I was just wondering how many people on this board actually make money whistling (or any other sort of playing) as oppossed to it just being a hobby.
I just finished a two month stint at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and during that time period made enough money that I didn’t need a “real” job. I am completely exhausted, but it was singly the most amazing two months of my life.
Since that was the first time that I played at a semi-professional level, I am still fairly ignorant about a few things and would like to ask someone who was more experienced some questions. I am especially interested in a response from Wondering Whistler since I know he plays down at TRF, or anyone else with Ren Fest circuit experience.
Seth
[ This Message was edited by: Seth on 2002-09-30 15:53 ]
I play with my band as a professional, but its part-time, about 30+ times a year.
Yes, I pay Income Taxes on the money, if that is your question. My band-mates do
it 24/7 and make their whole living from
their music.
Lolly
As of right now, I’m pretty much a full-time student, part-time grocery-bagger, and on the side (and whenever I can), I play gigs. Whistle, Violin, Sax, Piano, whatever. Mostly Whistle though. Yes, I do get paid, but as the gigs are few and far between, it’s mostly a “for-fun-and-a-little-extra-cash” scenario…
On 2002-09-30 15:51, Seth wrote:
Since that was the first time that I played at a semi-professional level, I am still fairly ignorant about a few things and would like to ask someone who was more experienced some questions. I am especially interested in a response from Wondering Whistler since I know he plays down at TRF, or anyone else with Ren Fest circuit experience.
Hey Seth
What is it you’re wanting to know?
Bear in mind that while I walk around TRF playin the whistle for the occasional buck or beer, I haven’t actually worked for the faire in years. There’s a little too much ‘water cooler politics’ for my tastes.
That said, I am in an Irish band, and we get steady work, and have even played on the local radio here. But I don’t make a living at it…there’s simply no way for me to make the same kind of money whistling that I can make as a computer programmer. And I don’t think there’s any way for me to convince my wife to give up the nice house so that I can do the hippie lifestyle thing…though she was seriously considering it when I got a job offer to play at Disney Tokyo. Shame that didn’t pan out.
There are other folks here who play professionally too…i’m sure that between us, we can answer your questions.
Greg
[ This Message was edited by: Wandering_Whistler on 2002-10-01 09:30 ]
Congratulations on your summer of solid music. I imagine happy & tired about sums it up!
I also play in a local band that is increasingly well paid. For instance, because we are not registered as “doing business as” a band, I personally was just paid for a $1500 gig that I will have to declare on my taxes. We are in discussion about how to proceed financially, and it’s difficult. In some ways too much money can cause problems! But there’s little chance any of us will quit our day jobs. Playing in the band is something I want to do well into retirement 33 years from now, but I love my job and need its security. So that’s how I intend to proceed, and in the meantime we will find ways handle the business end.
