| Songwriter |
Write great songs that sound good (mahirap ‘yun!) |
Your songs can be recorded by top local artists. You can make from P5000 to P15,000 in advance royalties per song, and more income for other usages |
Watch out for contracts with the term “in perpetuity.” You cannot make money from a song you no longer own! |
Odette Quesada, Christine Bendebel |
| Performing songwriter |
Write your own songs and perform them in public |
You can make anywhere between 1500 to P30,000 per gig (minimum of 2 sets). Plus if you place a song with a music user you earn passive income. |
Strike a good balance between performing hit covers and your own songs. While audiences love an original artist, they also want to have a good time with songs they’re familiar with. |
Bayang Barrios, Gary Granada, Rica Arambulo, Isha, Noel Cabangon, Kala |
| Instrumentalist |
Very good at playing one or more instruments; can sight-read and learn pieces by ear very quickly |
You can be a session musician for a top artist and make anywhere between P1500 to P10,000 per gig; work for in-house bands of TV shows and earn regular income; or if you’re very good maybe you can get a record deal |
Record labels, artists and other clients prefer instrumentalists who can also sing |
Mike Villegas, Tito Cayamanda, Noel Cabangon |
| Arranger |
Very good at playing an instrument; knows how to sequence and program music with MIDI; may or may not know sight-reading |
Arrangers typically arrange songs for an album, arrange jingles and music for advertising in a production house and earn regular income plus bonuses. Plus they can get other rackets that cost between P5000 to P20,000 per song. |
This job can get so addicting that if you’re planning on becoming a star you might not have the time! |
Mike Villegas, Gino Cruz, Tito Cayamanda, Rica Arambulo, Bodjie Dasig |
