One major complaint among “trained” musicians is that of pay. Many assume that after many years of lessons, schooling, and study that the paychecks will just start rolling in. Should it? Perhaps not.

As I’ve mentioned before (and will return to again and again), musicians must learn not only the art of music, but the business of music. One may musically pay his or her dues in the woodshed for many years, but that is different than paying one’s dues on stage or in the business realm. While I’ve been performing via school-related activities for about thirteen years, I’ve only been gigging for about six. And even after those six, I’m still constantly learning the process of rolling up my sleeves and getting my name out there. Since I’m still very much a student of being a “working musician,” perhaps I should instead be thankful for the regular work I am fortunate enough to get.