The Big Question: How To Make a Living In Music? 

What Rick just described here is the exact same thing that has happened to the book-writing world. No publishers out there want a new author - they're just willing to spend money on the already-established author, regardless of how good your book is. Everybody in music, movies and books wants to "refry the same beans" over and over and over. Nothing new, nothing different, nothing unique - TOO RISKY. Feed people the same movie sequels and book authors and musicians over and over and over. BUT, that's why self-publishing for books and BRvid for musicians and Indie films have taken off. It's the new and only way to get your stuff out there if you're new to the industry. Then, if you go viral, the publishing companies will crawl all over you to give you money and "discover" you haha!!! That's where things are now.

I’m happy someone recognized the Tele-Communications Act. In the past, there was a limit as to how many radio stations a company can own. The thinking was that it was bad for democracy, and it was bad for business. Having one company owning everything stifles business and creativity. A great example of how beneficial it was for artists in the old days is the movie “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Loretta Lynne and her husband went from radio station to radio station throughout the South trying to get her demo played on air. Most wouldn’t play it, but some did, and when the song became a hit on those stations that aired it, those that didn’t play it originally began to do so. She was able to pull this off because, by law, all those stations were separately owned. Nowadays, with only six companies owning every station, this can’t be done.

I got into the "music business" when my band, Amedeus, was signed to Epic records. Everything Rick says about record deals and publishing "theft" is true. Too young and ignorant to read the contract and spent years as a touring band paying back the front money for the record production. Success in this business is different for everyone. I became a successful studio musician for several decades until digital processing and drum machines took over. When something like that happens, you have to change your game, which I did. It meant walking away from the music business and into multimedia production. Everyone has some other talent besides their music skills that they can leverage for a new career. I know a couple of drummers who went to law school and now have practices just for music related business. A lot of my colleagues write or produce. Many are great visual artists and work with musicians to create promo and web sites. If you don't have a side skill, my advice is to develop one or several. You need a variety of tools in your survival kit. And, things will change for sure and you want to be ready when they do.

Thanks for all of this advice, Rick. Being in this industry is such an utterly daunting task. It often feels like I need the skills of five different professionals just to have a chance at ever making any money. Currently studying sound engineering and trying to improve on my instruments and with my compositions but damn...it's so intimidating. Thanks for making it just a little easier :)

My roommate and I have almost entirely replaced streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Whatever, at night with your videos. You have a palpably contagious passion and it serves as a perfect reminder that life wouldn't be so bad if we all just loved, learned from, and lived for each other. Thank you for taking the time to share with us what you have learned my brother from a cosmic mother. Cheers from Raleigh, NC, USA!

Just wanted to say, I really appreciate how you have advanced music theory stuff that continually challenges me but also these much more personal discussion type videos. I find both incredibly inspiring and am looking forward to looking over your catalog of new and old videos.

As always, Mr. Beato's knowledge on any music topic may be among the most valuable sources around. From film score analysis to complex music theory, I hope some royalties are being earned here because all of these videos are in my repeat queue.

Thanks Rick for your honest presentation on making a living in the music business. My son is one of those people that went to school to become a recording engineer. He interned in Dallas, TX at a large studio and then got a job in a small studio in Eastern Texas but couldn't make enough money to support himself. Since then he has turned his efforts to computer technician jobs which pay the bills but he has stayed in the music business on a part time basis. He has all the attributes you mention in your video, He plays several instruments, writes his own music, records and produces it in his own studio and has set up his own publishing company. He is upgrading his home studio to be a very good choice for local and regional talent to record. He still wants to do this full time and I think he is moving in the right direction at least according to your information. Thank you again for your time to address this topic.

Absolutely fantastic! Having been a public high school band director in Minnesota for an entire career (now retired) as well as always played in bands - community, night clubs, church, etc. i always wondered about these aspects of the music business. Thanks so much for explaining some very complicated information in such a comprehensible fashion!!!

