How I Make Money by Playing Guitar Online

One of the biggest questions I had before I became a full time guitarist was "how does someone earn a living with music in 2023?". While I don't have all the answers, I found a way to earn a living as a guitar player and I wanted to share my experience with you in the event that there's someone out who is looking for the same answers I was a couple of years ago.

[enricoronconi]

the magic Tom in Boston, this video is a real source of inspiration

[beatrixguitar]

I really enjoyed listening to your points on making a living, especially because I’ve been following you for a while now. I’d love to see more talking videos in the future, it suits you! Question: how do you figure out a good rate for solo events? What things do you take under consideration?

[TheDoobs]

This provides some great options and insight!

[trifmusic]

This was a joy to watch! Thank you so much for sharing. An inspiration!

[JakeBarger]

I think a big part of this discussion as well is self discipline, there’s no one to make the paychecks happen but you.

It’s on a similar level as work from home life, it’s a double edged sword not having people around to watch you as you don’t feel social pressure to be productive. So having things like that schedule you showed are key as it’s super easy to get distracted and not get things done.

[blaze-the-Real]

Wow this was so inspiring. You seem like such an awesome guy, I’m really happy things worked out for you and I’m so grateful that we live in an age where we can have a career in music without the luck of becoming a famous artist/band. Wish you the best, thanks for this video!

[ChristianThoresen]

Cool to hear your story! Keep on going!

[AlexSaheli]

yo yo I honestly don't understand how social music works music-wise.

People say produce content but I have no idea how to get the first tracktion tbh :D

So I just do 1 song a week.

[davidsechrest]

Thanks for putting this out there Tom. Love your music and this vid was very educational!

[aaushh]

thanks man!! it really helps the people of our guitar community to pursue their passion by creating ways of income though what you really love to do.

[ForWhatIsAMan]

I don’t want to pocket watch, but it’s important for musicians to start figuring out how much they can make at any given size…

Have you had a 10k month from music yet? I wouldn’t be surprised either way but I am curious!

[michael_allen_jackson]

Great stuff. I am currently working on setting up a studio to live steam. This is a huge help, and though I wish I had some of your skills, I am at a point, I just want to start and see where it leads. I totally appreciate your advice and love your videos and music. Thanks for setting the standard. 👍🤘😎🎶🎸

[coldnebo]

great video Tom. what you say about community in socials echoes how gig musicians used to build a local following and sell CDs, get picked up by larger acts, etc. Being able to do a lot of the gig kind of work from your home is a plus when you don't have to pay for transportation, etc. It gives you direct contact with the audience as opposed to the bar manager. and of course, lessons are still a big part of it. I'm glad your experiment is making it work, fantastic work! This video can help others thinking about a shift or just starting out. I'm watching you from the sidelines in IT, but I remember back to gigs I used to play on violin. (Hey, at least you didn't have to wear a silver tux with ruffles when performing... or maybe you did, not judging. 😅)

[TheVivesLives]

Tom, I'm so freaking proud of you man

[VeriteIslamic]

I follow you on Instagram from two years and I enjoy your tracks, I'm beginner but I play good sounds

[CurtFranklin]

Thanks Tom! I've always wanted to also but no idea where to start.

[Guitarbarian]

Excellent stuff! I must confess I was a little disappointed you didn't go over how to build an actual cushion to sit on. The one in the picture looked very comfortable.

[aforestforthestrings]

Awesome and insightful video, brother! But I think you left out the chest hair & short shorts thirst trap combo 🤣🤣

[flexabustbergson]

Very cool video and super interesting for an aspiring guitarist! Subbed <3

[Guitaropus]

Very inspiring ! Thanks for sharing. How long did it take you to be living of playing guitar/lessons online etc ?