I especially liked Kendall's first comment ... fits me to a tee.

I'm retired now, layed down my hammer and picked up my guitar about four years ago. Over the last 45 years of building, I always kept my hand in my music, performing the occasional concert, gigs, etc. We just returned from a 1,724 mile road trip: Oregon, Idaho, Montana, back home to Washington. We made enough on the road to match expenses, but that's all. Did concerts, TV, a supper club, and some freebies.

If you MUST make your living at music ... and you KNOW if you're driven to do that ... take EVERYTHING you can get. All kinds of gigs, teach, do school programs, nursing homes, funerals, weddings, children's parties, the Rotary club, the Kiwanis club, etc. Back in the early 60's I knew I'd reached my musical prostitution limit when I was offered a gig singing for a Safeway Store opening. (I turned it down).

Hang in there and don't pick up any expensive needs, such as a family! Bob(deckman)Nelson