I feel like this video leaned over towards the question "once you make any money from music, where is it coming from?". I think a good way to answer the question "how to make a living in music" would be - in order to make a living doing music, you need to do MULTIPLE things at the same time. Relying solely on succeeding with your own form of art is close to impossible (still is possible, but very difficult and might take years until it becomes dependable). Here are some ideas of music related streams of income to think about: - Sound Engineering (studio or live) - Teaching (privately or in an institute, a music teaching business/website) - Producing - BRvid (content creation, ad revenue, 'Patreon' support etc.) - Session work (irl or online) - Musical Performance (with your own music or someone else's) + it's secondary ways of income (merchandise, digital and physical record selling and streaming, etc.) - Film Scoring (or any other type of "intended composing") - Running or renting out a rehearsal space - (for people who own a lot of instruments) Instrument Renting - Instrument building - Instrument set up and maintenance Those are a few ideas to have in mind. Even if you want to be more niche and become an expert in one field (say a performing musician), try to diversify yourself and have several jobs running at the same time, ie take part in several projects at the same time. Honestly, if you can sustain even just a few of those avenues at the same time you are going to make at least a decent amount of money as a musician, plus, having these parallel sources of income means you're less susceptible to the uncertainties of living a life based solely around music. Hope that helps anyone.

Thank you Rick, I think people need to understand that this video covers publishing, writing, engineering and producing. The mid to high end level of the music business. On the local level sure there are other ways but you did awesome explaining it as you see it from your world. I operate the Eccentric Musician Company here in the North East on a part time basis. That being said, thank you for your contribution.

Great job RIck. Can't wait to see the heights your son reaches musically in the future. Tis no coincidence that so many gifted people had parents who were gifted teachers, from Mozart to Tiger woods. Good luck to you.

You come out with the most amazing and interesting information Rick, fascinating even for those of us with no connection with the music business (except as consumers, of course; most of us can relate to it in that sense).

I just took music business 101 from Berklee online and it took me three months to learn all this. Thank you for your time doing this for all of us.

Hey Rick, your videos are a treasure cove of inspiration and information. Thank your for the stories, insights, experience and teachings. I feel grateful beyond my ability to express it.

Thank you Rick for this video, a closer look at today's reality.. it's funny cause Im 30y/old now, I was lucky enough to start making dance music records very young in early 2004 and from that point I seen the decline of the music industry like you described..after graduating at a sound engineering school I seen all the big studios I worked in, or got an internship, closing cause labels went out of budget..I couldn't never imagine that, I had to change mentality so fast and become independent..nowadays it's not easy making a living in the music industry, you really have to be a multi-purpose "one man band" and study composition and songwriting as much as you can..that said, Im not a golden record producer yet (I still dream for it eheh) but I can tell that if you work hard enough you can get a living from it..even if you are working for independent labels/artist etc..my 2 cents, hope this could help also other users..

Very informative, you brought back points that I have forgotten about over the years. Things like the library services from which TV and movie scores are usually derived, I have a friend who uses one of those databases, and actually got his tune used as a TV morning show theme for a few months.

It's tough to ever make it in the creative arts and has always been thus. During the Classical times of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, there were over 300 people in Europe writing symphonies and getting them played and published. However, we basically only remember these three names. Composers picked up teaching gigs mostly. Even Mozart made some hefty change as a teacher of composition and keyboard. Haydn spent most of his time leading "the house band" for some middling aristocrat. All the while, he was grinding out music and learning his craft. He really made the big time when he was like 47. The trick might be to figure out what you really do well, that one thing you do better than others. That's the vehicle for at least treading musical water. Those things that don't come easy might not be worth it in the long run. You might be a great teacher for little kids or really have an ear for others' style and quality. You might have to give up those dreams of performing or writing to be a 3rd grade teacher or do booking for a venue. I was fortunate to realize that I sucked as a musician and "composer/improviser" when I was 22, but could BS about music better than most. So it's been a life of music BS, with good a health and retirement plan. There's no shame in that, you know? Do what you do best and don't hold on to a dream that is a struggle or for which you're not getting consistent positive feedback. Specialize in bass clarinet, contrabassoon, or learn Renaissance lute if you have to. You'll be the only person in your tricounty area who does.

