Violinists can make money in several ways, but three of the most popular ways are playing in an orchestra, teaching others how to play the violin, and playing at private events such as weddings.
Although those are probably the most common ways to earn money playing the violin, there are a few other more unique ways you may want to explore.
Table of Contents
What Jobs Can You Get As A Violinist
You may want to consider starting a band or joining one. Playing fiddle in a country-western band is a fun alternative to playing classical music in an orchestra.
You can also be a soloist who performs concerts. Popular violinists like Ray Chen, Joshua Bell, and Lara St. John are some of the best examples of violin players making money this way.
Another way to make money as a violinist is to create a Youtube channel. You can display your talents as a violin player and/or offer instruction on various aspects of the violin and violin playing.
Busking has also become popular for violin players. Playing on street corners in popular tourist cities or in busy subway stations can earn you some money and even get you discovered.
Performing session music with a group of other musicians is another way to earn money as a violinist. Studio musicians don’t enjoy the consistency of income that an orchestra musician does, but it’s a great way to earn money while doing something you love.
One final way that you can make money playing the violin is by recording your music and offering it for sale online.
How Much Money Do Violinists Make
The range of salaries for violinists is broad, ranging from as low as $26,000 per year to over $100,000 per year. According to Glassdoor.com, the average base pay for violinists is $52,522. Salary.com places the average annual salary for violinists even lower at $45,306.
How Much Money Does A Violinist Make In An Orchestra
Violinists who play in the top orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic Orchestra can expect to earn over $100,000 each year.
Until recently, musicians in the Philharmonic earned a minimum salary of $153,000 per year. However, musicians have seen a reduction in pay. Check out this article that explains more.
Smaller orchestras obviously pay violinists less than the top ones. Most full-time orchestras pay their section musicians salaries under $50,000.00.
In reality, most orchestra work is part-time and players are paid a per-service fee instead of a salary. Additionally, orchestras that pay this way don’t provide their musicians with any benefits such as health insurance.
How Much Do Solo Violinists Get Paid
The salaries of the highest-paid solo violinists can be well into the millions. Although there are a limited number of violinists who will ascend to this level, there are still good salaries to be made by soloists who play with orchestras.
The top ten concertmasters (the violinists holding the principal seat in the first violin section of an orchestra) garner salaries between $310K and $629K. The average salary for all concertmasters in the 2018/2019 season was $303,172 according to this post on Adaptistration.
Who Is The Highest Paid Violinist
There are several modern-day violinists that have net worths in the multi-millions.
Lindsey Stirling has a projected net worth of $12 million; Hilary Hahn’s net worth is projected to be $5 million.; Joshua Bell is believed to have a net worth of $15 million; and the net worth of TwoSet Violin duo is believed to be $1.5 million.
Is Being A Violinist A Good Career
Being a violinist is a good career for a few different reasons.
First, you will have the opportunity to earn money doing something you’re passionate about. Anyone who has dedicated the time learning to play the violin well enough to become a professional obviously enjoys playing the instrument. Why not get paid for doing what you love?
The second reason being a violinist makes a good career is because of the number of opportunities available. As highlighted earlier in this post, there are several ways to earn money playing the violin.
Another reason playing the violin is a good career is that you get to be creative and entertain people. For many, this is motivation enough to pursue a career as a violin player.
One final reason a position as a violinist is good is that the potential for a significant income exists for the best players. Soloists and first-chair violinists usually make a six-figure annual income.
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Violinist
To teach violin as a school teacher or university professor you will need a degree.
Outside the teaching profession, it does not appear that a degree is required to be a professional violinist. Although it’s not required, you may find it useful to pursue a degree in music if you plan on pursuing playing violin as a profession.
