Careers in ukulele?

oldetymey

oldetymey

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Lately Ive been attempting to make a career change, and that got me to thinking. I wonder if anyone on UU is making a living with their uke, and what they are doing. I dont mean superstar touring artists like Jake S. More like everyday grassroots sort of things. Are you playing weddings, and birthdays? Did you start a shop? do you play in the subway? Stuff like that. I know Ill never be able to put "ukulele player" on my 1040, but its nice to think about.
 
You know what is said about the music business. "There's hundreds of dollars to be made."
 
finkdaddy said:
A friend of mine, Jim Allen, does this: http://ukulelewedding.com/
Click to expand...

But he's also playing guitar!!! ;)

***

Relying on gigs could be a way to make a career, but most full-time musicians I know, including myself, supplement gigging with teaching. In the past I've played more than I've taught, but recently I put most of my time into teaching instead of chasing down gigs. Note that I teach guitar and ukulele -- and that guitar is the bulk of my teaching biz.
 
I only know a few that actually make a living at ukulele.
Trust me, reviewing them or having a site is not the way to go.
But.. Lil' Rev does pretty well by doing shows, fests, writes books, and hold clinics. He has to really hussle and grind out the money and he is always working. He is one of the hardest working uke people I know.
 
I sometimes play every other Sunday at a local Hawaiian Restaurant (Kona Kitchen) however, I haven't been very consistent about it. sometimes it's a cold/sore throat or other activities that interfere, but if I wanted to I could take it much more seriously, try to find a few venues, and cash in on those 'hundreds of dollars' :)

I played for a small shop during Christmas for $85 for a couple of hours. they called me back recently when they had an outdoor event and wanted background music.

I love doing background music... as opposed to 'performing'.

I also volunteer at a local Sr Housing facility for their memory wing, pre-meal, 4:30-5p on Wednesdays. Since my younger son's girlfriend works there, I sometimes play right after the memory wing, for the other residents at the 'Bistro' :)

Lots of opportunities, some pay money and some pay in other ways :)

keep uke'in',
 
ukeeku said:
I only know a few that actually make a living at ukulele.
Trust me, reviewing them or having a site is not the way to go.
But.. Lil' Rev does pretty well by doing shows, fests, writes books, and hold clinics. He has to really hussle and grind out the money and he is always working. He is one of the hardest working uke people I know.
Click to expand...

Do the Hustle!

Not just a request at Disco Uke gigs, but a way of life for any performing musician.
 
SailingUke said:
You know what is said about the music business. "There's hundreds of dollars to be made."
Click to expand...

"And it only takes a few grand to get started..." :)
 
In addition to my regular job as a supply teacher, I also teach music lessons on the side. I teach guitar, piano and ukulele, but when I first started out I only had one ukulele student; not even 4 months later I now have 7, in addition to a handful of guitar and piano students. Lots of people want to learn how to play the uke! There isn't a lot of money to be made by teaching ukulele lessons, but you never know where it will take you next.
 
I actually make a living with the ukulele. My main source of income is through my online teaching; I give one on one private lessons to ~30 students a week via the webcam. It is absolutely incredible to be able to do this, and having a student base that is literally worldwide is something else!

I do have a couple slots still open if any of you are interested.... ;)
 
oldetymey said:
Lately Ive been attempting to make a career change, and that got me to thinking. I wonder if anyone on UU is making a living with their uke, and what they are doing. I dont mean superstar touring artists like Jake S. More like everyday grassroots sort of things. Are you playing weddings, and birthdays? Did you start a shop? do you play in the subway? Stuff like that. I know Ill never be able to put "ukulele player" on my 1040, but its nice to think about.
Click to expand...

It's hard making a living at ANYTHING in Toledo.
 
Uncle E has the benefit of living in a tourist town.
There is a guy I know locally (who will be at UWC) named Captain Kazooey, he plays kid's shows and does really well playing the Batman song and other songs kids love. I know a few other folks that do pretty well playing farmer's markets for tips.
 
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