Thanks Rick for the awesome video. You are such a genuine person! The world would be a better place if more people were like you. I originally saw your Apple rant videos and I didn't realize your true profession and experience. A real treat that you are willing to share. I really enjoyed your video where you played the greatest song intros. Talent comes through and puts most of other so-called BRvid "talent" to shame.

Recently, I commented to some touring artists I produced a show for about how tough the music business is and their response surprised me. They both responded at how much easier things had gotten. Both of these artists had developed their own unique sound. They set themselves apart. They were also easy going and professional which made my job very pleasant. I'm sure that translates throughout their network and keeps them working.

Great video, Rick! Learned a lot about the ins and outs of the music biz. Keep up the good work!

Hey Rick, just want to give you props you are virtually the only person I've found with good info on theory that's not just fundamentals. Modal theory and applications are really useful and interesting for me as a flamenco guitarist. Definitely going to buy your book next paycheck. Thanks!

This video was so enlightening. Thank you so much for the honesty of putting every detail in perspective. I think I've just had the answers that I needed.

I find this content very interesting, I never realized how tough it was to make a living in the music industry. People say they love an artist but the real question should be, are you supporting them?

Rick, I know this video is almost 3 years old but thank you for the clarity in how market you own music. I have learned a lot from you over the years. Thank you truly.

Thanks Rick! Really helpful tips. It is very difficult with make a living as a musician these days, but being well rounded does help. I am a guitarist as well as a full-time public school music teacher. I make a descent living teaching, but I will perform in different bands, write and record my own music.

I'm glad you found BRvid Rick. There's a lot of BRvidrs teaching how to produce and engineer but you have a lot of history and perspective to go along with it.

Rick; great video, very insightful and thorough. I'm currently a college student with Berklee's online campus majoring in music production and music business. In my classes, we've heard from a lot of speakers, label people, A&R reps, promoters, etc. who have stated much of what you have. Many of the predictions that I've heard from some of these same people point to streaming becoming the new profitable avenue for making revenue as an artist, producer, engineer, etc. I'm well aware of the royalty rates you earn off of streaming, and how insubstantial it is for making a living, and how that rate must change in order for there to be more "room" in the music industry. I'd love to hear your predictions: do you think that we're just on a downswing in the music business as consumer choice is switching from the pay-to-own mentality to the pay-to-subscribe mentality, and do you think that this downswing is temporary? In other words, what do you foresee for the future of consumer-based music? Is that future going to be profitable for people working in many of the industry verticals, or should we all go get regular jobs like our parents told us? That last line was a joke.

I love how actually playing live comes way down your list and you only mention stadium gigs. When I lived in the North East of the U.K. I was employed playing in clubs every week. You can approach earning a living playing live just like any job but you need an agent for that. This means gathering promotional material, transport and equipment. I also got work making jingles to order. All of your advice applies to original material which is about as difficult as getting a book published.

This is an excellent dive into the music industry. I have learned so much from this Rick. I never knew how the money flowed and this has at least shown me what goes on. I'm just an interested hobbyist but it's still fascinating. One question is how computer games music is paid. Do you know much about that new element to the music biz ?

Hey Rick, you said that if you you're a producer than can play instruments and write that that is a huge plus, but how would a producer actually go about getting hired by a label? Would they start doing indie projects and build a portfolio or is there some sort of showcase element involved? Thanks for the help! Love the video as always

Thanks Rick. Your knowledge of the industry is invaluable. I bought/downloaded your book and am slowly working through it.

Back in 1988, we got signed to Enigma and our record sold 12k units in 2 weeks. With barely any tour support from our label, some label support for promotional and advertisement we finally went "Cardboard" which means we sold 20k worldwide. It shouldn't be called the Music Business but instead should be called Business Music. Writing is where it's at for me now.

More and more, it seems like the music therapy route is going to be the way for me to go!

