I’m proud and extremely lucky to be able to work across a variety of different areas in the music industry, as an artist, a professional writer/composer, a producer, a performer, an industry professional and a lecturer in music at two universities.
Adapting to last minute change
As a musician who has a portfolio career, and one who has two children, I’m used to various twists and turns in what is at the best of times, a bumpy road, and I’ve tried to make sure I always have some form of income coming in. One that works around also having a family.
Even for a portfolio musician these times are tough. In the space of three weeks our world has been turned upside down, with many of us completely losing our income, or at least part of our income, for the foreseeable future.
Not only that but the overwhelming sense of fear that pervades our every waking hour from the news, social media and from online conversations with loved ones who feel far away can impact anyone’s ability to function as a human being, let alone someone who often relies on that constant hand to mouth anxiety that comes with having a freelance, self-employed career in the arts.
The current climate requires an ability to adapt and change, often at the last minute. Sometimes, especially in my case, learning new skills in a very short period of time whether that be online lecturing, co-writing over WhatsApp or Zoom, or live streaming. Thankfully, musicians are some of the greatest entrepreneurs.
As musicians, adapting to this sort of last minute change is something we’re naturally good at. It’s what we’re trained for.
So what are the best ways of adapting some of our practise for online and generating some income? Here are some of the things I’ve done to try and keep income coming, and retain some shred of sanity along the way.
First things first – be kind to yourself
Being kind to yourself is the most important element in navigating this uncertain territory. We are naturally creative, and sometimes that can be a disadvantage as much as it is an advantage. Go for that one walk a day, turn off the computer, read, but most important, breathe.
You cannot create if the well is empty, and that includes the emotional well. Don’t feel under pressure to create just because the world believes you should. If you’re a writer like me, events like this take time to digest. I’m certainly not there yet.
Take time to play
Though we may not feel like it, creative play is so important. There are so many options for things we can learn and play with, so much technology (sore subject at the moment?) but I don’t know about you, I rarely get the chance do this just for fun. Especially when the children are home, which they are all the time at the moment.
Concentrate on what you can do
One of the steepest learning curves I’ve faced was adapting undergraduate content on Music Production for online learning. Doing this involved more preparation time, thought, and a lot of logical thinking. But it was doable. Not only for music production, but also other forms of tuition, live performances, production and writing.
Once you learn one new skill it can be easy to translate that skill for other purposes. A knowledge of the online platform Zoom opens up new income possibilities in teaching a now ‘captive’ audience. One who’s suddenly found their children at home who are looking for things to do.
In our roles an ‘influencers’ think about what this could do for our Talent Pipeline. One that needs careful nurturing at this time more than any other. You don’t have to have an instrument to learn and or appreciate music, not to mention the mental health benefits.
Share skills
I’m a great believer in sharing skills. We have such a wealth of knowledge and such a variety of different skills that I really do believe we can help each other through this, emotionally and professionally.
There are a variety of podcasts, Zoom web chats, Facebook groups (love or hate them they are proving invaluable for networking and opportunity) as well as online learning platforms.
Reach out and ask, or host your own.
Do a gig
Face it, most of us really miss being on stage. Even us ‘studio rats’. One of the big benefits of all this wonderful technology is it allows us to perform to huge audiences, just in a different setting.
While it can be next to impossible to make income from a YouTube performance or video (unless you have 1000+ followers, not even then sometimes) there are other platforms and ways of making income.
Platforms such as Stageit, Side Door and Looped allow for online ticketed access to gigs, crowdfunding platform Patreon can also be used for exclusive live performances as well as building a fan base, and of course, there’s always Zoom. Which allows 40 minutes for free on a basic account.
Perfect to raise the spirits, even if for just one or two people. It all helps.
Need support?
Check out our Mental Health Support page for online guides and training to help you stay mentally well during the coronavirus disruption, as well as a list of resources for further support.