>>>"On one hand music is a service, on the other it's also a calling. But you can't equate music with a service like an electrician or plumber. You call those people when you need them, and of course you're expected to pay them. No one "needs" music in that respect. It's an added nicety. I think music and other arts are necessary for the good of humanity (to speak in grandiose terms), but it's not valued as it should be in this culture...."<<<

Ah, but therein lies the problem. IF Music had always been valued, then this thread would not even be here. For far too long we have valued the wrong things. That won't ever change whilst the musicians themselves choose to go along with feeling 'grateful' for any chance to play.

Those who make money OUT of you, know that you LOVE to play, anywhere, anytime, to share your music and thus, you have been exploited, for centuries, really.

Seems to me that I value Music more than some of you do yourselves, perhaps?