As someone who has made a living as a musician for 20 years, I have by far made the most consistent income from teaching. Gigging is great too but teaching pays the bills. It’s also very satisfying and musically fulfilling. My advice, start finding students and build your business. Good luck.
@@officialWWM Thank you so much. That's my current plan and I've started looking for students in my city and online. I'm also considering doing some production/session work on the side. Hopefully I'll come back here in a few years and share the good updates ☺
I hope you are not following a dreamy cliche. I hope you already took the first steps and have a feeling of what you want to do. teaching, creating content, playing live etc...
@@officialWWM It's just so hard to get going. I tried. Used to teach friends so I know I can do it but getting that first student has been real tough. In theory I would earn way more per hour than my day job but of course there a lot of prep that goes into lessons. But I definetly enjoyed teaching friends to play guitar. None of them ever paid me though haha. Cheap bstrds.
One of my favorite things about your channel is how honest and real your videos are. This comments section should be a great reminder to you that even if you think only a handful of people see your videos, that’s a handful of people (thousands, really) you’ve inspired and entertained.
Hi Mike I have been enjoying your channel. I made a living as a worship leader/ pastor for almost 30 years. Playing guitar, writing some music, leading a band and singers. Much of it was enjoyable and enrapturing.. getting musicians to work as a team was quite challenging at times, egos opinions, tantrums lol etc. About 7 years ago I laid down my guitars, I was a bit burned out. About a month ago I started to get that itch again, bought 2 guitars and have been playing for pleasure and really enjoying it! I appreciate your channel very much my friend, thank you!
That's why i always had a job and played guitar as a hobby , i don't like the hussle / bussle . Not that i "liked " the job ( i also did not hate it though ) , but the steady income provided peace of mind .
Great inspiration man. I know I'm never gonna get there since I started paying 1,5 years ago and I'm already 33, but the point gets across pretty clear to me
Great advice. Really resonated with me. I don’t earn a living from guitar. I’m still a novice. What you said about social media. Is so correct. I always like other musicians content. But don’t get it back, perhaps I’m just shit. But it’s only nice to be nice. And yes live the life you love. And love the life you live.
Gosh when I heard you play at Sturminster you were as good as these professionals like Brian May, Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and many others, it was absolutely exciting to listen to you and truly unbelievable. Thank you for making that evening truly awesome. Sandie 🤗
@@MikeBradleyofficial I was truly amazed. As much as I absolutely love the Eagles tribute band you should be playing with a top band with your talent. 😉
Mike, I'll be honest with ya. I enjoy guitar just because it's therapy for me. Earlier this year working for the City Dallas (TX) Parks & Recreation dept. I had a paid gig for an event for senior citizens. I didn't play songs at all. Just background music and it was good enough. Thanks to our Recreation Center Specialist at the time, who was an amazing mentor to me. She encouraged me to do that. Besides that, I love showcasing my playing for FREE. Music brings people together. It's how I express love to the world and people around me when the opportunity presents itself
Awesome video, Mike! Really enjoyed this. Great tips and stories. I would love to do what you do for a living someday. Thanks again for the GREAT lesson today. See ‘ya next week!
Great video Mike. I've been playing since 1974. Sadly I really never got my ear in, my bad I didn't realise that it needed work, I assumed you could either do it or not. I "retired" 8 years ago almost to the day I played a gig and the magic wasn't there so didn't go back. So just a bedroom warrior now.
Brotha, really needed to see this, just now trying to find my way in this journey. in school for Audio engineering, but a big part of what i wanna do is session work. ,much love to you
They don’t unless they become the next Clapton or Hendrix or at least an Ed Sheeran with his little Martin or Taylor Swift with her little Taylor guitar. That is the reason why I only see it as a hobby, but not as a daily grind to raise a family😅😅😅 P.S. Some of my relatives are musical band members and I’m a moderator of a guitar group, and have tons of friends who are soooo talented, but barely survive for a living by playing music. Enjoy and love the music, but never ever leave your day job unless you are financially stable. Rock on! ❤❤❤
YES and YES ! Its an incredible amount of work - which people from outside usually cant see. and you never know if it still pays the bills next month/year. Im glad you take the time to create these videos! thank you ❤
Nice one Mike i met you at Guitar Breaks in Farnham where you were running off to gig in Bristol doing exactly what your talking about here. Great to meet you.
Nice look behind the scenes! Also, you made me realize I should do ear training. It will indeed be more fun than chasing tabs and finding out they are wrong... Lots of succes Mike!
I've been watching your channel for a long time (since the Marshall DSL video). Learnt quite a lot from you throughout the years. Keep up the good work! 🤘
Thanks for this video, Mike! RUclips suggested it to me and Ive got a say, algorythm hit the nail on the head😊 Fellow guitar teacher/performer here who struggles a lot with the motivation to put out my own regular social media stuff! You’ve got yourself a new subscriber. Keep rocking!
