How I Can Earn Money with My Music Skills One Day

Objective: Students will explore how musical skills like piano playing, fixing instruments, or helping at concerts can become ways to earn money in high school and college. They will identify one future skill they’d like to learn and explain how it could help them succeed.

Assignment: “How I Can Earn Money with My Music Skills One Day”

Instructions:

1. Read or listen to a summary of the article Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree
2. Choose one music job that sounds interesting to you:
   • Piano tuning (fixing the sound of a piano)
   • Instrument repair (fixing band or orchestra instruments)
   • Accompanying (playing piano for singers or other musicians)
3. Write a short paragraph (5–7 sentences) about:
   • What the job is and what kind of work it involves
   • Why you think it sounds interesting
   • What you could start doing now or in high school to get ready for this job
4. Create a poster or digital flyer that shows you doing this job in the future. Include:
   • A title like “Future Piano Tuner” or “Student Music Helper”
   • One or two things you'd offer (example: “Fixing trumpet valves” or “Playing for school concerts”)
   • A drawing or image of yourself doing the job

Grading Rubric (Total: 20 points)

Grading Scale

• 18–20: A
• 16–17: B
• 14–15: C
• 12–13: D
• Below 12: F

My Music, My Money: Planning My Income as a Future Music Major

Objective: Students will explore how their musical abilities—such as piano tuning, instrument repair, and accompanying—can translate into real-world income during college through Federal Work-Study programs and entrepreneurial ventures. They will evaluate these pathways in terms of skill development, income potential, and career alignment.

Assignment Instructions:

1. Read the article titled Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree (provided in class).
2. Choose one of the following income pathways:
   • Piano Tuning
   • Instrument Repair
   • Accompanying
3. Write a 1-page Career Readiness Plan that includes:
   • A summary of what the job entails and the estimated income potential (based on the article).
   • How this job relates to your current musical training and interests.
   • What steps you can take in high school to begin learning this skill (e.g., finding a mentor, taking a course, practicing specific techniques).
   • A reflection on how developing this skill could help you pay for college and prepare you for a music-related career.
4. Design a Flyer or Digital Ad to promote your services for that skill in a college town (e.g., “Piano Tuning by [Your Name], Affordable & Reliable!”). Make it eye-catching and include your imagined prices, services, and hours of availability.

Grading Rubric (Total: 100 points)

📈 Grading Scale:

• 90–100: A — Outstanding work
• 80–89: B — Good, with minor issues
• 70–79: C — Meets basic expectations
• 60–69: D — Needs improvement
• <60: F — Incomplete or poor effort

Big Dreams, Real Money: How Music Can Help Pay for College

Dear ___________ Parents,

At this stage, many of our students are just discovering how much they love music—whether it's singing in choir, playing in band or orchestra, or experimenting with new instruments. It’s exciting to watch that spark grow.

But did you know that this spark can actually help them pay for college one day?

There's a fantastic article on Accoladi.com called “Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree.” While your student may be a few years away from filling out college applications, it’s never too early to learn how music can open doors—not just creatively, but financially.

The article explains how students can earn real income in college (and even before!) through music-related jobs like:

• Tuning pianos (yes, middle and high schoolers can start learning this!)
• Fixing instruments for local schools or music stores
• Playing piano for other students in performances and competitions

These aren’t just “side gigs”—they’re meaningful ways for students to grow their confidence, learn responsibility, and help support their education. One college student made over $16,000 in a single year just by accompanying other musicians!

The best part? Many of these skills can begin developing right here in middle school, especially with your support and encouragement.

I highly recommend reading the full article with your child. You can find it on Accoladi.com under the title: “Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree”

As your music director, I’m here to do more than prepare your child for concerts—I’m here to help them grow into confident, creative, and capable young people with real-world opportunities. This article is one of those early steppingstones.

Thank you for supporting your child’s journey through music. There’s so much ahead!

In Harmony,

___________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]

Why Every Music Parent Should Read This Article on Accoladi.com

Dear ___________ Parents,

We all know that pursuing music in college is more than a passion—it’s a full investment. Between private lessons, auditions, travel, instruments, and attire, the cost can add up faster than a quick tempo in a Sousa march.

That’s why I wanted to personally share an article that every music family should read: “Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree.”

You’ll find it on Accoladi.com—a trusted resource we often recommend to our students. This article is a powerful guide that explains how music students can turn their talent into tangible income in high school and college through Federal Work-Study jobs and entrepreneurial side skills like:

• Piano tuning (up to $75 per session!)
• Instrument repair (over $11,000 per academic year!)
• Accompanying other musicians (up to $16,000 per year!)

These are real-world opportunities that not only help students pay for their education, but also build character, grow résumés, and keep our young musicians connected to their craft.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a performer, educator, or composer, they can begin preparing now. The article even shares ideas on how students can start developing these skills before they leave for college.

You can find the full article here: Accoladi.com — just look for the post titled “Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree.”

