5 Income Streams That Keep Me Alive as a Musician

5 Income Streams That Keep Me Alive as a Musician

By Ryan Jones

Introduction: My Journey

I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10 years old — 26 years ago. I started gigging at 15, and for the last 21 years, live music has been my world. Right now, I play 7 nights a week on Mathew Street in Liverpool, performing for international audiences.

But here’s the truth: if I relied only on gigs, I’d burn out fast and my income would never be stable. The secret to surviving as a full-time musician is diversification. Multiple streams of income mean that if one dries up, the others keep you afloat.

This eBook breaks down the 5 streams that keep me going — and how you can build them into your own career.

1. Live Gigs 🎶

My main income stream: playing 7 gigs a week on one of the busiest music streets in the UK. Gigging gives me stability, sharpens my skills, and constantly puts me in front of new audiences.

What gigs really pay: the range can be anywhere from small bar gigs to large-scale events, but consistency is what makes them valuable.

The challenges: long nights, audience demands, burnout. Gigging also means dealing with unpredictability — you might play to a packed room one night and a half-empty bar the next.

Tips for you:

• Always show up early and prepared.

• Learn the 'crowd-pleaser' songs that never fail.

• Build relationships with venue managers and other musicians — that’s how you get repeat bookings.

2. Teaching 🎸

Teaching is a powerful second stream: flexible, rewarding, and stable. I’ve taught guitar for years, both in-person and online.

Lessons not only pay well, they’re flexible, and they force me to break down what I know in ways that help me grow as a player too. Teaching keeps your fundamentals sharp because explaining something is one of the best ways to master it yourself.

Tips for you:

• Start with one student, then build through word-of-mouth.

• Offer both in-person and online lessons to widen your reach.

• Package what you know into small digital courses — even beginners will buy them.

3. Digital Products 📦

This is where real passive income lives. I create loop packs, jam tracks, chord upgrade eBooks, and Helix patches — products I can make once and sell forever.

Why digital products are powerful: they require no stock, no shipping, and they can reach a global audience instantly. Even when I’m asleep, people around the world can download my work.

Tips for you:

• Start small — one loop pack or one PDF is enough to begin.

• Sell on Gumroad, Squarespace, or Patreon to keep it simple.

• Reuse your content — a riff you post today can become tomorrow’s loop pack.

4. Recording & Producing 🎧

Session guitar work and producing add another stream of income that keeps things diverse. Sometimes it’s recording for other artists, sometimes it’s remote collaborations — either way, it keeps me engaged and builds connections.

Producing tracks for artists allows me to bring other people’s ideas to life, and it’s a rewarding change from gigging every night.

Tips for you:

• Offer your services on Fiverr, SoundBetter, or through local networks.

• Invest in a simple home recording setup (DAW, interface, mics).

• Deliver fast and professionally — clients will keep coming back.

5. Content & Social Media 📱

Content is the new stage. Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram let me reach international audiences daily. Posting chord tips, riffs, and gig clips funnels new people into my world.

Content monetizes in multiple ways: ad revenue, Patreon support, sponsorships — but most importantly, it drives traffic to my products.

Tips for you:

• Stay consistent — quantity leads to quality over time.

• Use faceless video strategies if you don’t want to be on camera.

• Always include a call-to-action: 'link in bio,' 'get the full eBook,' or 'download my loops.'

Conclusion: Why 5 Streams Work Together

Each stream on its own might not be enough. But together, they create a sustainable income that’s diversified, flexible, and scalable. Live gigs keep me sharp and connected. Teaching keeps me stable. Digital products make money while I sleep. Recording keeps me creative. Content builds my future.

That’s how I’ve managed to stay a full-time musician for over two decades. Now it’s your turn. Start with one income stream, then add another. Before you know it, you’ll have your own system that keeps you alive as a musician.