If a folkie can earn a regular £37k then they're in a very small minority. The reality, even if they grossed that, is totally different.

You may think that the only expenses you have as a musician is a change of strings, it ain't.

Out of that mythical £37k (and 150 gigs plus a year would be good going and hard work) comes (in no particular order) -Travel, accommodation (if you've 2 days between gigs you're not going to be in an organiser's spare bed), insurance, agent's fees, a new vehicle as and when (don't forget AA membership), internet hosting (webmaster maybe), publicity, phone bills, accountant, bank charges. And this is nowhere like exhaustive. Out of that £37K I reckon they'd make about £12K to £15K.

Yes they choose the life, and thank God people like Gaughan do, but an easy living it is not. A period of illness, a breakdown or a last minute cancelled gig can seriously screw up a very delicate balance.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention pension provision unless they can work into their seventies.

One of the good things about the Newcastle course is that it does address the issues, both theoretical and practical, of running what is a small business. Remember, no business no show.

All the best

Steve