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Location: Northwest Arkansas | When I started playing, I told everyone I knew I was gonna be famous. I didn't get famous. I did get to do a showcase for 13 record companies. They loved the band and wanted to sign us. Long story short, it didn't happen. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm not playing the same 60 songs every night. Doing that is like working a factory. I play acoustic solo and duo acts. I can play any song I want and if I don't know it this time. I will the next. I usually chart it in case that person comes back. Play what you want. Love what you play and it will show. I'm doing nothing but playing again. This time I love it. I use only my Ovations. For special occasions I bring out the Adamas. I don't want it stolen. I get lots of remarks about all my guitars. I play my super shallow bowls a lot, because they're so comfortable. I love the people on here, because they actually love the guitars they're playing. They're not playing them because that's what they see on TV (i.e. Taylor, Gibson). I'm not talking bad about either. You just don't see Ovations a lot on TV, and we still play them. Keep it up. They'll make a big comeback. |
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Location: Fort Worth, TX | I have a goal of getting to a point where I can earn money playing gigs. I've got a lot of time on my hands since I retired at age 58. I've been working on learning a repertoire I could make a performance out of. There are some complications I'd have to check into about me earning money again that the SS admin would need to know about. I actually feel pretty youthful these days and would love to have a steady round of places to perform at. There's a huge thread about this very thing at a forum I see mentioned on here all the time, acousticguitarforum.com. It's quite an interesting topic I'm looking forward to the responses from OFC folks. |
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Location: Massachusetts | Well, I didn't expect to see a reply from Glen, but you never know!
For myself I had a pretty good time for a few years supplementing my income with my music, but the burnout factor arrived trying to burn the candle at both ends with a daytime job. About eight years ago I got a call from an old friend and bandmate, who was in a local band that is still going strong after forty four years and their long time lead player has just resigned, and I was offered the job. It's been eight years now and I'm still enjoying the opportunity to go out and play music, and have since then retired from the rat race of a "regular job". We use solid body guitars on all of our gigs, but our weekly rehearsals are done on Ovations, including the bass player. I've been trying to introduce acoustics to the live performances, but they're pretty set in their ways after all these years. |
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Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | I have the best of both worlds. While I still play the occasional wedding or the like for pay, I don't have to play what's popular or get sick of playing the same old songs every night. But because I own a music store, I'm still making a living by being up to my neck in my obsession. I get to jam with my friends right here, several times a week. And because I live in a tourist area I get to meet all kinds of folks at all playing levels. I learn all kinds of new songs, new techniques, and get to see lots of cool guitars.
I never thought that getting old would be so much fun. I'm dealing with some health problems and very often I don't feel as good as I did when I was younger, but at the same time, I'm doing exactly what I want to do. I'm having the time of my life and making a living doing it. And because of that, I am happier than I've ever been in my life. |
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Location: sitting at my computer | CanterburyStrings - 2012-09-01 11:41 AM I have the best of both worlds... ...I'm having the time of my life and making a living doing it. And because of that, I am happier than I've ever been in my life. Nice!!! (envy) (envy) (envy) 
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Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | We have at least 3 or more professional players on the board....Dan, Matt, Jonmark and probably several more.
and least I forget....the incomparable Mr. Williams.
(At least I think that is his name).
