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1. Online Mixing Engineer
You should think of the internet like a separate continent. Imagine this separate
continent filled with musicians and amateur bedroom recordists that need a
polished touch to their mixes. Portfolio websites aren't exclusive to the web
development or graphic design community. There are plenty of opportunities
to be had with online mixing. It's competitive but it's easy to set up and
start, especially if you already have a mixing station or studio at home.
2. Online Music Composer
Websites such as AudioJungle have a wide selection of music that their community
creates and uploads for sale. If you are a very creative recording musician
then you might be able to make a few extra bucks out of recording some of your
ideas and motifs. My former classmate;Miguel Jimenez Lopez;has a very active
AudioJungle account, and has made over 340 sales of tracks created in his home
recording studio.
3. On-Location Sound Recording
Using intuitive live mixers that double as recorders, like the PreSonus Studio
Live mixer, you can easily record a live concert directly to your computer
through the mixer's pre-amps. With the mixer's processors and effects you could
even record, mix and upload the whole concert to the band's website before
the band stops partying. Talk about a unique selling position.
4. Portable Live Sound Engineer
If you're not into the whole recording thing but love live sound investing
in a small and portable P.A. system is a great way to offer your services to
the live sound community. Start small with a simple system that can do open
mics and small bands and offer your services to the surrounding coffee shops
for instance. Position yourself so that the coffee shops see the value in having
open mics and small live concerts.
5. Freelance Writer
This is, err... what I do mostly. I take the knowledge I've learned through
schooling and experience in the music industry and pay it forward. When I've
figured something out or stumbled upon a cool audio trick I share it with the
interwebs. So there is no reason you couldn't do something similar, regardless
of your musical expertise. Audio Issues is accepting guest post submissions
if you are interested in furthering your freelance writing.
6. Session Musician
Experienced musicians are always in demand. It's hard to be a struggling musician
but by diversifying your income streams you might struggle a little less than
others. Put up your skills and contact info online, post it on Craigslist or
on other job boards. I have a diverse pool of friends to play on my music,
but if I didn't I would outsource that expertise just like everything else.
7. Beat and Loop Maker
I hate making beats and loops. I suck at it and I find it tedious. But what
I do love are pre-made loop packages made by professional beat makers and drummers
that know how to groove. If you are adept and creative when it comes to beats
and loops then I might be your next client.
What Else?
I know there are plenty of other ideas out there that you are currently making
money with. What are some other entrepreneur ideas that have worked for you?
Bjorgvin Benediktsson is an audio engineer and writer. He is an Alumni from
the SAE Institute and has been working in the audio industry since 2006. He
has written about audio and music for blogs and magazines since 2006 and has
published books on audio recording and mixing. He writes about music production
on his blog. Check out more of his writing right here on Audio Issues |
