How to Make Money as a Classical Guitarist

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You may wonder how you can turn your passion for classical guitar into a viable source of income. Well, fret not, as this discussion will guide you through various avenues that can help you make money as a classical guitarist.

From teaching to performing, recording to publishing, and even writing online content, numerous opportunities are waiting for you to explore.

So, let’s embark on this musical journey together and discover the secrets to financial success as a classical guitarist.

Teaching

Teaching is the most common and reliable way for classical guitarists to earn a steady income. It’s no surprise that almost all classical guitarists teach at some point in their careers. The most common form of teaching is through private lessons, where a teacher might have around 30 students and give each student a one-hour lesson every week. However, some guitarists also teach in other ways, such as group lessons, master classes, workshops, and ensembles.

As a teacher, you have the option to work at an institution, such as a music school or conservatory, or have your own private studio. Working at an institution means that other people will handle finding students, setting rates, and determining your teaching policies. On the other hand, having a private studio allows you to have more control over these aspects of your teaching.

Teaching offers a steady paycheck and schedule flexibility, which often allows for touring during the summer and other times. It also plays a crucial role in educating future generations of guitarists. Salaries can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience and location. Private teaching rates can range from around $45 per hour for beginners up to $225 per hour for top-flight players or well-known teachers.

How to Become a Guitar Teacher:

To become a guitar teacher, the first step is to obtain certification either through a music degree or specific guitar methods or school systems. The most common way to get certified is by earning a degree in music from a college or university. However, there are other options available, such as getting certified with specific guitar methods like Suzuki or specific school systems like the Illinois public schools. While it’s possible to teach guitar without any certification, having a certification will greatly enhance your career prospects. Certification not only earns you respect as a teacher but also increases your earning potential in the long run.

Once you have obtained certification, the next step is to start applying for teaching jobs. You can approach schools or colleges and inquire about available positions. If you prefer to start your own private studio, you should begin advertising to attract potential students. Initially, it may be beneficial to apply for smaller teaching jobs at local music schools or high schools. As you gain more experience, you can then aim for better teaching positions at larger colleges and universities.

You can start by learning the basics of classical guitar on a site like Fiverr.

You could also check out Yousicplay, a website where you can learn violin, guitar, keyboard, and much more. Once you have learned your craft, you can then venture into teaching others the same way you learned.

Online Teaching

After obtaining certification and exploring traditional teaching opportunities, you can expand your reach and maximize your impact by embracing the world of online teaching as a classical guitarist.

Instead of limiting yourself to teaching in person or to a small group, you can establish an online platform that allows you to teach hundreds of students simultaneously.

Take, for example, Classical Guitar Corner Academy. They offer a structured classical guitar course with a vast library of video lessons, a supportive community, events, coaching calls, and more, all available through a monthly or annual membership fee.

These platforms not only offer convenience and flexibility for both you and your students, but they also provide opportunities to reach a larger audience and earn a steady income.

By leveraging technology and the internet, you can share your expertise and passion for classical guitar with students from all around the world.

Online teaching allows you to overcome geographical limitations, connect with a global community of musicians, and make a meaningful impact on aspiring guitarists.

Many people don’t realize that Fiverr also offers a professional platform where you can offer your skills for a more nominal fee.

Performing

Performing as a classical guitarist offers a versatile and rewarding career, allowing you to collaborate with various musicians, play in diverse venues, and create memorable experiences for your audience. As a performer, you have the opportunity to give solo concerts or perform in groups such as guitar duos, trios, and quartets. You can also collaborate with other instrumentalists, such as flute players, or be part of chamber music groups. Additionally, you can showcase your talent as a soloist in an orchestra or contribute to the music in movies or stage productions.

When it comes to venues, the possibilities are endless. You can perform in concert halls, retirement homes, restaurants, weddings, events, libraries, and churches. You can also take your music to the streets or even perform on cruises. Guitar festivals and competitions provide further opportunities for performance.

As a performer, you have the freedom to choose whom you collaborate with, where you perform, and how far you travel. This career allows you to meet new people, explore different places, and build a devoted audience.

In terms of compensation, performers are usually paid a negotiated flat fee for each concert. The fee is determined through discussions between the performer and the venue. With the right combination of talent, dedication, and networking, performing as a classical guitarist can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path.

How to Become a Guitar Performer:

Becoming a guitar performer requires a combination of musical excellence, professional presentation, and effective self-marketing techniques. To start, you must have exceptional guitar skills and a repertoire that captivates your audience. Polished playing and interesting music are crucial. Additionally, having a degree in music and winning competitions can enhance your credibility and attract potential clients.