I do open mics and have started playing gigs with an original/blues/classic rock band and we are slowly increasing our workload at better clubs with better pay. If the current trend continues I am hoping that by this time next year I will be making 1000+ a month from the music. At my age, I could consider that living off the music full time and get by. |
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Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I have supplemented my income with music at different times. At different times in bands, my studio in Maryland, and of course buying and selling instruments I think might be part of it too. I'd still like to play in a band for a living but that requires a band and I've been unable to find people to make it work. I did the best in the late 80's when I played in a 50's band as a bass player. I'd get a call with a setlist, I'd show up, I'd have fun, I'd get paid, wash, rinse, repeat. I was in the Navy at the time and my Paycheck from the Navy kept a roof over my head, car upkeep, etc.. The bass gig was my spending money. It was a great feeling. |
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | I'm really lucky. I've been an acoustic player in every band I've ever been in. It's great to see the stories of folks learning from other players. I'm making more in my solo gigs than my band makes for 2 hours. We do really good as a duo. It's nice because the other guy I'm playing with has been with me since '86. We know, between the two of us, hundreds of songs. I bring a lot of lyrics, just in case of the occasional weird request. There are at least 30 places where a solo/duo act can play within 45 minutes of me. I know how much I'm allowed to make on my SS and I don't get near it. I need the insurance. Hope you all can make it making music.
Edited by AdamasW597 2012-09-01 1:57 PM
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I played professionally from 1975 thru 1995 with touring full time on the road from '76 thru '93...and then semi professionally for the next 6 years. I retired from touring in 2001 but I still incorporate singing and guitar playing in worship services several times a month and give concerts 5 or 6 times a year. I have a digital recording studio and plan to devote full time to that upon retirement in several years. While I enjoyed being on the road, it is a tough life and I would think long and hard before doing it again. After losing my voice for 5 months following a neck operation several years ago, I was fortunate to have it restored at the Vanderbilt Voice Center in 2011. Some great memories though.
Edited by MusicMishka 2012-09-01 6:03 PM
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | I lost my voice in the early 90's and had to have vocal chord surgery. My grandfather had vocal chord cancer. So it was a scare. Thankfully I was okay. I wasn't allowed to speak for a while and wasn't able to sing for months. IF you truly love your music, just like Music Mishka says, think long and hard. Vince Gill told me, "If you want to get rich playing, quit now. Play for the love of it or go home." It is very hard. That's why I'm home. I can play here and be home for all the holidays and family functions. I can't get back the ones I missed. But, I will NEVER quit playing, as long as my heart beats. |
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Location: Flahdaw | If I had found the right people and stuck with it after college I might have been able to do something, but that was right as things in the industry were changing. The singer/songwriter era was giving way to the disco era, then the hair band era. I was suddenly like a beeper among smart phones.
Now I just lack the energy, the drive, and the healthy back to pursue it much. Kudos to you all that do, though. |
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| I did add to my income while in school and still play gigs, usually solo now. It was fun and is fun, but I'm glad I never did it for a living. There are guys my age who did, who lived the dream. They never put any money away, never paid a dime into social security, a few never filed income taxes and many have a string of broken relationships in their pasts. Some are estranged from their children. The only joy they have now are those hours on stage. Fortunate? Some are it seems. Not these guys. |
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Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | If you call it a living.... :-)
I've been around the edges of the music business a couple times. Worked on and off in radio (strangely, many people in that business think they're in the music business????)
Made a good living for a VERY short while about '74-'75 as a folksinger/comic in lounges and pubs. Literally (as in, it actually happened) got out just before K C & The Sunshine Band had their first hit, shortly thereafter everyone I knew in the singles/duo business was out of work when the places we played went disco.
Walked out on a great manager who had me lined up for two independent albums because I thought I 'wasn't ready yet.' (fear of failure)
Made a good side living for a while doing sound for a popular local band for 2-3 years in the 80s'
No regrets, great memories, and still living the dream....on the installment plan. Current band is popular but headed for a fall, next band is in the wings and auditioning soon. |
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Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I am not sure that I can say that I "Make a Living"...
 I must be famous... I can find photos of myself that I didn't take.
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Location: New Jersey | I'm blessed enough to be able to have a full time Music Director position at my church. I've been on staff for 7 years. I also just joined a Beatles Tribute band. We play out 3 to 4 times a month and it's a blast. Since keys are my main instrument, I'm the "studio musician/George Martin/Billy Preston member of the group. I will be working in some guitar eventually but we have a great time. It's not a dress up/look like type of band (thank God!), but we do try to nail the music as accurately as possible. There's nothing like loving what you do AND making a living doing it.  |
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Location: New Hartford CT | Enjoying the replys, good topic.
