Musicians face an ever-evolving landscape—where pursuing education, understanding business fundamentals, and building powerful networks can make all the difference. On a recent episode of the Profitable Musician Show, host Bree Noble sat down for a deep dive with DJ, professor, and author Amani Roberts, whose multifaceted career offers lessons for artists at every stage.

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Diversify Your Music Income: College, Associations, and Smart Strategies for Artists with Amani Roberts

Should Musicians Still Get a College Degree?

One of the major topics discussed was the relevance of a college degree for today’s musicians. For some, especially those aiming for teaching roles or academic positions, advanced degrees can be a necessity. “[In order for me to continue being a professor, I had to get a master’s degree. And so that’s why I made the decision. I chose Berkeley because it was a great school and I could do it online. And so I got access to great professors and now a great alumni network too, because Berkeley people are everywhere,]” explained Amani Roberts.

However, the benefits aren’t limited to credentials. Bree Noble reflected, “there was so much foundation that I learned as an undergraduate in music that I am so thankful that I had a full four year degree,” highlighting the invaluable experience gained through formal study. Amani Roberts agreed, noting that universities offer essential socialization opportunities and skill development: “Just the relationships you make in class with your peers, just being in person, talking to people, being able to present in person, I think those are invaluable skills that a four year university can help you with.”

For performers who’ve already cut their teeth on stage, college can still provide vital knowledge—particularly in areas like music theory, history, and most critically, business fundamentals. “[I work with the Music Performing Arts school…because they believe that it’s really important for their performing students to at least have an introduction to the business of music, because a lot of them come out and performing, have no idea about how to operate properly in this music business environment,]” said Amani Roberts.

The Many Revenue Streams—And Why Most Artists Miss Out

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the income possibilities in music—from streaming and royalties to merchandise and touring. But Amani Roberts cautions against relying solely on streaming. “Unless you’re part of the top 1 or 2%, you don’t really make a lot of money off of streaming. And so you really should view that as like marketing…what I really try to coach…is try to develop some direct fan to artist platforms where you can converse and be with your fans directly and then monetize that way. I like to follow the Kevin Kelly a thousand true fans model.”

He urges every artist to understand and leverage all the royalty streams available: “Make sure you’re collecting all of your royalties, whether it be through your pro, whether through sound exchange…but don’t depend on that as your sole source of income.”

Education, whether through books like Donald Passman’s “All You Need To Know About the Music Business,” webinars, or ongoing study, is essential. “I don’t think that your education ever ends…You must continue to attend conferences, webinars, and learn,” Amani Roberts emphasized.

Associations: The Secret to Better Gigs and More Opportunities

Networking is more than just social media or local open mics; it’s about plugging into professional associations, many of which are eager for performers. “[I got my job at Fullerton because I was a volunteer with Meeting Professionals International, the Southern California chapter…they have meetings during the day, they have banquets at night. You can volunteer your services to be a singer or a performer…And then you’re going to get exposure. You’re going to meet people that can hire you,]” he shared. For artists wanting to diversify their gigs beyond late-night club hours, associations of planners, corporate organizers, and niche community groups can be goldmines of opportunity.

R&B Trivia and the Power of Group Success

The episode also featured a fun segment drawn from Amani Roberts’s latest book, “The Quiet Storm,” which traces the history of iconic R&B groups. If you’re a trivia nut, you’ll enjoy stories about TLC, The Dixie Chicks, and the Isley Brothers—plus insights on how group success has evolved, and what modern artists can learn from the K-pop phenomenon.

Important Links Mentioned In This Episode

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode of the Profitable Musician Show is packed with actionable advice, inspiration, and next steps. Dive in for the full conversation!

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