How To Make Money With Music: 19 Ways (2025)

If you love creating music, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered how to make money from it—and why wouldn’t you? Music can be a fulfilling and profitable way to do what you love. Even if you don’t play music yourself, you can still turn your passion into a business.

The US music industry supports around 2.5 million jobs, according to 2024 data from the Recording Industry of America (RIAA). And it’s still growing: The industry’s 18% rise from 2017 to $212 billion makes it an encouraging time for those interested in pursuing music revenue streams.

From songwriting to DJing to selling vinyl, discover the top ways you can make money with music today.

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How to make money with your original music

1. Record an album
2. Licensing
3. Music streaming
4. Digital downloads
5. Physical recordings
6. Live gigs
7. Merchandise sales
8. Uploading to stock music libraries
9. Music scoring for film and TV

Making money with your original music takes perseverance. As Quinton “Yung Trybez” Nyce of Snotty Nose Rez Kids said on Shopify Masters, “Nothing happens overnight. … Don’t be afraid to learn, and don’t be discouraged by the letdowns, because everything goes up from there.”

Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Record an album

Recording an album is the dream of many musicians. Once it’s complete, you can earn money through licensing an royalty fees, and by selling physical formats, like vinyl.

However, recording a studio album can be expensive. Exact costs will depend on your vision—for example: Will you need session musicians? Special equipment? Studio time alone can run several thousand dollars and might not include a recording engineer and other essential personnel.

As an alternative, you might decide to record a demo at home—just like legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan have done. Just know that if you want your songs to sound radio-ready, you’ll need to consider hiring a professional to master your album, even if you have decent production skills. Mastering ensures consistent sound quality across tracks, and requires specialized skills.

If you’re short on funds, you can use a crowdfunding site like Kickstarter or ArtistShare to raise money for your album and even fund a tour.

To run a successful crowdfunding campaign, start by building a fanbase that can’t wait to hear your project. Post your songs on popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Engage your fans by creating content that puts a face to your music, like behind-the-scenes videos and short clips. You can also create mini music videos for your songs and post them on your profiles.

You also can pursue a record deal. Record labels often cover production costs, but you may give up creative control—so read the fine print and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

2. Licensing

You’ve crafted a great piece of music—congrats! Now it can keep earning money through music licensing.

Anyone who wants to use your original music must license it. You’ll earn either an upfront fee or royalties, which are payouts every time your song is used.

Here are the different types of licensing:

• Master-use. This license allows someone to use your recording. For example, if a singer wants to sample your track in theirs, they’ll need to obtain a master-use license for your recording.

• Synchronization. This lets someone pair your music with visuals in television, film, or commercials. This license applies only to your composition (music and lyrics) and not your recording, so they’re often paired with master licenses.

• Mechanical. This licenses your composition, not your recording. For example, you would need to obtain a mechanical license to record a cover of someone else’s song.

• Public performance. Anyone who wants to play your song in a public space (like in an arena or a coffee shop, needs a public performance license from you as the copyright owner.

If you’re signed, your record label or music publisher usually handles licensing. Independent? Join a performing rights organization, like Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) or ASCAP to collect and distribute your royalties.*

3. Music streaming

Upload your tracks to music streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music and receive small payments when listeners stream your songs. While earnings per stream are low—often less than a penny—they can add up over time.

Still, streaming platforms are popular among consumers. Data shows that more than 100 million US subscribers paid for a streaming service in 2024.

To get your music on Spotify or other platforms, you’ll need to sign up with a distributor. They’ll charge a fee or a commission, but will also pay your royalties whenever your songs are streamed. Spotify has a list of recommended distributors.

4. Digital downloads

Aside from streaming, you can sell digital downloads of your songs and albums, which lets your fans own a copy of your recording. 

You can sell your tracks on large music platforms like iTunes and Bandcamp. The latter is relatively simple (and free) to set up, and you’ll keep 85% of your profits until you make $5,000 in sales, then 90% after that.

Want to keep all of your earnings and learn more about your listeners? Sell your music on your own ecommerce website. Platforms like Shopify allow you to sell digital downloads, physical albums, and merch, all in one place.

5. Physical recordings

Despite streaming’s popularity, many consumers still crave a physical connection with their music and purchase physical media, particularly vinyl records and CDs. RIAA reports that consumers spent roughly $2 billion on physical music media in 2024—up 5% from 2023.

That opens the door to selling physical formats both on your ecommerce site and at live shows, using a point of sale system like Shopify POS. You can burn CDs on your own, but you’ll need to outsource the vinyl production process.

Vinyl records offer a creative edge. You can create custom sleeves, inserts, and even colored vinyl. Several online services can press records to your specifications.

6. Live gigs

The money you can make from performing your original music live varies widely. Local bar gigs might net fewer than $100 per player, while national touring bands can make tens of thousands of dollars per night.