Been in manufacturing for well over 30 years. Started out with my Dad when I was 15 and have gone about as far as I can in this field. But always my heart has been elsewhere. To that end I have managed to remain on the 'local circuit' such as it is, fitting in practice, weekly rehearsals and anywhere from 30-50 gigs/year with many different bands.
Now the kids are grown up, the bills are paid and I would love to change careers and be a full time musician at last.
I stand on the edge and....hesitate. It's not the risk or fear of failure, not even worried about it. What could happen? Rather it is the thought of leaving the work force...not being in the game anymore. I envision getting up that first 'day after' at the usual 4:30am (even though there is no need to), thinking of my coworkers all heading in. When you've been a part of that your whole life it's hard to let go.
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Location: Miami | I would love to have this as a full time job (at least I think I would), and maybe someday that will happen. Until then, I feel like the richest man alive being able to make money doing what I love part time. I too am set in my cubicle ways, but as soon as the kids are old enough, who knows.
By the way, OMA, that's a seriously cool pic!!! |
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Location: cincinnati, ohio | I've always been able to supplement my income with music for over forty years, and I've always been able to play the acoustic rock I love, either as a single or in bands, even during the height of the disco infestation. Nowadays there are more Baby Boomers out spending money they don't have, so we have a built in audience. There was a time (80's and 90's) when I paid cash for TVs, washers and dryers, living room furniture, etc., from gig money. Not anymore. The clubs have all (or most all of them) gotten wise to the "tips only" gigs. It's depressing to realize that, even though you're good at what you do, you're held in the same low esteem as the pimply-faced, screechy-voiced fifteen-year-old down the street who knows 2 and 1/2 chords. Club owner doesn't care - you or the kid, he's got live music he doesn't have to pay for. My band recently got in the rotation at InCahoots - $90.00 a night each twice a month. You'd have thought we hit the lottery. I don't think Cincinnati is very fertile ground for making a living playing live music.
Now - Florida. That's another story. I was there on vacation last year (St. Augustine) and there were more acoustic rockers than you could shake a stick at. One restaurant started with live music at 2:00 PM and had five bands in and out before they knocked off at 2:00 AM the next morning. I could have made enough money to retire on in a month if I could have stayed...
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | Way cool photo OMA! American Idol and all these contest shows have made literally millions of people musicians overnight. The market is flooded with wannabe's and you're right about the club owners. I watched a kid on guitar the other night do nothing but scream. It all sounded like one song. There were 100-125 people in there. Not one person was paying attention to him. In a few parts of the place the tv's were louder than him. Even the people with him didn't pay attention. I won't play in a place like that. I was invited to hear the screamer. I literally couldn't tell you WHAT he was playing. I've thought about renting a bldg. close to where I live and hiring only seasoned pros. To let people see what true talent is. I really think it might work. Charge a reasonable cover. Pay per man, not per band. If I play with a band here, for 6 hours, I'll make $50.00. If I play an acoustic solo gig for 3 hours, I'll make $225.00 What would you do? I like doing these restaurant gigs. They pay 3 or 4 times what a bar will and you get a different crowd about every 45 minutes. It's a lot of fun. The guy I'm working for owns 5 places. I could work in rotation, but I don't want it to become work. Great thoughts from all so far. |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | I made enough in show business as a child to buy two cars before I could drive, plus pay for college and law school. Since then, I've made enought to essentially keep my gear addiction going strong. I'm probably not sufficiently talented to do it for a living 100% of the time, and even if I was, I'm afraid I wouldn't like it. I don't necessarily enjoy being around many pf the people who run the business side of the industry. |
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Location: Flahdaw | boltonb - 2012-09-05 10:59 AM
I made enough in show business as a child to buy two cars before I could drive
Wait! Were you Eddie Munster??? |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | darkbarguitar - Wait! Were you Eddie Munster??? No, but I did meet him and the rest of The Munster's cast in a show once. |
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Location: NJ | it depends on your definition of living |
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | alpep - 2012-09-05 2:26 PM it depends on your definition of living . . . and definition of "fortunate," too. |
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Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | OMA...way cool photo...proud of ya!