Great insights Mike! As the saying goes "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life" even though it can be hard work. Wish I had that, oh wasted youth haha
Hi mike . Your such an inperation and so kind. I really enjoyed when you went to the back to the future experience. What is your favourite Christmas song?
Aww thank you for you lovely kind words! Oh yes Back to The Future, just under music as one of my big passions! Haha favourite Christmas song. That’s a toughie, might have to go with Nat King Cole’s The Christmas song as it always gives me that warm feeling inside. You?
I don't have the intention to make money making music as I don't have to. I'm lucky enough to play guitar fulltime if I would want to but I can enjoy the journey of making it a full time hobby. My only concern is the health of my hands and shoulders as they tend to make a fuss if I try to play too much
Man, I don't care how old I get. I'm gonna get to the level where I can make a living with music eventually. I truly want nothing more.
As someone who has made a living as a musician for 20 years, I have by far made the most consistent income from teaching. Gigging is great too but teaching pays the bills. It’s also very satisfying and musically fulfilling. My advice, start finding students and build your business. Good luck.
@@officialWWM Thank you so much. That's my current plan and I've started looking for students in my city and online. I'm also considering doing some production/session work on the side. Hopefully I'll come back here in a few years and share the good updates ☺
@@Le_Mer awesome! Good luck with you’re journey!
I hope you are not following a dreamy cliche. I hope you already took the first steps and have a feeling of what you want to do.
teaching, creating content, playing live etc...
@@officialWWM It's just so hard to get going. I tried. Used to teach friends so I know I can do it but getting that first student has been real tough. In theory I would earn way more per hour than my day job but of course there a lot of prep that goes into lessons. But I definetly enjoyed teaching friends to play guitar. None of them ever paid me though haha. Cheap bstrds.
You love what you do...
We love what you do.
Thank you, Mike.
Aww thank you, means a lot
One of my favorite things about your channel is how honest and real your videos are. This comments section should be a great reminder to you that even if you think only a handful of people see your videos, that’s a handful of people (thousands, really) you’ve inspired and entertained.
Thank you Matt, really means a lot
You deserve to be successful Mike, long may it continue :)
Bless you thank you Marios.
Hi Mike I have been enjoying your channel. I made a living as a worship leader/ pastor for almost 30 years. Playing guitar, writing some music, leading a band and singers. Much of it was enjoyable and enrapturing.. getting musicians to work as a team was quite challenging at times, egos opinions, tantrums lol etc. About 7 years ago I laid down my guitars, I was a bit burned out. About a month ago I started to get that itch again, bought 2 guitars and have been playing for pleasure and really enjoying it! I appreciate your channel very much my friend, thank you!
Hi Ray, thank you for sharing your story. Great to hear you are back playing.
Agree! Life is to chase what you love.
That's why i always had a job and played guitar as a hobby , i don't like the hussle / bussle . Not that i "liked " the job ( i also did not hate it though ) , but the steady income provided peace of mind .
Great inspiration man. I know I'm never gonna get there since I started paying 1,5 years ago and I'm already 33, but the point gets across pretty clear to me
Great advice. Really resonated with me. I don’t earn a living from guitar. I’m still a novice. What you said about social media. Is so correct. I always like other musicians content. But don’t get it back, perhaps I’m just shit. But it’s only nice to be nice. And yes live the life you love. And love the life you live.
Gosh when I heard you play at Sturminster you were as good as these professionals like Brian May, Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and many others, it was absolutely exciting to listen to you and truly unbelievable. Thank you for making that evening truly awesome. Sandie 🤗
Aww thank you so much, really means a lot
@@MikeBradleyofficial I was truly amazed. As much as I absolutely love the Eagles tribute band you should be playing with a top band with your talent. 😉
Mike, I'll be honest with ya. I enjoy guitar just because it's therapy for me. Earlier this year working for the City Dallas (TX) Parks & Recreation dept. I had a paid gig for an event for senior citizens. I didn't play songs at all. Just background music and it was good enough. Thanks to our Recreation Center Specialist at the time, who was an amazing mentor to me. She encouraged me to do that. Besides that, I love showcasing my playing for FREE. Music brings people together. It's how I express love to the world and people around me when the opportunity presents itself
This advice is pure gold even a year later thank you Mike 😊
@@mathiasgomez6636 aww you’re very welcome.
"Getting up at the crack of noon..." 😅Great vid, mate - a glimpse into the real world and music industry.
Hahaha it’s early I tell you.. EARLY!! 😂
Cheers buddy.
I'm here for all the 'Day in the Life of Mike Bradley' videos
You little sweetheart!
I Was Broke when i started playing Guitar. And then day by day I started little gigs and Now I'm here with my own Band
Good man! Great to hear.
Great vid, cheers Mike
Awesome video, Mike! Really enjoyed this. Great tips and stories. I would love to do what you do for a living someday. Thanks again for the GREAT lesson today. See ‘ya next week!
