Sorry I misinterpreted your statement, Wyo Woman. I have known quite a few people who turned to music because they really were either too lazy or too inept to do anything else. In most cases they weren't worth very much musically, either. Talent only gets you in the door. To stay in the profession you have to apply your whole self. Someone else here said it - you only get out what you're willing to put in. I would like to add - and not even all of that. Still, I can't imagine being alive without playing on some level.

I'm not sure if I've seen this distinction in this discussion yet - the difference between making music and making a living from music. To make a living from music involves selling it in some form; I have known people with marginal talent at making music, but with a great love for it, who have made money as agents, promoters, engineers, label reps., etc. I have also seen some great players and singers who have seriously lost their way by focusing on selling the product, rather than creating it. There are all kinds of traps you can fall into.