I strongly encourage you to read it—and then talk with your student about how their musical gifts might open more doors than they ever imagined.

Let’s keep building futures through music—one rehearsal, one performance, and one opportunity at a time.

Musically Yours,

___________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_________________________________________________________
[School Name]

Podcast Script: “Backstage Bucks and a Baritone Named Jimmy”

Episode Title: Backstage Bucks and a Baritone Named Jimmy
Host: Dr. Joe Clark, Director of Performing and Visual Arts, Spring ISD

[Upbeat theme music fades in and under]

DR. JOE CLARK (warm and energetic): Hello friends, parents, teachers, and all who believe in the life-changing power of music education. I’m Dr. Joe Clark, Director of Performing and Visual Arts in the Spring Independent School District. And this is People Over Programs—where we talk not just about what students do, but who they’re becoming through the arts.

First off, let me take a moment to thank our outstanding music teachers. Y’all are miracle workers. Every day, you show up early, stay late, and manage to keep a full band, orchestra, or choir of teenagers somewhat in tune and on time—and I think that deserves a round of applause and maybe a pizza. Or three.

But today, I want to talk to our parents—especially those of you raising a dreamer with a trombone or a flute or a voice that’s been lighting up your living room since fifth grade.

Because if your child wants to pursue music in college, I’ve got news for you. There’s a way to do it that doesn’t require mortgaging the house or selling your favorite fishing boat. It’s called Federal Work-Study, and it’s the focus of a brilliant article now live on Accoladi.com—a resource your child has free access to thanks to Spring ISD. The article is titled “Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree”, and let me tell you—it’s a game-changer.

But before we dive into the details, let me take you back...

I went to high school with a baritone player named Jimmy. Tall, quiet, wore the same three shirts on rotation, and never once remembered his locker combination. But when Jimmy played, something happened—people stopped talking. That horn was his voice.

Now, Jimmy didn’t have much money. In fact, his idea of a splurge was a second scoop of mashed potatoes. But that kid had grit. By senior year, he had already learned to tune pianos, fix brass valves, and even sub as an accompanist for the choir. By the time we were filling out college applications, Jimmy had already earned enough from those side jobs to pay his entire first year of tuition before he even left high school.

He was our hero. We didn’t know if he was headed to Juilliard or Jiffy Lube, but we knew Jimmy would land on his feet—with a wrench in one hand and a mouthpiece in the other.

That’s what Backstage Bucks is about: giving music students the tools to fund their futures without giving up their dreams. The article breaks it down:

• Work-Study jobs on campus, like tech crew, practice room monitor, or recital recording.
• Music-specific gigs like piano tuning (up to $75 per session), instrument repair (over $11,000 a year), and accompanying other students (yes, even high schoolers can start now!).
• And how all of this experience doesn’t just help you pay for college—it helps you prepare for it.

And here’s the kicker: these side gigs also look great on a résumé. So not only is your student making money, they’re building character, sharpening their skills, and proving—day by day—that they’re ready for the next level.

Here in Spring ISD, we don’t just talk about potential—we invest in it. That’s why we host an annual Collegiate Showcase, inviting university recruiters to hear our most promising students perform. And yes—many leave with scholarship offers in hand. It’s happened for decades.

We’re not just creating musicians—we’re creating scholarship-ready performers.

But here’s what I’ve learned after years in this seat: The students who go the farthest aren’t always the loudest soloists or the fastest sight-readers. They’re the ones who learn how to turn their talents into opportunities. And that includes practicing interview skills, showing up early, shaking hands, and yes—knowing how to fill out the FAFSA correctly the first time. (Which might be harder than sight-reading Stravinsky.)

Now, I know some parents still dream of full-ride scholarships landing in your lap like a publisher’s clearinghouse check. But let me be honest—if a college recruiter shows up at your door holding a tuba and an oversized check, run. That’s not a scholarship—it’s probably a prank from the percussion section.

Real opportunities? They come from showing initiative. From saying, “Yes, I’ll learn to tune that piano.” From asking your director, “Can I help with repairs?” or “Can I play for the choir?”
That’s where the magic starts.

So, what can you do as a parent?

• Read the article at Accoladi.com: Backstage Bucks: How Work-Study Can Help Fund Your Music Degree
• Talk to your student about what side skills they could start developing.
• Ask your child’s music teacher about piano tuning, instrument repair, or accompanying opportunities.
• Remind them that earning money doing what you love is not only possible—it’s wise.

So whether your student is in 7th grade or a high school senior, now is the time to start dreaming strategically. The work is out there. The money is real. And the music? It’s just getting started.

Because in Spring ISD, we believe in people over programs. And we believe in your child.

I’m Dr. Joe Clark, and this has been People Over Programs. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend, a parent, or even your teenager who thinks they already know everything (they don’t). And don’t forget to check out Accoladi.com for more resources designed to help your student succeed—in music, and in life.

Until next time—stay inspired, stay informed, and stay in tune.

[Theme music swells and fades out]