I did that for many years...before computers and some other current tools...it's a great life but has it's downside. (i.e. no 401k, etc).

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I started playing because it was fun. After high school I followed the dream of becoming a rock star. After a few years I was scratching out a living but was traveling all the time. It wasn't fun anymore. I was doing it for the paycheck. So, I quit the full-time band thing and went back to school.

Now, 30+ years later, life is as good as it gets. I've watched my children grow up and now I'm spending as much time as I can with my grandchildren. Last year I retired from my "real job" and now I've hooked up with some folks I played music with years ago and we've started picking up a few gig. The thing now is that we play whenever we want instead of having to play to eat and pay bills. Sure, we make a little extra money, but its fun now and that's why we're doing it. I hope it stays this way for a very long time.

LOL!!! I just recently started learning... So, I suppose it's like I thought; if you're making money doing what you love you're a head of the game! I'll be happy when I can just DO what I love. Thank you all for your input. You guys are THE BEST!!!

Every famous artist you hear is in it for the money, plain and simple.


As a proffesional musician (I.E one that gets paid) If you dont please your audience, you will rapidly find you dont have an audience to play to. You'll quickly become a unpaid musician.


Find me a musician that doesnt want to be heard. I cant think of one, I've certainly never met one. Music for self only is not much more than a form of master bate shun. Like the gazzilion bedroom shredders of the 80's who couldnt function with a group of musicians. Even if you only play to your spouse, you have to be open to their critisizms. Playing music is a two way thing. If you charge to entertain then you must deliver.
Theres no real difference between a musician for money and a musician for love. Just a better understanding of how to please people and how to earn a quid. No body ever took up a instrument and got half decent at it because they wanted to make money from it. Everyone started it because they thought "I like the look of that" then discovered they were addicted to it.
A pro will enjoy playing in their chosen field, whether thats live or studio. Regardless of the song or style.

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No no and no