Teachers have had to face multiple upheavals in their professional lives since the pandemic began, from not knowing how long their job would be there to changing their entire curriculum and teaching method to make virtual classrooms sustainable. Now, as the pandemic continues to shift and spread, it’s important for educators to have options. Whether you want to find a temporary side gig or create something of your own to fall back on, there are several ways to make extra money and give yourself peace of mind at the same time. Think about how much time you can commit to a new job and how you can apply your skills to it.
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Utilize your connections
As a teacher, you probably have many connections with students and parents who would love to take music lessons. This is an easy way to earn extra money any time of the year, and if there are pandemic restrictions in your area you can use Zoom or another video chat service to give lessons virtually. Create a simple website or social media page that details your instruments of choice, your hours of operation, the cost of lessons, and your availability, and encourage students to spread the word to their friends. Do some research on how to start an LLC in your state, keeping in mind that you can use a formation service to file the paperwork and avoid attorney’s fees while ensuring that the legalities are taken care of.
Start a YouTube channel
If you’re not quite ready to start a business but you already have a social media account with the following, consider creating a YouTube channel where you can share videos of you performing and monetize them with ads. Learn more about the search engine algorithms that put your content in front of the right viewers so you can navigate them intelligently, and connect your channel to a blog or website that will help you drive traffic to the videos.
Write for a music publication
You may not be ready to garner a huge fan following, and that’s okay. If sharing your music knowledge is more important to you than performing, consider writing for a music blog or magazine, or for an educational publication. As a teacher, you have unique insight into how to get kids involved in a creative pursuit; as a musician, you can provide techniques, instrument and equipment reviews, and tips on how to get started with a new musical hobby. Look online for freelance gigs, and consider taking a writing course if you’d like to brush up on your word skills before taking a job.
Offer up your services
If your writing skills are more focused on songs, put those skills to use by offering up your services as a professional songwriter. You can create unique songs for advertising agencies, television shows, or special events, or team up with another musician to supply lyrics for an upcoming project. If playing music is more in your wheelhouse, you might offer your services at weddings, parties, or in the studio for other musicians. You might even consider working for a band to help them learn new techniques with their voices or instruments.
As a music teacher, you have several options for earning extra money, but they won’t all be right for your needs. Do some reading online to find out more about these gigs and what they require, and think about how much time you have to commit to the job you take on in order to avoid stress.
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