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Topic: Play an instrument for sole source of income? |
Jim Phelps
From:
Mexico City, Mexico
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Posted 9 Jul 2004 9:23 pm |
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| . [This message was edited by Jim Phelps on 17 November 2004 at 09:20 PM.] |
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Rick Schmidt
From:
Prescott AZ, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2004 9:50 pm
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| Unfortunately I do. Nobody said I was a very smart cookie. Notice, I'm home at my computer at 11PM friday night. Help Mr. Wizard! |
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Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
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Posted 9 Jul 2004 9:59 pm
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I'm editing this because I mainly make money from playing but I also teach a bit. On down time these days I have picked up some odd jobs like helping a buddy paint an apartment for a day or so. So I get by but I can't just sit back and watch those big steel guitar dollars pile up.
Bob[This message was edited by Bob Hoffnar on 10 July 2004 at 07:09 AM.] |
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Nate LaPointe
From:
Los Angeles, California, USA
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Posted 9 Jul 2004 11:03 pm
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| yep, playing is about 70% of my income, and teaching my instrument to others is about 30% of my income. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 1:28 am
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No thank God..I barely earn enough money to pay for my gear !
t |
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Dan Tyack
From:
Olympia, WA USA
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 1:35 am
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| That's all I do these days. Not a great living in terms of financial compensation, but a great life. |
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Roger Rettig
From:
Naples, FL
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 5:03 am
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I turned pro after being thrown out of Art College for practising guitar when I should have been drawing - that was 1960, and I've never done a day's real work since!
I added PSG to the arsenal in the '70s, and moved from London to the US in '98 - not because I felt I could do better (I was doing reasonably well in the UK with studio and TV work), but because I'd always wanted to be geographically closer to the source of my musical inspiration - I'm not sure that Naples, Florida qualifies, but that's where fate has since brought me  !
I can't contemplate retirement, have never had a brand-new car, and have concerns at being at the mercy of US 'health-care', but overall have had a great life so far; there have been a wealth of good musical moments and I have made some wonderful friends.
Work here in the US is steady rather than spectacular, but I still get occasional residual and 'PPL' payments from my former life in England - my head's above water (just!)
(The only non-musical income I've had in America was a show I did on banjo.....)
It's never felt like 'work' to me, and I still love learning to play - I'm a 'happy camper'....
Roger Rettig
PS: The only other 'income' is the infrequent win at the Mens' Wednesday competition at the Golf Club! |
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John Lacey
From:
Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 6:58 am
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| Yep, and proud of it. 35 years now. |
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Bobby Lee
From:
Cloverdale, California, USA
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 8:28 am
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| Quote: |
| (The only non-musical income I've had in America was a show I did on banjo.....) |
Good one, Roger! 
I was a pro musician for about 4 years (1976-1980). It kept me very busy and very poor. It caused marital problems. It wasn't much fun. It wasn't musically satisfying. I don't recommend it as a career, based on my own experience. YMMV
------------------
 Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Sierra Olympic 12 (C6add9),
Sierra Laptop 8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6) |
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Tim Harr
From:
Dunlap, Illinois
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 9:04 am
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I did for twelve years. I played guitar and steel for the United Sates Army Band. Great gig...the best hotels, venues, and gear was provided.
For a single guy...that is a great gig. It was stable with insurance and other awesome benefits.
Without posting figures, ..I never had a money problem ..plus, I played and taught on the side.
Although, I still play ..I changed my job in the Army to one that is more condusive to staying home and spending time with my kids.
Been serving on Active Duty for 18 years now .....
There was always enough work |
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Bill Hatcher
From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 9:56 am
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I am 53 this year and all I ever done my entire life is play music on guitars, bass, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and various other instruments,---you got a dollar and I will show up and play something!! I have always done just fine financialy, have more than I really need, still look forward to every day and I will do this until its over.
My advice to myself and others-
Don't work on what you like, work on what will get you a gig.
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Damir Besic
From:
Nashville,TN.
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 10:05 am
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I did it for 18 years.All over the Europe and USA.Didn`t have a pot to piss in.Now I have my business for last year and I bought a new car,new house,motorcycle,new Red Fox Stelling banjo,PROMAT push pull (another on order) and a dog.Would I go back playing music for living??I can`t.My overhead is too big to go play music.Maybe one day I can have people work for me and I can find more time to play music, but would I go back and do that as my only source of income??NO WAY HOSE.
Db |
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Mike Archer
From:
church hill tn
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 11:34 am
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well I worked the road from 1983 untill
1997 with several acts 2 were pro gigs
2 years in pigeon forge pro and sub
work with the sub work being the most
enjoyable because I got to play what
I wanted I cannot see more road work in
the future my family means to much for
me to do that do I still wanta play like a pro? you betcha I do
big boy in church hill |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 10 Jul 2004 1:04 pm
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havin' 4 kids and a wife, playin' Musik is not my sole source of income even tho' it helps things along when i do get to play and get paid for it.
why just last weekend i think i made the most $$$ i ever made playin !
750€ : 6 hour rehearsal, 1 1/2 hour on stage and a 800 mile drive !
otherwise i rely on my talent as an electrician, dry waller, tiler ,roofer, to keep them $$$ rollin'on in
from age 17 to 30 i was a roadie for some known bands and man, i made plenty of $$$ back then - 45 states outta 50 - had the greatest times and they got me into playin' Musik
this thread brings to mind what a Fo'Bro' has often posted here:
for those that play Musik - Pray twice
[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 10 July 2004 at 02:05 PM.] |
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