Thanks for this commentary, Rick. You encapsulated not only the energy of the biz circa 2000 that inspired me to pursue a career in the biz as a young teenager, but also the anguish of enrolling in recording school in 2004, just as the biz was cratering. Not to mention graduating during the fallout of the 2007 financial crisis. Sheesh. Posting this from my IT day job, which is my cushion while being a weekend warrior sideman.

Simply want to give a shout out to you Rick for the work you do and I have derived so much inspiration and knowledge as a developing musician. A couple years ago I faced a very important truth which was that because of my choice to want to play my own original music I choose not to address what I have learned as some very important fundamentals . Music Theory and consistent guidance through the process of development. Facing the fact that my musical vocabulary was very narrow was a very hard pill to swallow. All these varied ideas that were expressed in a way that was simply too much the same felt like a punch in the gut. I had to get real and either quit which honestly was not an option, or face what I have avoided for a very long time. It has been a privilege to experience your generosity in teaching and I thank you for it. If I am correct I am pretty sure Ive heard you mention living in Nashville. Being that my parents live there I hope to one day meet you and when in a state of readiness work with you. A lofty goal yet I am determined to achieve is a few Rock Operas. Hopefully one day I can talk and possibly work with you on some projects that are very tied to a great need to give birth to these concepts. Thanks again and be well and prosper.

This is a really interesting video.Your channel is an education! From my perspective as a consumer, I always had an instinctive feeling that in many ways the advent of the compact disc started to kill creativity and opportunities in the music business from around 1990, probably because it meant profits from almost endless re-issues and a lack of desire in the industry to be adventurous with new original acts. More formats have just increased this problem as they came along.

How to make a living in the music business: apprentice for Rick for a year then apply his wisdom to your career. Really indispensable advice, Rick. Thank you for all your videos.

Great overview of the music business changes and where we are now. Thank you for putting this together in a clear way.

Hey Rick, great video, thank you! My personal experience as a professional musician here in Italy since 1980 is do various things in the music business to make a living, pay bills and buy my house with a studio: 1) club gigs in many different music styles; 2) play drums on tours with famous pop artist 3) play at convention, corporate party 4) tv promo on national tv broadcast for big stars (for example...i do this for 8 years with Andrea Bocelli); 5) writing article on a print drummer magazine; 6) do european tour with USA blues/r&b/funk/soul artist on tour; 7) do private drum lessons (and percussions) in my studio; 8) recording drums for national tv jingles in my studio and in other studios (example i play on Q8, Nikon, Buitoni, IBM, Citibank, Fiat and many others; 9) recording session of every kind of musical projects in my own studio; 10) rent my studio to producers; 11) record producer (recording all the musicians and singers, play drums and percussions, mix, mastering, artwork for cover-package); 12) writing and produce music for documentary, tv show, movie, radio jingles; 13) play drums and cymbals as endorser at music fair-exposition; 14) team building with drum circle and percussions; 15) rent my 2000 watt little PA for cabaret evening in restaurant and small club; 16) recording sessions drums and/or percussions in other studios. ...and i think in the years i have do a lot of other things! :-)

Thank you so much for this. I'm building a project studio in south Atlanta and have been trying to wrap my head around the current economic landscape in the music business and this helps congeal a lot of random streams into a succinct picture.

loved this ..... Reality can really suck but you shined a beacon on the industry and the changing opportunities available for today's musician Thank you

Based on the amount of exertion and stress and heartbreaking disappointment and the guaranteed alcoholism and drug abuse I would have been exposed to (my family had always contributed heavily in this area and I was determined to avoid that vocation), I am so glad I didn't go into the music business 40 years ago, when I was involved with musicians and budding visionaries and producers. But I appreciate the incredible hard work involved to make amazing music that I can be entranced by. I just know that as hard as it was to be a writer and editor and not starve, being a musician would have been so much worse. I thank all the tough bastards out there. Grateful every day, can't live without music

Love the video Rick. I am a writer and yet to find commercial success but I’m focusing on good songwriting because that’s where it begins.