In the end, I get to play for an audience of my wife and kids every time I pick up a guitar...it's priceless and I've got the gig...that's "living" and that's "fortunate"...
Edited by MusicMishka 2012-09-05 3:36 PM
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Location: Boise, Idaho | I told someone recently that I gave up my dream of being a rock star and I wasn't totally facetious. Although my day job is not exciting, it allowed me to raise a couple of great kids. My brother spent 8 years making a living in a band and went through hell dealing with people that hang out in bars. Unfortunately, that's the crowd that most musicians have to face. He seems much happier now that he's just a dad. So "fortunate" is relative. |
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Location: Flahdaw | Back when I was 20 and in college I played in a couple of bars. The fringe benefits (ie:girls, free beer) were great, but that's all I truly remember. If it was a giant pain in the ***, I have absolutely NO recollection. I also have NO idea what I was paid. |
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | I'm what a young person would call "old". I put my heart and soul into it. I'm not the best player in the world, but I can play most any song I want. I've never married. I will someday. Do it for the love. I think I did word that wrong. I don't think fortunate is the word for it. I think "Did you have a full-time JOB playing music. That's what it becomes. I like playing for the kids at the juvenile detention center a lot better than I did for a smoke-filled room full of drunks. I like the nursing homes and assisted living centers. All for free. I don't think the joy is making money making music. I think the joy is making music. Period. I don't care if you know 5 songs or 5000. Love what you do and it's awesome. Like I said, I've got 44 years playing. God willing, I'll have 44 more. |
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Location: South Florida, USA | In the 70's, I had a few Bands that did very well in the Orlando area. We had an agent and were booked solid for a few years. All I know is that I made enough to pay for an apartment and live well enough to strike a golf ball regularly. I cut a few records ( 45s), had great reviews in the paper and truly thought that I had a chance of making it. Didn't happen and eventually got a real job. However, I have been able to play, record, DJ, entertain etc. for the past 40 years, and even though I just turned 60, I think I'm better than ever! At least my wife thinks so. I continue to collect Ovations, Record and entertain for friends, family and the occaisonal party that fits my criteria. The worst ( or best) part of today is all the fantastic equipment available to play with. Back in the day the idea of having a "harmonizer" was like going to Mars. Now, we have amazing toys to play with and I dare say we sound better than before. Music is a wonderful gift and I have been blessed and gratified by the joy people receive from it. ( Thanks Ventures, John George,Paul and Ringo) 
www.golfmanbil.com
Edited by golfmanbil 2012-09-06 8:02 AM
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Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Well said. 52 years of playing and counting, but I'm only shooting for maybe another 25. |
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Location: Spain | mymartind35 - 2012-09-06 6:12 PM
I'm what a young person would call "old". I put my heart and soul into it. I'm not the best player in the world
That describes me. I'm not a good player at all, I do a few pubs gigs now and then, only get around 50€ and free booze but hey, for a night out doing what I love, great! I love playing live, I give it all I've got and I think the crowd likes that.
I've never "made a living" at it though, now way good enough for that!!!!  |
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Location: South Florida, USA | Professor,
Just spent a week in Broomfield at a reunion that included old band members from Thailand, back in the '60s! Was a blast and the CO scenery, Red Rocks, etc, AWESOME
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Location: Orlando, FL | Hey golfmanbil. What bands were you with in Orlando?