A manager or a platform like ReverbNation Gig Finder can help you book local shows. Good old-fashioned networking still works too. Start small and find venues that are open to new acts.

7. Merchandise sales

Some touring musicians make more money selling merchandise at their shows than they do selling tickets. Producer and vocalist of Bleachers Jack Antonoff went so far as to call merch sales “literally the only way you make money when you start out touring.”

Design t-shirts, hats, mugs, and more with your logo, likeness, or album art. Merch with personality helps fans show support and gives you another way to make money with music.

“All the time, I’m being asked by people who are not in the industry, ‘How can I support the artists the most?’” says Gourmet Délice, founder of record label Bonsound, on an episode of Shopify Masters. Bonsound runs a Shopify store that sells merch and records directly to fans. “It’s always been the case, but now even more than before, it’s through the merch, through the LPs, through the physical products bought on, for example, our store.” Buying merch supports artists directly, cutting out intermediaries (like music venues) that take a share of ticket sales.

Set up an online merchandise store in minutes with Shopify and use Shopify POS to sell at live shows and events.

Not a design pro? Partner with an artist friend or hire a freelancer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Print-on-demand companies can help you produce and ship your merch.

8. Uploading to stock music libraries

Stock music libraries connect musicians with licensing opportunities for TV shows, movies, ads, and other artists’ songs. They work like stock image libraries, but instead of images, media creators license tracks for their projects.

To get your work into well-known stock music libraries like APM Music, being signed with a label helps. So does creating record tracks with commercial appeal. Think soothing acoustic music for spa ads or high energy beats for sports car commercials.

You can also sell your tracks—especially beats—to other artists. Beats are foundational tracks used in larger compositions. Since the space is crowded, network with artists directly online and off.

9. Music scoring for film and TV

Film scoring is the art of composing music for movies or TV shows. It can require close collaboration with a director, and sometimes a real-life orchestra. Today, many film scores are created using MIDI music production, which involves creating virtual orchestras and bands using instrument samples rather than live players. However, big budget film scores are still recorded with large ensembles in professional studios.

Many professional film scorers are classically trained composers, and breaking into the industry can be difficult without a formal background. To get started, build a robust, varied portfolio and network with filmmakers. You might offer to score indie projects for free, or pursue a degree like a master of music from the USC Thornton Screen Scoring program. Internships with experienced composers are another way in.

Film and TV composers earn most of their income through royalties. As an intern or assistant, you might earn an hourly wage plus a writing credit (and potential royalties) on any music you help write. On big-budget films, the studio covers production and pays you a creative fee—but they’ll own the music you create. You’ll still earn royalties for your writing. On smaller projects, composers often retain ownership of their material in exchange for lower upfront fees.

How to make money as a musician for hire

10. Session work
11. Songwriter for hire
12. Perform live
13. DJing

You don’t have to write original music to have a successful music career. Here are a few ways to make money as a working musician:

10. Session work

If you’re skilled with your instrument, you can make money playing on other artists’ studio recordings or recording music for television and movie scores. Session work usually requires mastery of your instrument, including sight-reading and improvisation.

It’s competitive, but seasoned studio musicians can earn hundreds per hour and even receive royalties.

In the US, many of these jobs are protected by the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) labor union. You’ll need to become a member of your local chapter before you can land a union gig. Rates vary depending on the project, but you can expect to make around $100 an hour.

Like other aspects of the music industry, breaking into session work takes effort. Start by networking with other musicians and building relationships. After you’ve played a few gigs, you can build a reputation as a reliable, talented session musician, leading to referrals from artists and studios.

11. Songwriter for hire

Top artists hire professional songwriters. You can write independently or sign to a music publisher, which can connect you with bigger acts. If you opt for the first route, get started by networking with musicians and producers.

Most top songwriters have publishing deals. These often include an upfront advance, followed by royalties once your song is released, much like a record deal.

Securing a publishing deal is no small feat. Pitch yourself with polished demos of your songs. Not a singer? Hire someone who can bring your songs to life.

You can also co-write with a signed songwriter. To find opportunities, network and showcase your body of work. Build a portfolio site and grow your social media presence to highlight your talent.

12. Perform live

There’s money to be made performing live, whether you go on tour with an original artist or play covers at events.

If you’re willing to travel, touring can pay well. Artists typically get a weekly fee, plus your meals and lodging are covered. Landing a tour gig involves competitive auditions.

Another way to make money as a musician is by playing covers at weddings and corporate events. Many professional musicians gig with cover bands between touring and recording gigs. These gigs often come through word of mouth. To land them, network with other musicians and have a solid repertoire of popular songs. And if you can sing—even better.

13. DJing

DJs are a go-to alternative to live bands for weddings, parties, bars, and clubs—all looking to set the vibe.