Lots of truths here Rick ! I would add that, If your an artist, the most important revenue stream, at any level, is live performance. You have to be able to sell tickets to your performances. Most acts, established or emerging, generate most of their revenue from live performance. Your ability to do, especially early on, is an indication that people like what your doing and will likely buy your recordings, merch, and other income generating vehicles as well. While you can make money selling the music itself, I would suggest that, more than not, music sales revenue is a fringe benefit of successful touring. Radio, for example, functions as a marketing tool for live performance revenue. Moral of the story is, if you (or a club owner or promoter) is having trouble selling tickets to your shows, you need to step back and take a hard look at what your doing, both artistically and marketing wise. Its not just about being great (very subjective) but its about getting people to buy in to what your doing on stage. Every thing else follows.

Rick...thanks for this info man..I'm a producer, writer, musician and performer and I really needed this info to push my music and make a real living at it.

I came across this video by chance and just wanted to say thank you for it!! I've played music (mostly just for fun) most of my life, but took about a 10 year hiatus from it while I was practicing law and starting a family. Now I am getting back into songwriting and performing, and thinking of pursuing it in a more focused, professional way, but I was feeling pretty overwhelmed and not sure where to start. This video was great and really helped provide a clear overview of the basics, so now I can work on setting some practical and realistic goals. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching more of your videos. Thanks again!

Hey Rick, long time follower - I appreciate you so much for these videos and your honesty! I'm a young guy, I feel I am an exceptional writer plus I do the rest of the things (produce, engineer, play etc..) How would you go about presenting yourself to a label? What do you think my portfolio should look like / consist of?

Hey Rick! Would you be able to do a similar about music educators and anything you think would be important for them to know or focus on? Maybe include what choices they have for masters degree's, or just any other topic you would want an educator to know! Thanks Rick! Your videos are so helpful

I agree all what you said. I been in the industry as a Motion Graphics designer and Musician and its quite a lot of things to do before you can get the payment for living... This is why I am still not famous since I'm focusing more on the Motion graphics day job... what's also hard for me is that I live in country side... and most of the creative things happen in the big city.. that is another hard part of living as a creator and not only a musician :/

Amazing video, you need to do another one after the pandemic. Keep up the great work!

You ask great questions in interviews. You are the most thorough instructor on the internet. You give practical information for practitioners,and describe the whole process for free. Thank you!

I have actually watched quite a few of your videos, they are always very interesting and informative. Thanks for putting the videos out.Some are better than others (my perspective or interest of course). From Australia it is great to her your thoughts on Nashville etc. What about the up - surge in vinyl pressings which is making a comeback, albeit slowly. Maybe the physical will allow people to record the music in whatever quality they like as many times as they want, and share it with whom they choose.Which was the way we used learn about new bands and music back then. I foresee more pressing plants being built but probably in China or India.

Nice one again Rick ! Youre break down about the "alternative viable" methods to making a living are the most informative, especially regarding Publishing, Sound Exchange & Licensing ~ thanks again !

Great video Rick. Very comprehensive and easy to understand!

Would love to see an updated version of this.

This video is very informative. Thank you, Rick. The video was posted in 2016. I wonder if there is an update on all of the subjects you speak about here. If not, that would be a great suggestion .... maybe. I hope. Take care Rick! Rock on!

Hi Rick, thanks for this brilliant explanation! Now, I was wondering if a UK-based artist needs to sign up to Soundexchange or if it's the same as the MCPS in Britain or the GVL in Germany? Thanks, Linda x

Rick, you went over the evolution of the music industry. these days u have to know the business end to end. great video on actual living experience. I love you hit what I am targeting, writing music.

Thank you for all your great content Rick. I love it!

I've watched a bunch of your videos more than once especially what makes this song great These are awesome tips and advice thanks so much Rick you're great bro

Best and most straightforward video about the topic that I've seen on youtube. Thanks for making it Rick. I have one question, do you know of a business where one can submit music to collaborate with other more professional musicians that could take the music further? Thank you again!

Really great info Rick! For me you are one the best mentors on you tube. Always great learnfull content!

Thank you very much for this educational and informative video. It answered many questions which I have as fledgling songwriter and performer. I appreciate the real world knowledge you gave me.

