Being a music major is one of the busiest majors, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, every college student is busy! But having to juggle class, practice, rehearsals, performances, and finding time to make money so you don’t starve… is a lot. I’ve taken some time to list some opportunities for you music majors looking to make a little extra cash.
Teaching
This one is extremely convenient for music students because you are mostly in charge of your schedule. If you don’t want to find students on your own or a space to teach, there are often music schools or academies looking to hire part time teachers in your area. This provides you with students and a studio space without extra time or cost to you. Another option is teaching online, if you have a decent enough computer and a quiet space to work at home. There are multiple online platforms that provide a place for teachers to find students, and vice versa (they probably will take a portion of what you make off of your lessons, but it is usually reasonable).
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On-Campus Job
There are certain jobs on campus that are really great with the music major’s schedule because they close at earlier times, thus providing time in the evenings for practice, rehearsals and performances. Some jobs on campus also provide the opportunity for you to create your own schedule. Jobs on campus that involve customer service include working at the university’s cafes, library, bookstore, or as a receptionist. Other jobs on campus include custodial work, technical support (IT), and serving as a peer tutor. If you are an upperclassman, you can look into working as an assistant in a specific course that teaches concepts you are proficient in.
Restaurant
Working at a restaurant is nice for people who are looking for a set amount of hours per week, but need to be available at different times depending on the day. For those actively auditioning for gigs, you might need to work an evening instead of an afternoon shift on the day of a big audition. Working in this kind of environment is very conducive for those kinds of situations, because you often are required to work mornings, afternoons, or evenings on different days of the week. If you like a schedule that moves around a lot, this kind of job might be a good fit for you.
House Sitting/Pet Sitting
Here is another convenient job for music majors, due to the flexible schedule it provides. If you are looking to earn some extra cash, but can’t commit to working a set amount of hours every week, this is a great option to look into. Technology provides a lot of opportunities for you to get established as a house/pet sitter, or even a dog walker.
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Competitions
There are many opportunities for you to earn some extra cash by enrolling in music performing competitions in your area. However, this money isn’t guaranteed, as it usually only goes out to the winners or those who place. It also isn’t as consistent because the competitions can happen every couple of months (sometimes only once or twice a school year). This job is a great option for students who want to earn some extra money and feel confident in their abilities, but don’t have to count on it to get by.
Conclusion
In order to find the job that works best for you, ask yourself these questions: “What is my schedule like this year/semester? How many hours do I want to work? Do I want my schedule to be the same every week, or do I need it to change? Do I need consistent income, or do I just need some extra money here and there?” You should then have an idea of what kind of job you want and need. Hope this helps!
