When we sincerely offer our gifts to the world, not through hype but by practicing in public, the world often repays us by first taking notice and then responding with loyalty. We get better, earning an audience that will allow us to continue creating for years to come.

People need to eat and pay the rent. “An amateur is an artist who supports himself with outside jobs which enable him to paint,” said artist Ben Shahn. “A professional is someone whose wife works to enable him to paint.” Whether an artist makes money off his work or not, money has to come from somewhere, be it a day job, a wealthy spouse, a trust f

fulfilling a need means offering something that others want and will value enough to pay you for. Your music needs an audience; think about what you have to offer and who might want this in your community. Think creatively about where in your community you can perform, use your musical skills, and be paid for it. As for Ed Mirvish’s second tip, “go