I can play the piano well enough, but i'm not planing on becoming a concert pianist...?

You could likely use a bit of extra cash if you're in med school, I imagine!

A great way to make good money is accompanying. Local schools often have difficulty finding regular accompanists for choir, and if you're a good sightreader, you could come in for only a rehearsal or two plus the concert. Solo and ensemble contests require large numbers of pianists, and you get paid by the solo, often with minimal extra rehearsals. Some schools will hire you to record accompaniments for rehearsals...you can do it from home :)

Another possibility is being a substitute pianist for churches. They call you up when they need a few hymns or a solo accompanied, and you make good money, especially if you read well.

I'm sure if you put a notice out that you were available for weddings and funerals you could do well. Not everyone wants an organ; often couples have soloists or special piano music requests instead. For additional cash, offer to play at the reception durning dinner, before the dance.

I am assuming that when you say "play by ear" you mean someone who can hear a piece of music, sit down at the piano, and play it right away. This is an extremely rare talent, and not one that has much bearing on being a concert pianist; when you're playing classical piano, you're not playing something impromptu, you're playing something written. Playing by ear can actually lead to bad habits, since you want to play things how you percieve them, and not focus on what the composer's intentions were. Piano instructors would rather have you focus on technique and theory. That's what you want to do, if you have a goal of being a concert pianist: get a good musical education. Ear training is going to be part of any education in music. You will learn how to hear music and translate that into a written score. To have the skill from birth is an amazing gift, but it can be learned, too. That's the main thing: lots of practice, study of musical theory, and dedication are required, even for the extremely talented. If you play and love the piano, chances are you have a talent for it too; it's just not manifested in the same way as some. But if you're willing to put in the hard work and dedication, you can become a concert pianist; that's more important than being able to play by ear. Good luck!

There are many lucrative opportunities as they relate to major hotel bookings for English tea time, special buffet background music and catering events. You have to be more than flexible because of the changing calendaring of weddings, birthdays and special events parties. And also check out various high-end department stores such as Nordstroms, Macy's, etc. for openings.

Good luck!

This music profession is difficult enough for EDUCATED, degreed musicians to find work. Yes, you might find a job or two - but the amount of work you have to spend to DO this would far outweigh any remuneration. Or you could get lucky once or twice - and then dry up. If you seek side money - you will do better to look elsewhere.

Try playing at a jazz club or for like dinners. The pay is really nice, and you just have to play background music. Also try playing on a cruise ship they get paid a crap load.

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