I enjoy your videos. Your delivery and authentic love of what you're doing shows through big time. Great work, great presentations... thanks.

Love all your videos - this one is very educational to my poor small band - we will just keep trudging along in the small time :)

Rick... Even though your post is 3 years old, it’s still refreshing to hear your candid take on the work-a-day world of making a living in today’s music industry. In fact, you may well gain some WATCH TIME with this video, now that I’ve discovered it! Thanks for all your insightful detail. ...Hank

I have a non-music related full time job, but I always love the feeling of playing music live (although only few times a year, mostly at friends' events). At some occasions I get paid, but not that much... Lately I have been thinking about going into playing music full time, but I know its not easy... Guess I'll just start by doing regular session at bars/cafe at night while working in the office during the day. It's always been constant battle inside of me, between being realistic and following the dream... Just sharing though... Oh, i remember Guthrie Govan once said: "Music owes nothing to you"

Really enjoyed this video! And the whole channel. My own 2 cents, I have done well as a wedding DJ, and since I also play piano I can do church services, theater accompaniment, and private piano lessons. What I tell students, at the end of the day people make money by providing a service. Only rarely does creative output lead to income

Thank you. I studied music in the 80's mostly because of the wonderful feeling it gave me to be in Choir and the Marching Band. A former roommate of mine, Bob Stone, teaches music to middle school in Modesto. I love going on vacation to watch him perform and I often see him composing and arranging. It's an amazing skill. I would really love to see my friend Bob make money on some of his work. I sent him a link to your video. I learned a great deal. I subscribed to your channel and I look forward to hearing more from you. Excellent production.

Right on fellow musician, writer, successful artist, etc... I really appreciate your positive outlook on the whole theater of what we call the music business. Basically, it's always been, is and always will be full of people that don't want to figure out how to do what they want to do and make a living doing it and I believe it's mostly because they're not real about themselves and they don't listen to the many, many of us who, although we warn of the many possible troubles inherent in the music biz, still know that we love what we do and we constantly look for every possible way to continue to do what we do and always try to help where we can, but... It's changed. Gee, how weird. When Vinyl changed the biz, that was a revolution which spun everybody around and then there was MTV and then... It does take a person determination to continue, but most of all (And I know this sounds cheesy, but anyone who is involved knows this is a huge part of why we continue.) we love what we do. Not all the side stuff, the music, we love the music no matter what! I've been down and it hurt and then I've been very successful and it was great and then I was down and then... A Big Fan, Wolfy :)

It's very difficult now when no one buys music and the live scene has decreased as well unless they are a now big time group. I seem to still pay bills and live off doing live sound for artists and corporate events well as a bit of djing still which is now also a flooded market. You just have to be good at it and have a great ear and present yourself professional to whom books you. I could write a whole blog but Rick covers all the basis. Thanks man

Great video that confirmed my fears about going into the music business. I went to college in Mississippi back in the early 2000's and switched my major from music to business administration, because I was afraid I really wouldn't be able to make a living in the music industry. I've been playing piano, guitar, bass & drums since my middle school years, write my own music & lyrics and understand mixing, but I was never excellent and any of those things. I am so glad I made that decision back then to get a normal job and have a family while using my talents as a hobby and at church. Thanks for the info.

This is excellent information! I'd really like to have online Music Composition lessons with you! Already got your book, and following you on live channel. And it's totally ok if you don't see & answer this, as it's fun anyway to see you chat and talk on your live video sessions. Peace!

I have always defined making a living as making enough to survive. Which doesn't necessarily mean making what I want to make. But it means making it without having to work other jobs. Of course there are going to be some times over the course of a career in music when jobs end suddenly and an in-between job times happen. This is what I refer to as hard times. Most people give up playing music for a living because they get tired of hard times. If you love playing music enough, then there is no amount of hard times that will cause you to give up. But I have had to get some part time jobs in my career that weren't music jobs. None of these jobs ever payed me more or as much as my best paying music jobs. So one reason I have had a lifetime of experience playing music for a long is because I lowered my expectations. I was also willing to do whatever it takes. I also have not been picky about what kind of music I take a job playing or who I play music with. I have done a lot of free lancing, but if a band is playing enough shows to keep me busy I can make a commitment.

