Don’t believe you can make $100,000 or more as a flutist if you aren’t Lizzo? Think again.
It’s not as hard as you think!
If you love what you do, you can make a lot of money doing it without sacrificing your artistic integrity.
You have to be…
- Willing to put in the hours.
- Committed to your work.
- Unafraid to make money doing what you love.
For most flutists, the first two are simple. It’s usually number three that presents the most difficulty.
A six-figure salary isn’t likely what swayed you. However, earning that much or more probably doesn’t conflict with the reason you got into the music business in the first place.
And while making $100,000 or more per year might not be your end goal, you probably wouldn’t turn down the opportunity if it came your way.
Read on to learn how to earn six figures or more as a professional flutist without compromising your values by following the below steps.
Never Stop Learning
The world of music is constantly evolving. There’s never a shortage of things to discover. A stagnant skill set will not allow you to advance in the job market or make more money.
- Learn to play a new instrument.
- Study instrument repair to be able to offer another service.
- Add a new style of music to your repertoire.
If there’s one thing you do every day in a post-pandemic world, make it a point to learn something new every day.
Act As If You Are Making Six Figures
Think of your favorite successful flutists and how they present themselves.
They’re probably…
- Focused
- Disciplined
- Organized
- Curious
- Energetic
- Positive
- Motivated
- Confident
- Comfortable
Make a list of your own. Once you’ve done that, you can begin honing your skills.
Faking it until you make it is now being taken to a new level. Make it a point to practice it until you achieve it!
Don’t Underestimate Yourself
This is a common problem among flutists, which is highly competitive.
Even if you are the best, there is always someone better than you. Even so, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t a fantastic flute player!
If you don’t believe in yourself and your abilities, no one else will. Even when things get tough, you must be your own biggest advocate, supporter, and cheerleader.
You won’t be able to earn the six-figure salary you deserve if you can’t push yourself and your career to the next level with doubts impeding your progress.
Make a Great First Impression
Put your best foot forward when making a first impression by dressing for success.
As cliché as it sounds in today’s world of anything-goes fashion, it’s true. Flute performers must understand that no one will pay a higher salary until they look like they deserve more money.
Look the part if you want to raise your hourly rate or ticket prices. Is there anything you’re struggling with when it comes to your wardrobe? Make a list of flutists you admire and look at their outfits to get ideas for your own. Make sure you don’t go overboard with the mimicry. Everyone wants to see the real you!
Leave Your Comfort Zone
Since the pandemic began two years ago, flute players have been confined to their homes and studios.
It’s time to spread your wings and soar!
If you’re a teacher, reach out to a local school or senior center and volunteer your time. Take your music to alternative venues like street fairs and schools. These are excellent methods for reaching a wider audience and establishing new relationships. As a result, it will help you make up for the two years you’ve lost in terms of experience.
Try Something Different
You can’t increase your income until you try something different. Change your approach to life.
To progress in your flutist career, you need a strategy in place. Try something new if you’re at a loss for words and can’t think of your next step.
- Try a new tack in your teaching.
- Play with a new band.
- Compose a new style of music.
It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to try something new, but it can lead you down a new path in the future.
Brand Yourself
In the grocery store, there are many reasons to choose one brand over another.
Can you persuade listeners to prefer your flute playing to that of other artists?
Flutists aren’t canned peas, but it’s crucial to establish your own identity to rise above the rest and succeed in the music industry. Providing a compelling reason to choose you over your competitors is essential.
Check out our guide on how flutists can create their own unique brand identity to make themselves stand out in the music industry.
Don’t Limit Your Selling Potential
Why limit your earning potential?
- If you’re a flute teacher, why not expand your offerings by selling instruments to your students or offering flute repair services.
- If you’re a performing flutist, why not sell CDs, t-shirts, buttons, and more? (Fans love souvenirs!)
You can earn a lot of money by offering additional services. Think outside the box and see if you can find a way to make some extra money.
Do More With Less
In other words, work smarter, not harder!
Many flute players burn out quickly, trying to do everything at once to earn more money.
Instead, carve out some time to investigate how to work less while earning more.
- Can you put on a better show in a bigger venue and raise the price of your tickets?
- Can you book your act at venues with a larger capacity?
- Can you teach flute at a school that pays a higher hourly rate?
Think about how you can upscale and upgrade your career to do less but earn more time and money.
Finally, Remove Negativity From Your Life
You can’t be successful if you have negative people and circumstances in your life.
It’s time to get rid of everything that is harmful!
- If fans have mean things to say about you, talk to them or move on.
- If your flute quality is lacking, save money to buy a new one.
- If you can’t find an excellent spot to practice playing the flute, check with your friends and colleagues to see if they have a spare room.
Eliminating the things that hold you back will propel you to a fruitful flutist career.
July 2022
