Frnak does give some great advice. I would also add that if you have any access to folks who are already full-timers and have experienced some success, you might do well to ask "Do I have what it takes to make a career out of this?" As Frank said, constructive criticism is one of the best tools you will come across.

I began this journey almost 10 years ago. I didn't quit my day job outright-I took a leave of absence (I was a public school teacher), leaving that door open a bit just in case. In those first years, I was fortunate to have made acquaintance with a number of prominent folk musicians who were familiar with my singing. I asked them the above question, and all of them gave me affirmatives. I must also add, though, that they gave me the warnings as well.

The only thing I would add to Frank's advice is to do your research. learn about booking, promotion, recording and touring among other things. It is a very hard job and I do most of it myself, but when I am singing and the audience is obviously enjoying themselves, it is all worth it.

Debra Cowan