Great video as always Rick! So very tru about the lack of money in album cuts. I'm a songwriter/producer in Nashville and have seen that first hand. Checked out your credits turns out we have some mutual friends lol. I used to work with Brandon from Framing Hanley and played in a and with Frank the drummer in Fozzy

Thank you Mr Beato for taking the time to make such an informative video!

Thanks for your videos. I love them all. We all are living very hard times since music business died. Not because we were making money before - most of us never did. But because there is not even hope that music will ever be what it was. Music has become only an alternative to stupid viral videos and many of the jobs related to it are not enough paid anymore. Both a sad and useful video to watch.

I think I will write a book on how money used to be made in the Music Business as it is all downhill now. Having played for 55 years it is very sad to notice the lack of opportunities for up and coming artistes

thanks for speaking this out. A lot of (non music making) people still mentally live in the eighties regarding what is financially possible for artists nowadays.

Thank you Rick, this was extremely helpful. Lots to sort through, you explained it all very well.

My interpretation...Musicians are entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs must adapt to the constant changes of society. This is very difficult to do. What worked once works no longer. The dream of living good off royalties is really a fantasy for almost everyone. On the bright side it’s never been easier to produce music free from the conditions set by large recording companies. Also streaming has without question improved the situation of the consumer of music. You can play whatever song you want whenever you want, wherever you want.

The producer/mixing engineer point is interesting. What is the best way to begin as a producer/mixing engineer in your opinion ? What basic knowledge and experience would you recommend ? (I'm 23, bass and guitar player for almost 10 years, I try to expend to other intruments lately like piano, drums, singing, and sound design. I know the basics of music theory, etc).

This is great Rick I'd love to make a living in music despite how hard it is

Hey Rick, could you make a video on what digital distribution platform is best to start with, like imuse, cdbaby, distrokid, etc.? pros and cons for each one. Also, it would be nice to have a video about busking.

From the age of 19 to roughly 45 I made a living playing and teaching. The internet, the "rock school" phenom, destroyed the teaching part, really. Also, rick will remember(I'm 6 years younger), that tabs for songs pretty much didn't exist up until say , 83 and even after until the internet was limited. So, I got paid for my ear, my knowledge and playing live. Now, the first two are essentially free. Live music, espec w covid, is dead. It's sad, but true.

Hi Rick, thanks for the great video. I have just come across your channel and am finding it extremely rewarding with a wealth of wisdom for someone who is just starting out. I do have a question: Do you know many successful writer producers that do not - or aren't that great - at playing any instruments? I've never learned, though I am self teaching myself keys at the moment but progress is slow. I do however possess a good knowledge of music theory and believe I can write a good tune (my strength lies in engineering/producing/mixing though). All the best, James

Here we are in 2023, six years later, and the answers to the big question haven't gotten any easier. A lot has continued to change in Music. The Music Modernization Act passage in 2018 creating the introduction of the MLC changed the royalty collection and payment landscape. Rick, it would be great if you would do an update to this very informative video. As a songwriter and producer of over 120 instrumental songs over the last 40+ years, I have made a good living and lived through the whole progression from vinyl, cassette tapes, CDs, downloads, streaming, ... But, if I had to start all over today, it is doubtful that I could make a living. We musicians have almost no physical product to sell these days. Even CD players are becoming extinct. Please consider an update video. Love your videos and would love to meet you in person someday.

Great work Rick, some serious truth bombs. its worse if you make electronic music but the good thing is you can DJ off the strength of your tracks. which is where the money is.

Very very interessting Rick! You've got the best channel, the info is better than some of my university composing courses. Thank you very much. I'm a primary music teacher and thats my main gig, I'm a singer songwriter producer and its a real hustle, but the passion is stronger! Thanx again ! Dave Dubé

Very educational / informative ! I love it when youtube is used properly (you add to our life as opposed to being a wannabe)