The question I had to ask myself, Mark, was who was I really playing for? The answer, in my case, has always been "me".

That's what has held me to my profession.

As far as jobs for instrumental music players (no vocals), they are certainly less in number than those for vocalist/players, but they are there...I worked for over 11 years straight doing instrumental music (using an Arranger Keyboard), in my case, at a high end restaurant.

In that environment, vocals aren't wanted, as they interfere with the conversations among the patrons; vocals command more listening attention, rather than supporting the activity happening at the venue.

I've taken a self imposed break from gigging, but I am still playing every day and enjoying it very much, because, that is my first love.

You've got to turn yourself on with your playing before you can really project it fully and turn on the listener.

It's called "playing" remember, so that's what it should be to you...fun and joy.

Ian