You are exactly where I was over 20 years ago! It can be scary, but it is doable. I have degrees in piano performance; while you play a different instrument, the story could be the same.

I agree that you need to have people to share living expenses with. Had I not done that, I very well could have ended up homeless and hungry.

I currently have my dream job, teaching music at a university. The road here was not easy, but I'm here.

Things I did: I worked for a realty office while I built up my piano studio. Lessons are a good way to get your name out there and make some money. I worked 8-3 at the office; taught lessons from 3:30 until whenever, five days a week and Saturdays. I also did some "free" performances here and there so that people would hear me play. From there, I got some regular playing gigs that paid, not a lot, but at least I got paid. That, in turn, gave me performances around the state, then around the nation that paid me and paid me well.

My position I have now started out as part time, teaching one class. I taught here, accompanied a local high school choral program, taught lessons, accompanied rehearsals for musicals, accompanied a community choir, AND accompanied state, national, and international choirs! I had AT LEAST five jobs at any given time.

I now have my dream job....and only ONE job! I guess, in short, if you're willing to be a little "creative", you can make your own dream a reality and live pretty comfortably.

Lorie

BTW the only thing I didn't like about all of this was BOOKKEEPING! You have to be detailed to make sure Uncle Sam is happy...