Bob, You might be looking for some kind of inverse relationship here. In the general population, most "full-time" musicians play in symphony orchestras, movie studios, recording studios, or are members of popular bands. Most are probably dues-paying union members as well.

The good folks who frequent these threads mostly play folk, blues, jazz and bluegrass, genres that are not noted for providing musicians with a living wage. Most of the full-time musicians who actually earn a living playing music—enough to support a family—don't closely follow the kinds of music we discuss here.

Note that these issues are independent of ability. If Itzhak Perlman earned his living from investments, would he cease to be a “true musician?”

      - Mark