The Hidden Costs of Doing Business as a Session Musician

Don't get caught off guard when your take-home pay doesn't live up to your expectations. This blog unveils some not-so-obvious costs involved with working as a session musician so you can make smart budgeting decisions.

Many aspiring musicians dream of landing that coveted session gig: laying down tracks in the studio with major artists, contributing to chart-topping hits, and taking home big paychecks from royalties and recording fees. It sounds glamorous, doesn't it?

But in reality, being a successful session musician goes far beyond just having the music talent and the right gear. While the initial investment in a quality instrument and essential gear is a given, it's really just the 'tip of the iceberg' ↑. There's a whole layer of hidden costs that can quickly eat away at your profits if you're not prepared. From maintaining your equipment to navigating transportation and unexpected expenses, session work comes with a price tag that extends beyond the obvious.

Why Working as a Session Musician Can Be More Expensive Than You Think

Unlike a typical salaried job, session musicians are responsible for securing their own work. This can involve a comprehensive self-promotion and networking strategy. Some musicians rely on building relationships with producers and studios to secure gigs through word-of-mouth recommendations. Others leverage online platforms specifically designed to connect musicians with work opportunities.

Whichever route you choose, be prepared to invest significant time and resources into marketing yourself. This might include building a professional website, creating engaging social media content, and attending industry networking events. The costs can quickly add up, especially if you factor in the travel expenses and unpaid time associated with those events. By keeping them in mind, you can make sure that your take-home pay matches your expectations and keep your budget intact.

So, now that you’re tracking these costs, you might wonder, ‘How can I reduce them?’ The truth is, many of these expenses are unavoidable when working through traditional channels. Whether you're doing session work in local studios or collaborating remotely, promoting yourself to attract new clients is essential. But how about something a bit less traditional? Performidi is a new type of collaborative recording platform that bases your available work opportunities entirely on skill and musicianship. Instead of waiting for the work to come to you, you get to reach out directly to potential clients. No need for a big online presence, a large social media following, or a resume full of hit songs. Getting started is simple—you just have to sign up, pick from a variety of potential gigs to audition for, and send in a recording. That’s it! With Performidi, the costs are clear upfront. We take 20% to cover credit card processing and operating costs, like marketing and legal, and you keep 80% of the profit from your gigs. If you want to learn more about how Performidi works, check out our help article, How it Works.

Stop guessing and start planning: we've created a number of useful resources to help session musicians predict their potential earnings and expenses. Check out our Potential Earnings Calculator to see how much you could get paid per year to record from home with Performidi.