Bill From Dayton and Bill (SemiLiveMusic)pretty much nailed it. The only thing I might add is the rate structure will vary depending upon region. Some areas command a significantly higher pay rate than others, particularly on the NH circuit. The same holds true for private parties, animal clubs, military organizations, American Legions, VFWs, etc... This will have a significant impact on your total income.

On top of it all, you must treat the entertainment business like any other business. Despite the fact that you'll paid in cash by some clients, just putting that money in your pocket and not claiming it as income is a huge mistake. Same goes for paying for small items such as tolls, lunch, etc.., all those expenses count. Essentially, you have to discipline yourself to keeping impeccable records, and managing the business like any major corporation. Use programs such as Quick-Books and Quicken to keep track of income and expenses and you can't go wrong. You also need to be a sales person and advertising manager. You'll need to create brochures, fliers, and a potential client list to send those items to. You'll need to be a telephone solicitor to set up meetings with those potential clients and present your self to them in a professional manner by dressing accordingly for that first encounter--appearance makes a huge difference, both when establishing the account and while performing.

Once you've become established, then you must be able to retain those accounts. This can only be done by being professional in every way. Submit an appropriate invoice to the customer, look and act professional at all times, show up early for the job, and constantly update your performances by introducing new songs, while still retaining many of your old favorites that the clients always want to hear. If you have the goods, as DNJ always says, you'll have all the work you can handle.

How much can you make? That's entirely up to you. If you are aggressive and keep your nose to the grindstone, you can make a decent living. You'll probably never get rich, but only a very small percentage of people in this industry actually make their living on music alone. I can honestly tell you that this is the best job I've ever had, and if the today's technology existed when I first got out of the U.S. Navy in 1960, I would have become a full-time entertainer at a much younger age.

Good luck,

Gary