One of the things that scares us the most as a musician or an instrumentalist is our FUTURE. We ask ourselves questions like: What would the future be like for an instrumentalist? Am I still going to jam the drums in my 40’s and 50’s? Music is the only thing I know, if I am not playing what else can I do to earn a living as an instrumentalist?

If you have not thought about questions like this, I have. And honestly it can be a vibe or even a dream killer.
But like football, every industry has its branches. For example, if the dream was to become a professional footballer and you are not, due to injury and other life troubles, you can also be a football coach, writer, manager, anchor, referee or even a talent scout. All of this profession still revolves around football. You are still going to do the thing that you love but in a different way.

Same goes for instrumentalist. There are other branches in this music or instrumentalist industry. You just got to settle and think about it.

And so, I am going to let you in on some of the branches I have thought about so far. So, if you are not playing the instrument, you can:

• Start a blog and share you experience as a drummer. Blogging is still a good business. But a lot of patience is needed here.

• Start an audio or video podcast on YouTube or Facebook. Invite instrumentalist to your show. Talk and laugh. Just like the Oprah show. I haven’t seen any do this here in Nigeria. Its good business if you have the resources.

• Open a music store. Sell musical instruments and merchandise. This is common. But you can also do it too.

• Open a studio. This too is common. But you can also do it.

• Teach. Online, offline or both. Get students and teach them how to play the instrument.

• Write a book. If you are a well-known instrumentalist, then you should have a book or an e-book out. Your fans would love to read about you.

• Talent scout or manager. There are lots of talented instrumentalists out there with no connection or opportunity. Find these guys and get them Gigs and bands and also get your cut. Or even manage them.

• Create an app. An app that connects music managers, musicians and churches with talented instrumentalist. With this app, you can get any one based on location and skill. If you are in lekki or surulere, this app connects you with instrumentalist in lekki or surulere. You don’t need to look too far.

• Go into music production.

• And if you are still not satisfied with any of this, then it’s not too late to go into tech. That is where the future is. Keep playing your instrument but learn small tech. Still not satisfied? Look closely at the picture below.

Things are changing. The world is evolving. Artificial intelligence (A I) is taking over. I won’t be surprise if robots are playing the instrument or making sounds better than any instrumentalist would. I don’t know. But we just have to be prepared and look out for opportunities and other ways to earn a living as an instrumentalist.
Don’t be scared. It is what it is. Lol.

#Peace