15 Places to Share Your Music (and Make Extra Money)

By Anne Sullivan 

It’s time to  make your summer plans. And if your plans include doing some extra playing in public and maybe earning a little money, you need to read this post.

Sometimes opportunities for playing are right in front of us, but we miss them. Instead we are staring at the phone or checking our email waiting for an invitation. You don’t need to wait to be asked; you do the asking!

Most of these performances will be only for tips, some only for exposure, some just for fun. They’re not high profile or resume builders. So why would you do them?

Maybe you want some practice performances before a recital. Maybe you could use a few extra dollars and some more experience. Perhaps you would like to build a fan base in your community or promote an upcoming concert. You might even just want to get out of the house.

This is far from a complete list. I hope it gives you some ideas and helps you be even more creative with ways to share your music with others. After all, isn't sharing what makes music fun?

1. Nursing homes or retirement communities
2. A local cafe or bookstore or other specialty shop
3. Library programs
4. Doctor or dentist waiting room
5. Rotary club breakfast or luncheon
6. Garage sale or yard sale
7. Company cafeteria
8. Art show opening
9. Train station
10. Craft fair
11. Church supper
12. Open mike night at a cafe
13. Heritage festival (Irish festival, Greek festival, etc.)
14. Office building lobby
15. School fair or open house

A few reminders: Don’t forget to ask permission before you go. Remember your business cards, and a clipboard to collect email addresses for your mailing list. And lastly, don’t forget your smile!

And just for the record, I have played at all of these places over the years!