I'm turning pro after tomorrow.

I don't know how you make money in folk music.

However, I don't think that is the question for anyone who actually takes the plunge. Most people (myself included) IMO go pro because they love the music so much that they are prepared to sacrafice the likelyhood of riches for the love of playing and are prepared to risk a couple of years to pursue their dream. They might well be ambitious but if they are to succeed I reckon you need to have 2 other things 1) good business sense and 2) the humility to take any work that is viable (even if it is bar work or similar in the lean times).

I will work my arse off to try and make this work. I've done 2 full time jobs for a year and a half - fortunately my employers (The Music Room) have been more than accomodating and I owe them a great deal of thanks. The one thing myself & Jon Boden have realised is that at this time you have to put on a show that is worth watching - you are a service that people buy - as much as the terminology makes me sick that's how it is. I can't believe some shockingly bad acts on the English scene I have seen getting gigs who obviously think that only turning up and going through the motions is enough and to some extent the scene puts up with them!

For those people who think that anyone trying their utmost to make it work is selling out - then that's what I'm doing. And I don't care because I love playing the melodeon and any move which lets me do that more than I already do and practice so that I can get better is worth it to me. I've already taught (I am no teacher believe me), played french accordion in cafes and irish music in irish pubs, I've busked for God knows how many hours on the streets of Oxfordshire and now it looks as if I'm doing well on the folk scene - my best estimates are that I will just be above the bread line next year. Who cares - it's the chance in a lifetime.

So to sum up - no probably not much money in folk music (wherever you are in the world), but there's probably more soul to be had trying than anything else (I was going to be a geneticist), if you love it. So do it - if you love it enough you'll have practiced enough!

Cheers

John Spiers

PS - it doesn't help if some idiot nicks your instruments the week before you turn pro - but that's another thread!