen to the full podcast on sidehustleschool.com➜
19. Become a music publicist
A music publicist is a professional who deals with media and public relations on behalf of a music group or a musician. An artist will consult the publicist before releasing any communications to the public.
To become a publicist, earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and develop strong public relations skills. You must have experience in media relations, client communications, crisis management, and press campaign development to serve effectively as a publicist.
Riyaz Ali is a popular Indian Tiktok star and social media influencer.
- Over 45.2M followers on Tik Tok and 27M+ Instagram followers.
- On TikTok, his videos have about 2.1B likes.
- Videos consist of comedy, dances, and collaborations with fellow TikTokers and Indian actors or stars. - Riyaz is just 19 and making around ₹70 lakh per anum from TikTok, Instagram, and paid promotions.
Read the full story on biooverview.com →
20. Become a song writer
A songwriter is a musician who composes musical compositions and writes lyrics for songs. To become a songwriter, you must start writing songs regularly and improve your creativity.
21. Become a conductor
A conductor is a music professional who conducts an orchestra, chorus, opera company, ballet, or musical group.
To become a conductor, one must possess relevant degree training in music. After completing the course, you must work under an attachment position to gain relevant experience. A conductor must hone sound music skills and have the ability to interpret various music styles effectively.
22. Become a voice coach
A vocal coach is a professional in charge of writing and producing vocal arrangements for four-part harmony and helping to develop counter melodies for a secondary vocalist. Vocal coaches also advise singers or bands on lyric writing.
To become a vocal coach, you must have much musical knowledge and experience. You should be able to teach singers how to sing correctly and how to improve their voices. A vocal coach should have training in teaching singing techniques.
23. Become a music producer
A music producer or a record producer assists an artist with their recording project. The professional focuses on bringing the musician's vision to fruition and guiding the sound.
To become a music producer, enroll in music lessons and listen to different styles of music from multiple eras. Then, learn an instrument so you can read sheet music. Familiarize yourself with the music production software and set up a professional music production and recording space.
24. Become a studio owner
A music studio owner owns the establishment where recording artists come to record their music. The music studio owner should have all the equipment necessary for recording. To ensure business success, the music studio owner should hire a trained studio manager to run the studio affairs.
25. Start an instrument rental service
Music reviewer engages in the analysis and interpretation of music work. To become a music reviewer, you need a certificate in a music-related field. Then you need to attend industry conferences and seminars to establish contacts with editors and agents.
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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