Paying the bills can sometimes be a difficult task, especially when our non traditional schedules as musicians can make it a problem to actually work a 40 hour a week 9 to 5 job. Sometimes, if we want to continue to play music and survive in the real world, we have to look for alternative methods of making money. If you need ideas for making ends meet, keep reading and learn some great ways to monetize your music.

Advertising Jingles -

We have all heard advertising jingles. We know the opening notes of the Doublemint gum commercial, the "I'm lovin' it" theme from the McDonalds commercials and Coca-Cola's famous "I'd like to teach the world to sing". Advertising is big business and if you aren't adverse to writing a few jingles, you can take a share of that profit making machine.

Birthday Parties -

Remember the thrill of attending your first concert? Wouldn't it have been awesome to have something like that at your birthday party as a teen? Of course it would. Parents of teenagers remember that feeling too. Advertise in the paper and you might find yourself playing parties, growing a new crop of fans and getting free birthday cake. Party on, dude.

Wedding Singer -

Do you have a full repertoire of the classic love songs? Do you play music that lends itself to a romantic slow dance? Consider advertising your services as a wedding singer in the local paper, on Craigslist.com or even by talking to the local chapel or reception hall.

Pay Per Download -

You can set up a website with mp3 downloads and offer downloads of the music through secure checkout. Keep your prices competitive and your bottom line may see a significant upward trend. Make the website even more profitable by teaming up with several local bands and splitting both the costs and the profits while giving your fans a place to go to get all of their favorite music.

Put your equipment to work -

As a musician, you most likely own your own recording equipment. Put the tools to work by offering to record other bands or even the general public. There is a very good market for people who want to make a novel gift for a loved one. Provide the background music for people to record a song for their loved ones. Record and create CD's for your local bands. Putting your equipment to work means you can collect an extra paycheck.

With a little imagination, the possibilities for monetizing your music and supporting both yourself and your music career are endless. You don't have to be a starving artist any more. You can make some extra money by using your talents and equipment to increase your income.