YOUR QUESTION

08/24/2020 Platypus Observer

Hey Trevor, hope you're doing ok. Even pre-pandemic it seems like it's getting increasingly difficult to earn a living doing anything creative - live venues are shutting down, arts funding is being cut, etc... which in some ways is a motivator but then other times I think well, maybe I should just become a developer instead. You're obviously a highly esteemed musician but do you ever struggle with this kind of thing?
I remember the old Q&As on your site, they were awesome - glad you're doing these again, we need more snarkful insight in these challenging times...

MY ANSWER

The end of the line for many musicians is often either teaching or touring. The older I get the more burned out I become on the latter, and that’s in addition to the obstacles you mention. Good and meaningful teaching jobs are also in demand and often secured for years. So yes, I struggle just as much as anyone else. Another option of course, is having a supplement job as many brilliant artists I know have. If you’re dedicated to something you’ll find a way to make it work. It may mean being pro-active, being innovative, etc. But that’s what artists do, no?