The Ultimate Guide to Creating Streams of Income as a Composer

Introduction: Why Composers Need Multiple Income Streams

Making a living as a composer can feel unpredictable. Gigs come and go, sync placements take time, and teaching isn’t always consistent. The key to surviving and thriving? Multiple income streams. This guide shares real-world strategies, tips, and tools to diversify your income as a modern composer.

1. Teaching Music Lessons (In-Person or Online)

Getting Started

• Teach your primary instrument(s): piano, woodwinds, strings, etc.

• Offer theory, composition, or digital production lessons.

• Decide on location: at-home, traveling to students, or virtual (Skype/Zoom).

Pro Tips

• Offer monthly billing with a cancellation policy (e.g., 24-hour notice).

• Consider bundling lessons with a progress tracking sheet or student portal.

Tools You Need

• Zoom, Skype, or RockOutLoud.live

• PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe for payments

• Google Docs or Notion for lesson notes

Income Potential

• 10 students/week at $30 = $1,200/month

2. Selling Compositions & Sheet Music

Platforms to Use

• Sheet Music Plus / ArrangeMe (sell arrangements)

• AudioJungle or Pond5 (stock libraries)

• Soundiron or Octave Media (for cinematic & sample-based placements)

Licensing Basics

• Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) like BMI or ASCAP.

• Submit to libraries with niche audiences for less competition.

Tips to Succeed

• Niche styles sell: piano lullabies, dramatic tension beds, folk cues.

• Tag your files well: tempo, mood, instrumentation.

• Build a metadata spreadsheet to track versions.

Income Potential

• $10–$100 per license; grows as your catalog grows.

3. Online Freelance Gigs

Platforms to Explore

• Fiverr, AirGigs, Upwork, SoundBetter, Voices.com

Common Services You Can Offer

• Custom intros/outros for podcasts

• Underscore for YouTube videos

• Virtual session work (recording instrumental parts)

• Vocal tuning or MIDI programming

How to Succeed

• Build a niche: "I specialize in modern fantasy music" or "Podcast music with sonic branding"

• Collect 5-star reviews early; client satisfaction is key

• Keep delivery fast and communication clear

Income Potential

• $100–$900+/month part-time once you rank

4. Performing Live or DJing

Types of Gigs

• Weddings, private parties, local events

• Restaurants, wineries, galleries

• Church or holiday services

• Corporate functions

Tips for Success

• Offer different sets: classical, jazz, pop covers

• Bring your own gear (amp, cables, small PA)

• Always have a setlist and rate card ready

Bonus Tip

• Bring merch or business cards. Offer a sign-up sheet for your email list.

Income Potential

• $100–$500 per event

5. Licensing to Film, TV, and Games

Where to Start

• Submit to smaller film projects on platforms like FilmFreeway or ProductionHUB

• Reach out to indie game developers on Discord or Reddit

Building Your Sync Portfolio

• Compose short 30-90 second cues for different moods

• Organize your tracks by tempo, emotion, genre

• Invest in good mastering so the track sounds stage-ready

Tools for Collaboration

• Disco.ac (for pitching)

• WeTransfer (for secure delivery)

• Airdrop samples on social or music creator forums

Income Potential

• Sync placements can pay $250–$10,000+ depending on exposure

6. Monetize Your Own Content

Start a YouTube Channel

• Teach composition

• Share process videos

• Showcase your gear or studio setup

Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee

• Offer behind-the-scenes content or custom loops

• Exclusive sheet music or sample packs

Run Your Own Store

• Use Payhip, Gumroad, or Shopify

• Sell templates, MIDI packs, loops, sample libraries

Income Potential

• Passive income potential over time; varies widely

7. Collaborate for Custom Work

Partner With:

• Voiceover artists

• Podcasters

• Course creators

• Content agencies

How to Find Collaborators

• Local business groups

• Online composer forums

• Facebook podcasting and creator groups

8. Avoiding Pitfalls

Common Mistakes

• Underpricing your time and effort

• Relying on one income source

• Not tracking invoices, rights, or metadata

• Failing to follow up with leads or reviews

Tools to Stay Organized

• Google Sheets / Airtable: project tracking

• Notion: lesson planning + income log

• QuickBooks Self-Employed: taxes

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose what to focus on first? Start with what you can deliver quickly and confidently. Build skills and systems from there.

Q: How long before I see results? Lessons can pay immediately. Licensing and freelancing grow with consistency and catalog size.

Q: Should I go full-time? Only when you have at least 3 streams generating consistent income and 3–6 months of living expenses saved.

Conclusion: Build Slowly, Build Smart

Becoming a full-time composer isn’t about one lucky break. It’s about stacking sustainable income streams and continuing to learn, adapt, and connect. Whether you're teaching online, performing gigs, or selling cinematic tracks, the modern composer can absolutely make a living—with the right plan.

Stay tuned for updates to this guide, including interviews, templates, and more real-life case studies. And remember: the more you diversify, the less you panic when one stream dries up.