In a previous post, the idea of receiving free professional advice vs. when to hire a music teacher was touched upon. Also - I have heard a number of musician-friends that often complain "restaurants won't pay musicians to play because "so many people are willing to do it for free", or "they only want to pay you based on how many customers you bring to the restaurant, I can't really control or depend on that."

This question also relates to the very popularly discussed and viewed PG post "Could you live from making music".

Now...I'd like to make some additional income to support my music habit (equipment toys and lessons are pretty expensive if you do both regularly, which is something I like to do . But I never plan or hope to make enough $$$ to 'give up the day job' working in a school as an Occupational Therapist. Call it thinking small...or call it being realistic. Odds are low given small business startup statistics.

I've often discussed the common "American Dream" fantasy of "Let's discover and Make a Product - and make some money together". PG has done this, I think (the man, that is - not the company per se). I would think he's the genius that had the first idea and pulled it all together - would love to hear his personal account. PG is one of my idols - wish I could have discovered and created such a successful company around music accompaniment generation - where people actually voluntarily spend money on a product and most (even the grumblers about certain issues) find it money well-spent. How many people pay money for things that they resent having had to pay (like accountants to help you do your taxes, or lawyers to help you defend against an unfair attack).

I have some big ideas - but those are a dime a dozen. I have some small ideas that I think are attainable to make some $$$ to support the 'music addiction' - giving lessons, small performances, etc - maybe you have some other small ideas in addition to those mentioned on the "Can you live making music" post. I'd love to hear.

ALl that said - I still haven't lost the pipe dream of inventing and marketing a new product. Many of my thoughts have already been shared on the site. If you'd like to partner and collaborate with me on any that have sparked your interest or imagination - shoot me a PM.

And do weigh in on the 'giving away' topic, share your "small time goals", and whether you still have any "pipe dream, long-shot" goals (but don't give away your secret ideas - lest someone steel and do them first. And remember, most successful people agree it was the struggle to the top that they enjoyed as much as getting there.

Last edited by Joe V; 01/13/13 06:39 AM.