You don’t need to play an instrument to DJ, though it can help your rhythm and timing. Interested in creating your own mixes? Try software like Ableton or Logic Pro.

Build your set from existing tracks or mix in your own originals. Promote your DJing business by creating a website and focusing on local SEO to book gigs in your area.

How to make money with music-themed ecommerce

14. Ecommerce record store
15. Music supply shop

You don’t have to perform or produce music to profit from it. If you love gear, vinyl, or discovering great sounds, ecommerce offers plenty of ways to turn your passion into a business.

14. Ecommerce record store

Vinyl sales are on the up and up: In 2024, sales grew 7%, to $1.4 billion, marking 18 years of growth, according to the RIAA.

If you have a wide breadth of musical knowledge and a passion for discovering new music, you can tap into this popularity by opening an ecommerce record store by setting up shop on a platform like Shopify. Consider featuring records you love and sending your customers hand-picked recommendations, like the online record store Vinyl Me, Please.

Vinyl Me, Please founder Matt Fiedler realized many listeners want more than algorithmic streaming music recommendations—they want to own their music, not rent it.

“There was something missing from where the experience of consuming music was going. It was very obvious that streaming was the future, that it was all gonna predicated on paying for access versus ownership,” Matt said on an episode of Shopify Masters. “We just couldn't believe that that's all there was.”

Matt learned that people wanted to hear new music, but not just what algorithms guessed they’d like. Rather, they craved recommendations from a trusted human source.

Matt’s solution? A record-of-the-month club where he and his team send customers hand-picked vinyl. “It was a very human-centered approach to music discovery and enjoying and appreciating music as an art form,” he says.

15. Music supply shop

Musicians need everything, from guitar picks to amplifiers. If you know music gear inside and out, consider setting up an ecommerce music shop.

Set up your store with a platform like Shopify. Then you can either manage work with wholesalers and store your inventory yourself, or use a dropshipping model to handle storage and shipping.

Maybe you have niche expertise in bass gear. Tailoring your offerings to a smaller target audience (in this case, bass players). Specializing allows you to build a brand reputation based on expertise and become a go-to store for buyers looking for products they can trust.

Other ways to make money with music

16. Teaching music lessons
17. Content creation
18. Producing
19. Music therapy

If performing or selling records isn’t your thing, there are even more ways to turn your love of music into income, from teaching to content creation and beyond.

16. Teaching music lessons

Teaching music is a great way to share your passion and earn a steady income. Music teachers often have flexible schedules, allowing you to perform or write while teaching on the side.

Offer lessons in-person or online through platforms like Udemy, Google Classroom, and Patreon. Market yourself with a website highlighting your skills and expertise. Platforms like Shopify integrate with appointment booking apps, which can help you streamline the scheduling process.

You can also sell prerecorded video lessons with sheet music or tablature as a course. Shopify makes it easy to sell downloadable digital content like this on your own site.

17. Content creation

Musical content thrives on social media, from MIDI production tutorials to instrument lessons to covers. Artists like singer-songwriter Keith Harkin, use their YouTube channels to share original songs, covers and travel vlogs.

You can earn money through influencer marketing partnerships, affiliate marketing, or monetizing your content through platform networks like the YouTube Partner Program. This program pays creators based on ad views, clicks, and viewer engagement.

As your fan base grows, use fan funding tools, like YouTube’s Super Chat and channel memberships, to let supporters make donations or subscribe for exclusive perks.

18. Producing

Just as you can write songs or play instruments for other artists, you can also produce their music. To produce means overseeing the recording process, adding sounds and effects, editing, and shaping the final sound. Producers can either work for a flat fee or negotiate a share of royalties for a song.

Start by partnering with local musicians; social media is a great way to connect. Showcase your work on your profiles, and reach out to artists looking for a producer.

Stay authentic and focus on musicians whose sound you understand and can enhance. For example, if you’re a hip-hop producer, you might not want to pitch your services to a country artist, and vice versa.

Producers also compose original music, from bass lines and beats to instrumental hooks. At the highest level, they even help artists co-write their songs.

19. Music therapy

Music therapists work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and private practices. They collaborate with other health care professionals to support their clients through music.

Using musical activities such as singing, playing instruments, listening to music, and songwriting, music therapists help clients improve communication, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance motor skills, express emotion, and facilitate social interaction.

To become a licensed music therapist, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher in music therapy and take a test to receive your official certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

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*This post is for information only. The world of music licensing is complicated. To learn the ins and outs and ensure you are being paid fairly, consult with an intellectual property lawyer. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax, and business advisers, as needed. To sell products using the Shopify platform, you must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction of your business and your customers, the Shopify Terms of Service, the Shopify Acceptable Use Policy, and any other applicable policies.