One advantage musicians seem to have over actors is that they can play around with their skills to relax. I mean like sitting and singing songs. Actors are either on or off: only very occasionally will they get together with other actors to read or perform for the hell of it, without an audience. It is a curious kind of life and skill.

Contrary to what Rick says (who I almost never contradict on any subject) musicians seem to me to be much more disciplined than most actors. They at least have to practice to keep their skills up: while many actors take classes and do voice exercises, there are lots of famous actors who just rely on their charisma. Totally undisciplined.

Of course there are different sorts of musicians. Would I be making an invidious comparison if I compared a classical pianist or opera singer who has to practice 2 to 3 hours a day, to most folk musicians? I assume there are folk musicians who do that, maybe even more -- but is it the norm? Actors as a rule use rehearsals and performances to keep their skills in shape. Very few go in for dance, movement, voice, stuff. An actor who trained 2 to 3 hours a day as well as peforming would be considered really weird.

yours, Peter T.