I grew up in Orlando in the 70s. Spent a lot of time in bars drinking and listening to music and even a bit of time drinking and playing music in them. If you played here a lot I'll be I saw you. Unless you played disco... :-)
Edited by Designzilla 2012-09-06 7:48 PM
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | We just had a reunion. Everybody was sober this time and a lot older. Boy did we ever have fun. I can't believe we did those songs almost perfect after years of playing apart. I work every day, sometimes for 8 hrs., just to learn every song I can. In another 6 months I should be able to play with just about any band. I love playing with different bands. I get lots of invitations, but I have to learn their set lists and I can play more than 1 or 2 songs. I remember a few years back I asked to sit in at 8 o'clock. I walked off stage at 2. I've gotta get some major chops back. Like I said I play acoustic. Lots of bands around here don't work up the acoustic part. They focus on lead guitarists jamming. I can do that too but on acoustic. I love doing old rock tunes and playing lead on my Adamas or my Custom Legend. It adds a little something, I hope. Keep telling stories about what you did. I think it's cool. |
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Location: South Florida, USA | Hey Steve,
Here is a link to a photo book I made of my Musical adventures. It covers all the Orlando gigs and bands.
Also enjoyed your website and your music!
Bill
http://app.picaboo.com/WebView/Project.aspx?clientID=462f1a06919ccc... |
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Location: Flahdaw | That is a fantastic memory book, Bill. I grew up in Satellite Beach in the 70's and was thinking I might see a clipping from the Cocoa Beach area but didn't. Anyway, quite a resume there. Post some links to some of your music. |
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Location: sitting at my computer | A terrific chronicle Bill. Thanks for sharing your journey. Some pics induced a few flashbacks! LOL "The "Abandoned Philosophy" Band - what a hip name for that time! BTW - nice guitar collection ya got there!!
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Location: South Florida, USA | Thanks Guys for the kind comments, much appreciated.
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Location: South Florida, USA | Bob,
I've been a subscriber to your channel for a while. Love your lessons, voice and style. My favorite is your version of Wichita Lineman. Really really nice.
I have a few tunes( no original ) online at my website. Thanks again.
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Location: Flahdaw | Bill, I'm flattered. I doubt there's ANYTHING you're gonna learn from ME, but I appreciate the compliment. |
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Location: Northwest Arkansas | The photo book was great Bill. What a story those tell. Nice gear. I'm going to have to get the negatives from our bass player. He took photos of everyhing. The band names were really good too! That's a good lesson to the younger players. Document everything. Take photos. You won't remember 1/10th of what you did. |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Very cool photo album Golfmanbil! What a great bunch of memories!
I'm familiar with some of the venues you played, but honestly, you played a MUCH nicer type of establishment than I frequented in my misbegotten youth! |
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Location: South Florida, USA | Steve, LOL, yeah I guess most of my Bands were kinda nerdy top 40 type stuff, but we had to please the Tourists and the Mouse |
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Location: Orlando, FL | Golfmanbil, from the looks of things you had a great time doing what you loved! What more can you ask?
Back in the day, the mouse hired a lot of great musicians of various flavors for full time gigs. I used to know a couple of barbershop singers who worked there and a guitarist who wandered frontier land playing bluegrass in a quartet.
I saw a bunch of bands at Tomorrow land terrace. You must have played on the rising stage there, bet that was fun!
Edited by Designzilla 2012-09-09 6:27 AM
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Location: Seacoast NH | I play out periodically with my two buddies in an acoustic trio doing mostly covers, but have never come close to making a living out of it. But on our family vacation last week up on a pond in the woods of Maine, I played around the campfire at night for everyone. My 2 year old son and niece kept paying me in S'mores to play more songs. Those meant more to me than anything else I've ever made in some tiny bar or club...it was great! Next time I need to bring along some guitar polish for the marshmellow mess however (even if it was just a Gibson). |
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Location: sitting at my computer | mbedard1 - 2012-09-10 4:07 PM My 2 year old son and niece kept paying me in S'mores to play more songs. awesome! |
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Who's been fortunate to make a living playing music?