A musician’s life can be completely amazing or completely frustrating. It’s amazing if you get lucky (and it’s all about luck, though you still have to be talented) and make it big. It can be very frustrating if you are like many of us who do not make it big. Making a living as a musician is becoming increasingly difficult. Several factors have contributed to this outcome.
First, digital music has rendered live musicians obsolete (this does not imply that it is better or worse; it is simply reality). Second, playing music, streaming music, or even having a live DJ is much less expensive than hiring live musicians. As a result, musicians’ ability to find paying work has decreased. Third, people simply do not want to pay to see live musicians other than the big stars, making earning a living even more unlikely.
So, what’s the bottom line? Go for it if you have a burning desire to be a musician. However, you should be aware that you will most likely not be able to support yourself as a musician, so have a backup plan. You’ll be able to pay your bills and avoid having to live with your parents for the rest of your life. Also, while it is easier than ever to “get your music out there,” it is still unlikely that you will become famous. Even if you are gifted and talented. Simply put, don’t put all your “eggs” in one basket.
I hoped to make a living as a drummer and percussionist. Drum machines and software, unfortunately, limited my options. I became a music teacher in order to feed and house my wife and children. Now my job isn’t the same, I’ll never be “rich,” and some days aren’t all that enjoyable, but I still get to make music every day. Music is a hobby, a career is a long-term goal, but DREAM is bigger than all of that. Nothing defines a person more than his or her dream; it is what defines him or her. And who will you find here who knows more about you than you know about yourself?
