My story:
1-I am 42 years old and I just sold my Music store/School.
2-I have a wife and four children
3-I want to continue playing with my band.
4-The percentage of musicians who made enough money to support a family in a decent manner was few.
5-I became a guitar teacher who gave lessons in the student’s homes. And played weekends with my band.
6-Some latter I became a Piano Tuner; my Dad’s trade. And played weekends in with my band.
7-I made excellent a good deal of money with my band – enough to stop tuning pianos; I continued to tune pianos.

My Wisdom: (My opinion)
1-Always have another source of making money other than music; this gives freedom to select when and what you will do with your music.
2-Your love for music should not be tainted with making dollars. If it is, you will find your love for music is being challenge.
3-Those who successfully planned for their latter years are free from the mixing of dollars with love of music.
4-If dollars are needed you will have to deal with what is being posted here. The old saying. “It is what it is” --- please don’t allow dollars to take away your love music; try not to mix talent and love for music with dollars.

Playing free music:
I did not charge the N.H. for the first few jobs. After that we talked about money. Now that I am in my eighties I will play, if I am still able, without being paid. I have been going to the gym for he last six months trying to get my body strong enough to move my equipment. I am taking some medications to prevent my voice from getting foggy. I am trying hard – and it has nothing to do with dollars. It is because I love playing for people.

Thanks for reading my post – I needed to write it, John C,