How to Start a Career as a Professional Musician

If you’re just leaving university with your instruments, your passion, and a head full of musical ambitions, you’re embarking on one of the most exciting, challenging, and unpredictable journeys possible. The early years are often the hardest: balance sheets to manage, gig offers to chase, and perhaps a nagging voice asking whether you should take a “sensible” job instead. But this is also the time when you can lay the foundations for the career you’ve always wanted, not just surviving, but truly thriving. 

Becoming a professional musician isn’t only about mastering your craft; it’s about being your own promoter, business manager, and networker. It demands grit, resilience, and a clear sense of direction. With that mindset, you can transform your passion into a sustainable career, diversifying your income through performance, teaching, session work, and more.

In this guide, based on my ten years of gigging as a drummer, I’ll walk you through three essential pillars: practice, promotion, and getting out there — while also covering critical business and networking strategies. Alongside honing your musical skills, you’ll learn how to build a support network, manage your finances, raise your profile, and plan your long-term trajectory. These are practical, realistic steps that reflect the real-world challenges of making it as a working musician.

You may have already acquired a very particular set of skills, but just as in any job, a musician’s educational journey is ongoing.

If you want to make a living solely from playing music, then you’ll find far more opportunities if you are fluent in almost every genre of music.

Be honest with yourself about the areas you could improve and take steps to get better.

You might be in a position to get music lessons from a tutor, or a professional musician you really admire. There are also tons of free online resources, educational books and DVDs.

Of course, however you’re learning, nothing beats practice, so make sure you’re putting in the hours.

A great way to practice is to learn new and varied songs – this won’t just improve your technique, it will boost your repertoire and prepare you for a wide range of gigs.

Jam nights are also a great way to improve your drumming and performing and also widen your network.

If you want to improve your jazz playing for example, find jazz jam nights in your area and jump onstage. There is no quicker way to learn than throwing yourself in at the deep end.

It may be quite daunting having more advanced players watching your every move, but you’ll find that most of the players are very supportive, and you’ll probably find comfort in knowing that most other musicians there will be in the exact same boat as you (i.e. scared to death).

You can be the greatest player on earth, but if no one knows that you exist then you’re not going to get work.

Creating on online profile will really help. If done well it has the potential to reach thousands of people and unlock many opportunities.

Content really is king - especially video! Wherever possible, get good quality videos of your playing in every setting. It doesn’t have to be a professional music video, but you want the listener to stay tuned and enjoy watching it.

If you have the funds and/or connections, hire a studio for a few hours and try to get a videographer student who is building a portfolio to film you. Providing that you’re well rehearsed, the time and effort will pay off ten-fold.

Next up, get some good photos of yourself. Again, this doesn’t have to break the bank, but a few selfies won’t do.

There are tons of photography enthusiasts out there who would be willing to take a few snaps for very little, so put an ad online or in a local photography school.

Be sure to dress smart, brush your hair and wash behind your ears for the shoot, as presentation really does carry a lot of weight in the music industry.

Once you have your media, build a simple but effective website using platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress. Keep your site current, and be active on social media — Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are especially useful. Share performance clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and snapshots of your life. Let your personality shine through — people don’t just connect with musicians; they connect with you.

Having a strong portfolio is one thing and putting yourself out there is another. There are many work opportunities, but competition is intense. Persistence and consistency are key.

Function gigs (weddings, corporate events, private parties) can be reliable and well paid. Consider forming a band or working as a deputy (“dep”) musician. Local agencies are often on the lookout for dependable talent. Build relationships, be professional, and your reputation will grow.

Session work is another major avenue. If you have a recording setup or know your way around a studio, reach out to producers, songwriters, and other artists. Send them links to your portfolio, demos, or previous work. Even if only a fraction of your outreach pays off, each job can open up new avenues.

Teaching provides steady income. Use any teaching qualifications you have or lean on your experience to offer private lessons. Advertise locally, in music shops, schools, and on social media, and clarify what you teach, your rates, and your style. Over time, a reliable roster of students can become a core part of your livelihood.

Make every gig and session count — not just for the pay, but for the relationships you build. Be friendly, professional, and someone people want to work with. That reputation is pure gold.

1. Build a Strong Professional Network
Networking isn’t optional, it’s essential. Combine in-person and online networking to maximise opportunities. Use local music events, jam nights, and conferences, but also connect via social media. The Musicians’ Union offers great career-advice resources to help you build meaningful connections. Be clear about your goals when networking, know what you want and who you need to meet. Follow up with people you meet, ask for introductions, and be persistent without being pushy. Also, build a professional support network: mentors, peers, and organisations (such as those offered by ISM) can help you with legal, financial, and wellbeing challenges. 
 

2. Manage Your Business
Think of your career as a business. Learn about financial planning, record keeping, contracts, and taxes. Free business-skills sessions for musicians are available through organisations like Help Musicians. If possible, seek one-to-one advice or mentorship: advisors can guide you through branding, monetisation, and long-term strategy. 

3. Protect and Grow Your Reputation
Your professional reputation shapes your future. Be punctual, reliable, and adaptable. Perform well, keep your commitments, and make sure people enjoy working with you — good working relationships will lead to repeat gigs and referrals.

4. Plan Financially and Sustainably
It's wise to have diversified income streams: performance, session work, teaching, and perhaps writing or arranging. Keep accurate records of your earnings and expenses and consider joining a professional body (like the ISM) for support, legal advice, and wellbeing resources. 

5. Set a Long-Term Vision
Map out your goals — six months, one year, three years. What gigs do you want? How many students? What income targets?
Review your progress regularly and adjust your plan. Consider workshops like the ones offered by Sound Connections to help you plot your creative career path. 

6. Take Care of Yourself
A music career is demanding. Join organisations like the Musicians’ Union, which provide not just career advice but wellbeing and mental-health support. Lean on your network (peers, mentors, and professional bodies) so you’re not trying to navigate everything alone.

Starting a career as a professional musician is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about blending creativity with business sense, hustle with strategy, and passion with perseverance. By practising diligently, promoting effectively, networking smartly, and planning for the long term, you can build more than just a job: you can build a sustainable and fulfilling musical life. Enjoy playing, stay resilient, and always keep one eye on your next opportunity.