Thank you Mitch, keep on playing my friend.
Great video Mike. I've been playing since 1974. Sadly I really never got my ear in, my bad I didn't realise that it needed work, I assumed you could either do it or not.
I "retired" 8 years ago almost to the day I played a gig and the magic wasn't there so didn't go back. So just a bedroom warrior now.
Brotha, really needed to see this, just now trying to find my way in this journey. in school for Audio engineering, but a big part of what i wanna do is session work. ,much love to you
Thank you Devon.
@@MikeBradleyofficial 🤟🏾🤟🏾
I work on a laptop as well, definitely recommend getting a stand to have it raised higher. Makes a world of a difference.
Yeah, one day I’ll get an iMac
They don’t unless they become the next Clapton or Hendrix or at least an Ed Sheeran with his little Martin or Taylor Swift with her little Taylor guitar. That is the reason why I only see it as a hobby, but not as a daily grind to raise a family😅😅😅
P.S.
Some of my relatives are musical band members and I’m a moderator of a guitar group, and have tons of friends who are soooo talented, but barely survive for a living by playing music. Enjoy and love the music, but never ever leave your day job unless you are financially stable.
Rock on! ❤❤❤
YES and YES ! Its an incredible amount of work - which people from outside usually cant see.
and you never know if it still pays the bills next month/year.
Im glad you take the time to create these videos! thank you ❤
Nice one Mike i met you at Guitar Breaks in Farnham where you were running off to gig in Bristol doing exactly what your talking about here.
Great to meet you.
Hi Kevin, haha yep, always usually doing 2 things at once haha
Thanks for the insight Mike. Keep on keeping on
Nice look behind the scenes! Also, you made me realize I should do ear training. It will indeed be more fun than chasing tabs and finding out they are wrong... Lots of succes Mike!
Thank you Hans. Yes eat training is so important, will really help you as a player.
I've been watching your channel for a long time (since the Marshall DSL video). Learnt quite a lot from you throughout the years. Keep up the good work! 🤘
Aww amazing to hear, thank you for sticking with me.
You’re a blessing to this world Mike Bradley😇
Cheers Mike, make it happen 👌🏾
Thanks for this video, Mike! RUclips suggested it to me and Ive got a say, algorythm hit the nail on the head😊
Fellow guitar teacher/performer here who struggles a lot with the motivation to put out my own regular social media stuff! You’ve got yourself a new subscriber. Keep rocking!
This is lovely to hear! and for once the algorithm did right! :)
Great insights Mike! As the saying goes "if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life" even though it can be hard work. Wish I had that, oh wasted youth haha
You got it Joe.
Loving this video, feels very real and honest! Great work and thank you for the valuable insight!
Thank you, means a lot
Beautiful statement! Thanks 🎸
Thanks for this video! Keep it up!
Thanks man, that gave me nudge in the right direction
Lovely to hear
Great video man, this is my dream too
That is very helpful, thank you !
Found myself in a Mike Bradley channel rabbit hole tonight, another interesting video. Hope you're doing well!
This is what I love to hear! I’m all good thank you, hope you are too.
Hi mike . Your such an inperation and so kind. I really enjoyed when you went to the back to the future experience. What is your favourite Christmas song?
Aww thank you for you lovely kind words! Oh yes Back to The Future, just under music as one of my big passions! Haha favourite Christmas song. That’s a toughie, might have to go with Nat King Cole’s The Christmas song as it always gives me that warm feeling inside. You?
I really loved this video, I thought that it was a great insight into the world of a self employed musician.
Lovely to hear thank you Michael.
Been a fan of yours for years Mike
Aww truly lovely to hear!
It’s the roller coaster ride we call home.🎵😎👍🎵
Indeed.
Great video thanks mike!
Great advice!!!
I don't have the intention to make money making music as I don't have to. I'm lucky enough to play guitar fulltime if I would want to but I can enjoy the journey of making it a full time hobby. My only concern is the health of my hands and shoulders as they tend to make a fuss if I try to play too much
Good posture and good wrist position is very helpful for that.
Work out a little, pull ups and the like, that has helped me a lot with back and shoulder pain, as I wear a heavy backpack for my job.
Music is a drug! Enjoy it!
I love this Mike, absolutely brilliant! ♥️
Thank you buddy, appreciate it. Hope you’re good and well.
Very nice video 🥰👍🏻
Is that a Yamaha Revstar in the studio I see? BTW I sent you a mail to MBM address...
Sure was, was ideal for the track. Have you, will have a look, sorry buddy
I am no player brother my hear
What do you call someone who drives $5,000 worth of equipment, 500 miles, to make $50 ?
A professional musician.
Hahaha exactly!
I am zero livle
Or just be super homeless like me 😭
Way too much guitars behind you to be a full time guitarist XD
😂🤣😂
Cheers Mike keep it up I know its hard but it beats working for a living m8 🤣🤣🤣love your vids.
Thank you buddy!