Guest,

I guess it matters to what level one is trying to "Crack" into the business. I have for years done open mics and library and nursing home gigs and I am usually well recieved and well regarded where I go.
Can I earn a living at this level?

Nope. But I am in the business at that level.

When I play in "The Irish Band of Local Note" we gig many times in a year and we are well paid for our work. We must be well recieved because we are called back to those venues often enough so as not to be desparation bookings. I am in the business at that level too. We make some nice change but could we earn a living at this level.

Nope.

I think realistically a single person has to earn at least $35,000.00 US a year to take a living out of the music profession. Thats 235 gigs a year at $150.00 per. Then you have to pay taxes and expenses from that same $35K. By the 40% of this money is chewed up in taxes and road expenses you are left with just about enough to pay for your living at home expenses. Or enough to allow you to live frugally.

Without health insurance.

I kow that things are different everywhere and everyone's situations are different too. In theory you work that much you get better known, you can raise the price and things are better. But you may get sick or brak a bone or one of another insults to the business and you end up averaging $ 150.00 per for 235 gigs a year.

It can be discouraging. But there must be something in performing that makes us willing to work hard and long for little or no. Thats why I have three jobs.

Don