Creating a press kit is the next step towards becoming a successful guitar performer. This can take various forms, such as a website, CD, or brochure. The purpose of the press kit is to showcase your music and provide potential clients with a glimpse of your talent and style.

Concerts

To explore the realm of concerts as a classical guitarist, let’s delve into the realm of earnings and fees for these performances.

The fees that guitarists earn from concerts can vary greatly depending on factors such as their fame, the venue, and the event itself. Here is an overview of the range of fees a guitarist can expect for playing a concert:

1. Unknown guitarist: They can expect around $200, plus expenses.
2. Established player: They can typically earn around $750, which is common at international classical guitar festivals.
3. World-class player: The fee could go up to $2,000, $3,000, or even more. Top quartets may earn as much as $5,000 or higher.

It’s important to note that these figures aren’t set in stone and can vary depending on the specific circumstances. For example, a U.S.-based concert producer mentioned that fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000, with rare players going over that if they can sell tickets.

Ultimately, the fee a guitarist receives will depend on their reputation, the demand for their performances, and the negotiation skills of their management team.

Recording and CDs

Recording and CDs play a crucial role in your career as a classical guitarist. They serve as a calling card that showcases your skill, style, and repertoire. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the recording industry has changed significantly in recent years.

With the rise of online music consumption and free streaming services, CD sales have declined dramatically. While some top classical guitarists can still earn decent money from album sales, the numbers are nowhere near what they used to be. Selling 10,000 classical guitar albums is considered strong, but many CDs sell considerably fewer copies, sometimes not even reaching 1,000. Moreover, advances from record labels, if offered at all, tend to be small. In fact, some artists find themselves paying out of pocket for recording expenses.

Despite these challenges, recording an album still holds value. It serves as a representation of your abilities and can be a tool for promotion, gaining exposure, and attracting concert bookings. Additionally, selling CDs at concerts can be a lucrative long-term strategy. While making a profit from CDs may be difficult, recording is a way to make artistic statements and generate publicity for your career.

If you’re just starting out and want to set up at your home, view our blog post about setting up a home recording studio.

Publishing Music

Publishing music as a classical guitarist can provide a source of income, although the amount earned may vary depending on factors such as sales, royalties, and performances. Here are three key points to consider regarding publishing music as a classical guitarist:

1. Sales: When you publish your music, you have the opportunity to earn income through sales. However, it’s important to note that the total sales of published works, including sheet music, can often be small. For example, a best-selling publication may only sell a few hundred copies over the years. As a result, the income generated from sales alone may be limited.
2. Royalties: In addition to sales, classical guitar composers can also earn royalties from their compositions. These royalties are typically received when their music is played on recordings or used in films or TV programs. For instance, if a major artist includes your piece on one of their records, you could receive respectable royalties. However, it’s important to understand that royalties may not be guaranteed unless your music achieves significant exposure or popularity.
3. Performances: Classical guitar composers can also earn income from performances of their music. This can range from playing pieces in concert venues covered by performing rights societies to having their music played on the radio or TV. The amount earned from performances can vary greatly depending on the size of the venue, the number of listeners, and the exposure received. For example, playing a piece at a large concert hall with thousands of people can result in higher earnings compared to playing at smaller venues with limited audiences.

Publishing music as a classical guitarist can be a potential source of income, but it’s important to manage expectations and explore various avenues to maximize earnings.

Write Online Content

When exploring ways to generate income as a classical guitarist, one avenue to consider is writing online content. By providing valuable articles and videos, you can share your expertise and attract a wide audience. Take the example of Douglas Niedt, who offers access to dozens of articles on improving classical guitar skills for a fee of $36 on his website. This demonstrates that there’s a demand for high-quality content in this niche.

Writing online content allows you to showcase your knowledge and skills as a classical guitarist while also providing valuable resources for others in the same field. By creating informative articles and videos, you can establish yourself as an authority and attract a following of aspiring musicians and enthusiasts.

To be successful in this endeavor, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of marketing, both online and offline. Promoting your content through social media, email newsletters, and collaborations with other musicians can help you reach a wider audience and increase your earning potential.

While making a living as a classical guitarist may not be easy, it’s certainly possible with passion, dedication, and a strategic marketing approach. By leveraging your expertise through writing online content, you can’t only earn a living but also support yourself and your family.