Being a musician isn’t just about creativity and performance—it’s about learning to navigate the ever-changing tides of income. Whether you’re a full-time performer, teacher, or balancing both, the financial roller coaster is real. In this candid episode of the Profitable Musician Show, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive deep into the “feast or famine” cycle and offer tangible advice for managing money, communicating boundaries, and setting yourself up for greater financial stability.
Watch the episode here
Listen to the episode here
Embracing Seasonality in Music Income
Musicians face predictable cycles: Bree Noble describes the classic surge in December, followed by a “dead zone” in January, or summer months when students and audiences are less consistent . Tara Brueske shares her experience with changing gig opportunities in Minnesota, where summer used to bring plenty of park concerts for duos and trios, only to see the trend shift toward larger bands . She notes that even loyal venues can change booking policies, pushing independent artists to adapt or seek out new avenues .
The big lesson? Expect change. Tara Brueske urges musicians to recognize that “there’s going to be changes and maybe more quickly than sometimes you think” . Whether it’s shifting trends, venue policies, or grant funding drying up, flexibility and willingness to pivot are key .
Diversifying Your Income Streams
Relying on one income source is risky. Both Bree Noble and Tara Brueske encourage musicians to cultivate multiple income streams—teaching, gigs, church jobs, special programs, and online work—to help buffer the financial swings , . “Having a few [streams] that you kind of have dabbled in or you have like a small runway in can help you when things change,” Bree Noble points out.
Tara Brueske shares how, when park gigs dried up, she focused on booking senior centers or building her teaching practice, even recently adding a new position at a local music school . She and her brother even considered focusing solely on a successful Christmas show instead of struggling every summer to book venues .
Smart Money Conversations: Getting Paid
One recurring challenge is ensuring timely payment. Tara Brueske stresses the importance of clear payment policies, such as demanding payment the day of the gig or within a week . She has turned down venues that can’t meet these expectations, highlighting the significant work and stress involved in “chasing checks” . “You’re providing a service… If you go get your haircut or your car repaired, you’re paying them up front,” she notes .
For music teaching, Bree Noble recommends getting students to commit to packages or monthly payments, rather than lesson-by-lesson arrangements . This protects the teacher’s schedule and income, and it also communicates professionalism: “We are a business. We need to make a certain amount per month and this is how we do that” .
Digital payment platforms (Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, QuickBooks, etc.) can simplify the process, making it easier for both musicians and clients to send and receive money quickly .
Building Better Relationships
The best gigs and students come from mutual respect. If a venue or client values your time and pays reliably, invest in that relationship. If not, don’t be afraid to walk away . Tara Brueske shares the joy of working with partners who leave a check on the piano before she arrives , a simple gesture that sets the tone for a trusting collaboration.
Give Yourself Grace
Both Bree Noble and Tara Brueske reassure fellow musicians that market changes aren’t always personal. It’s important to not internalize every slow season or lost student as failure . Instead, anticipate change, plan accordingly, and know that adaptability and professional communication are your best allies.
Links Mentioned In This Episode
- Profitable Musician Show Instagram (@ProfitableMusicianLLC)
- Tara Brueske Instagram (@TaraBrueskeMusic)
- Tools mentioned: Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, QuickBooks, My Music Staff, Cash App
Ready to make feast-or-famine a little less stressful? Tune in to the full episode and join the conversation on social!
