4 Ways to Make Money While Playing Cello

At some point in your career as a musician, you may have thought to yourself if there’s any way that you can earn a fortune from playing an instrument – such as cello. 

Cellos are known for its big size compared to violins, thus making it look like it’s hard to learn but nevertheless, it has its own unique characteristics that attract musicians. You might think that playing a cello can only be a hobby for your passion for music. But in this digital age where you can almost do everything, earning money while doing the things you love is possible. 

One of the key things you need to do to make it in the music industry is by being open to diversify modes of income. The more that you take advantage of potential revenue from other alternatives, the higher you’re likely to make it big in the industry.  Here are the top four (4) ways that you can make money while playing cello.

1. SELL YOUR COMPOSITION

Nowadays, you can either have your composition sold in physical copies (i.e. CD-Rs) or through digital streaming. The good thing about digital distribution is that you’re not only reaching out to potential local customers, but international ones as well. 

When you are pretty confident of your compositions, take the step of putting it out there either digitally or physically and utilize social media platforms to thoroughly promote your work of art. Another advantage in selling compositions nowadays is that you don’t have to spend tons of money to gain attention, just the right content and a superb music output and you’re good to go.

2. GO TO GIGS AND PLAY LIVE

Make use of your talent by getting gigs and playing live. It might not be easy to get yourself a gig for the first time, but you can start with playing some songs for your loved ones or friends’ on special occasions (e.g. birthdays, weddings, and other parties) and slowly build your brand until you’ll be recommended and hired to play at several occasions. This might take a while, but as long as you have passion in playing cello, everything will be worth it. 

3. BUILD YOUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Of course, with video blogging or vlogging becoming one of the widely-spread form of digital compensating site, you can capture yourself playing cello, teaching cello, or sharing informational content about cello in just a click away. You’ll not only help entertain and inspire people, but you can also earn from it. 

4. BE A CELLO INSTRUCTOR

Another career path you may take on as a cellist is to teach aspirants how to play a cello smoothly and flawlessly. There’s nothing more rewarding than the fact that you will be able to share your experiences, hardships, and success to other keen students having a burning desire to be a successful cellist. 

The good thing about being an instructor is that you can also juggle other jobs such as playing gigs at night or posting songs you play on your YouTube account. Nowadays, one of the reasons musicians are becoming popular in this social media platform is the fact that they share tutorials to help someone learn an instrument. Through this way, learning becomes cost-effective and effective as they can always play again and again until they get used to it.

Bonus tip: compose for other musicians. Aside from creating your own composition, you can also venture in creating one for other musicians. Some big music companies actually look for cellists to compose cello-played music background that may either be used for a film, television show and alike.

In conclusion, the most vital part of earning money as a cellist is always believing in yourself and what you can do. Do not compare yourself to those who are already successful in this path, you’ll have your own door of opportunity too. So while that happens, continue honing yourself to become the best cellist the world will ever get to witness play.