Various Freelance Roles in the Music Industry

Before entering a formal education in music I hadn't really considered the extent of the opportunities that there is in the industry. As my own music course [Ceoltóir BCFE] offered an instrument making module, this has presented new and exciting opportunities for instrument makers. I established through the NPU [National Pipers Union] that there is a demand worldwide for Uilleann Pipe Makers. I have been monitoring the current Uilleann Pipe makers in Ireland through the internet and estimate that the average wait for a newly constructed set of Uilleann Pipes is between 6 months and 2 years. In some cases there is a five year waiting list. My research found an article in the The Irish Times as far back as 2007, calling for support for Irish Pipe Makers [https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/create-the-pipes-and-call-the-tunes-1.1292182] and that a waiting list of 15 years for a set of pipes was quoted. At this time also NPU is quoted as saying that their worldwide membership is 7,000. I know from recent enquiries with NPU that the current figure is 10,000 worldwide and there is still a significant waiting list for pipes. Another article in 2010 [https://www.irishtimes.com/news/urgent-plea-for-more-uilleann-pipe-makers-1.663296] indicated an industry worth £7 million and called fro support from the goverment to support the industry. Apart from some grant aid through the Arts Council no significant support has been forthcoming from the Goverment. In addition I would suggest that now that the Uilleann Pipes has been recognised as a unique world heritage symbol by UNESCO, further support for the skills and creativity of the Uilleann Pipes will no doubt follow.

According to I.M.R.O [report 2016 – Deloite] over £7oo million has been contributed to the Irish Economy An IFPI consumer insight report [Citigroup report. 2018] indicated Music earnings of in excess of $15 billion worldwide. This report also highlights that people are listening to an average of 17.8hours of music a week, mostly in their cars and streaming. This suggests to me that there are ample opportunities for those with knowledge and commitment to succeed and also an understanding on how music services are delivered.

I examined the freelance roles available in the Music Industry not only relevant to my own expertise but considered all the roles available. This little exercise revealed to me that there are numerous opportunities in the freelance roles. Quite apart from the obvious ones that stand out for me such as instrument making in my own workshop, repairs, reed making, there is also teaching opportunities and the playing of gigs and concerts. There are loads of gig opportunities to play in bars and special events such as weddings and even funerals. There appears to be a huge demand for Irish Musicians abroad especially around St Patricks Week. I've had several gigs abroad already and confidant that this trend will continue.

Some the Freelance Roles

Instrument Maker

Workshop Owner

1. Instruments

2. Reeds

3. Repairs

Agent for Musicians

Sound Engineer

Travelling Sound Man

Music Technician

Music Journalist

Musician

DJ

Cameraman

Composer

Arranger

General Operative

Graphic Designer

Promoter

Merchandiser

The survival skills required for freelancing are creating a portfolio of abilities, maintaining a passion for what you do and alway's adapting to new trends. A healthy self awareness of one's own abilities and constantly seeking to improve them. I would suggest that studying relevant new technologies and ups-killing in music production techniques which are readily available on the internet.

The scope for freelance work extends if you are enterprising enough to include working as an agent for bands or for organising gigs, composing tunes yourself, writing articles on music or reporting concert performances. You could make an income from arranging music and with promoting concerts. There are also opportunities for hosting gigs and as a general operative or roadie for bands, The scope for a freelancer also extends further in to marketing roles and merchandising,

In conclusion the key to working as a freelancer is to have many strings to the bow and be adaptable. Working as a freelance allows total freedom to explore your art and to make a living, Freelance work fun and exciting!

References:

[https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/create-the-pipes-and-call-the-tunes-1.1292182]

[https://www.irishtimes.com/news/urgent-plea-for-more-uilleann-pipe-makers-1.663296]

I.M.R.O [report 2016 – Deloite]

IFPI consumer insight report [Citigroup report. 2018]

Bibliography

[Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin 2018] A short history of Irish Music - The O'Brien Press Dublin.

[Irish Music Magazine 2018] www.irishmusicmagazine.com

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