| Maybe your dream is to play Carnegie Hall or be the | | | | pass out flyers at bridal shops and florists and |
| next Slash or work in a film studio orchestra. But the | | | | introduce yourself to the Sales Managers at nearby |
| road to a financially secure career as a musician can | | | | hotels that host weddings and give them a bid they |
| be a long one. Rather than settling for mind-numbing | | | | can't refuse. |
| filler jobs at the local Target or House of Pancakes to | | | | Be a street musician. If you live in a city, find a spot |
| pay the bills, think creatively. Here are seven | | | | where there's a lot of foot traffic, especially on |
| suggestions on how to make money as a musician. | | | | weekends. Look at it as a performance. Present |
| Not only do you get paid to practice and sharpen your | | | | yourself as a professional and entertain the |
| skills, you put yourself in the position to meet people | | | | spectators. Tipping musicians is a time honored tradition |
| who might be the key to your big break. All you need | | | | so have fun with it and don't act as if you are a |
| is your talent and a business card. | | | | panhandler. |
| Play at private parties: Get to know the managers of | | | | Be a recital accompanist. If you play guitar or piano |
| local restaurants and encourage them to offer your | | | | check out the local community college and see if they |
| services for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties or | | | | ever need an accompanist for singing recitals. |
| any other private function they host. If you have a | | | | Work as a session musician. There are some |
| band, bars frequently hire for weekend gigs or special | | | | musicians who make a career of it. Session musicians |
| events. | | | | are hired for recording sessions by singers or other |
| Rent a tux and play at weddings. Solo acts like | | | | musicians. |
| pianists, guitarists, saxophonists and even harpists can | | | | Be atmosphere. Five star hotels and restaurants |
| add immeasurable class to any pre or post reception. | | | | frequently have acoustic guitarists and piano players in |
| Advertise on the community board at local churches, | | | | their lobbies to serenade guests. |