Hi Charles:

Gary said it very well from my point of view. Thankfully, I am retired now and can spend as much idle time on my songwriting and recording as "the boss" will allow. I'm struggling to make or pass my objective of writing and recording 1000 songs before the "Grim Reaper" harvests me. One of my greatest problems is taking time to hear some of my early stuff, overcoming the desire to heave up my lunch, and getting busy trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. It doesn't always happen but I have "saved" many of my inept, inexperienced early starts and stumbles.

I'm currently at 955 and as Gary implied, it is a labor of love 'cause there sure isn't any money in it. Talent is not enough (not that I believe I have any) because it takes an equal amount of resources (money and people with influence) to get past the gatekeepers in Nashville, LA and NYC, etc.

If any of you are like me, it is an interesting and ever-changing learning process. Technology plays a larger factor than most of us admit... and I would be "toast" without the 910 Arranger. Sure, I'd love a Tyros or 950 but there is a fine line between breaking even and going overboard... LOL!

One thing is for certain, I admire you players who earn your bread and butter at an ever-dwindling gig market. This group here at the general arranger forum is unique to my way of thinking.

All the best,

Dave Rice

http://www.ShowCaseYourMusic.com/DaveRice/