Career Lessons for Musicians—Insights from OUR INTERVIEW WITH Ayo awosika

Success in the music industry isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, adaptability, and financial planning. Inspired by our conversation with Ayo, this article breaks down practical lessons that musicians can apply to negotiate better pay, avoid burnout, and create multiple income streams. Whether you’re an independent artist, session musician, or music educator, these insights will help you build a sustainable and fulfilling career.

1. Know Your Worth & Negotiate Fairly 💰

Too many musicians undercharge for their work, fearing that asking for higher pay will cost them the gig. However, undervaluing yourself leads to financial instability and makes it harder for other musicians to get paid fairly. Learning to negotiate your compensation ensures you’re properly valued and can sustain a long-term career without financial stress.

Before any negotiation, know:
✔️ Your minimum rate – The lowest amount you’ll accept for your work.
✔️ Your added value – What makes you different from other musicians.
✔️ When to walk away – If a deal doesn’t meet your needs, be prepared to decline.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how to price your work, research industry standards or ask peers what they charge.

2. Saying No to the Wrong Gigs 🚫

Not all gigs are worth it—some pay too little, some don’t align with your brand, and some can be mentally draining. Saying yes to everything can lead to burnout, frustration, and a lack of fulfillment in your career. Being selective with opportunities allows you to focus on gigs that genuinely support your goals.

Some signs that you should say no to a gig:
✔️ It doesn’t pay fairly or asks for “exposure” instead of money.
✔️ It conflicts with your values or artistic direction.
✔️ It drains more energy than it’s worth, leaving you no time for better opportunities.

💡 Pro Tip: Saying no doesn’t mean burning bridges—politely decline and express interest in future opportunities that align better with your vision.

3. Being OK with the Outcome (Even When Things Don’t Work Out) 🤷‍♀️

The music industry is unpredictable, and not every opportunity will go as planned. A gig might fall through, a project might not get funded, or you might not land that dream audition. Being okay with setbacks is essential for maintaining motivation and long-term success.

Instead of dwelling on rejections:
✔️ Reflect on the experience and identify lessons learned.
✔️ Stay open to new opportunities—what’s meant for you will come.
✔️ Focus on long-term growth rather than short-term disappointments.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a success journal where you document wins and progress—it helps maintain perspective during tough times.

4. Saying No for Other Reasons—Even When the Money Is Good 💵❌

Just because a gig pays well doesn’t mean it’s the right fit. Some high-paying gigs can be creatively draining, misaligned with your brand, or mentally exhausting. If a job compromises your artistic integrity or takes too much time away from more meaningful work, it’s okay to decline.

Consider saying no when:
✔️ The gig requires compromising your artistic values.
✔️ It prevents you from focusing on higher-priority projects.
✔️ It creates unnecessary stress or imbalance in your life.

💡 Pro Tip: Prioritize opportunities that align with your long-term vision, even if they pay less upfront.

5. Planning Ahead for a Sustainable Career 📆

Success in music isn’t just about what you do today—it’s about what you prepare for tomorrow. Many musicians make the mistake of only thinking about the next gig, rather than planning their entire career trajectory. Strategic planning ensures financial stability and creative longevity.

Good planning includes:
✔️ Setting financial goals and saving for slow seasons.
✔️ Mapping out projects, releases, and career milestones.
✔️ Scheduling downtime to prevent overbooking and burnout.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello to organize your career goals, deadlines, and gig schedules.

6. Bringing Family on Tour (or Finding Work-Life Balance) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Touring is exciting, but it can also be isolating and exhausting. Ayo makes it a priority to bring her family on tour, ensuring she stays connected while managing a demanding career. If bringing family isn’t possible, finding ways to stay emotionally connected is essential.

Ways to maintain work-life balance on tour:
✔️ Schedule regular calls or video chats with loved ones.
✔️ Set aside personal time between shows for mental reset.
✔️ Plan tour breaks for quality time at home.

💡 Pro Tip: Balance is key—success means nothing if you don’t enjoy the journey.

7. Diversifying Skills to Secure Income 🎤🎼

Being a musician in today’s industry requires more than just performing. Many artists now compose, conduct, produce, teach, and even run online courses. Having multiple skills increases job opportunities and financial stability.

Some additional revenue streams to consider:
✔️ Composing for film/TV—royalties can provide passive income.
✔️ Teaching private lessons or workshops—both in-person and online.
✔️ Session work—recording for other artists or commercial projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Think about how your unique skills can serve different areas of the music industry.

8. Maintaining Vocal Health 🎙️🗣️

For vocalists, your voice is your instrument—and if you don’t take care of it, you risk losing gigs (or even your career). Ayo stresses the importance of warming up properly, staying hydrated, and knowing when to rest.

Essential vocal care tips:
✔️ Warm up daily (Check out Ayo’s vocal warm-up video linked here).
✔️ Stay hydrated—avoid dairy and excess caffeine before singing.
✔️ Rest your voice when needed—pushing too hard can cause long-term damage.

💡 Pro Tip: Invest in a good humidifier, throat spray, and vocal coach for long-term vocal health.

9. Redefining "Making It" in the Modern Music Industry 🎶

The idea of “making it” has evolved. In the past, success was measured by record deals and fame, but today’s musicians define success in new and more sustainable ways. Instead of chasing a “big break,” focus on long-term financial and creative stability.

Modern success is about:
✔️ Having multiple income streams instead of relying on one source.
✔️ Retaining control over your music and branding as an independent artist.
✔️ Building a loyal audience rather than chasing mainstream fame.

💡 Pro Tip: Define your own version of success—it might look different from the industry standard, and that’s okay!

Final Thoughts: A Blueprint for Success in Music

Ayo’s journey highlights the key ingredients of a sustainable music career:

✔️ Know your worth and negotiate fairly.
✔️ Say no to gigs that don’t serve your goals.
✔️ Plan ahead for long-term success.
✔️ Diversify income streams for financial stability.
✔️ Prioritize work-life balance and vocal health.

By applying these lessons, musicians can build lasting careers, avoid burnout, and create opportunities that align with their values.

🎧 Want more music career tips? Subscribe to Musicians Tip Jar and check out MusiciansTipJar.com.

Sing better instantly with these 6 simple warmups from Ayo Awosika: https://bit.ly/ivb10

Work with Ayo directly to elevate your voice: https://bit.ly/BookwithAyo

Subscribe to Ayo's Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/YTSubAyo

Ayo's IG: @ayoawosika (https://www.instagram.com/ayoawosika/)

Book Recommendations:

What a Fool Believes: A Memoir by Michael McDonald

The Mother Artist: Portraits of Ambition, Limitation, and Creativity by Catherine Ricketts