Having the desire to be a musician isn’t enough to be one. Or at least not enough to be a happy, successful one. It takes more than skill and the ability to practice in a room for hours. Often this can lead to the cycle of a “beggar” – sacrificing your chances to make your art for taking gigs and scrounging for every cent. The beggar is not in control of his/her destiny.

Better yet, choose to be a musician. Choose to do what you love, and do it better than everyone else. Be the best at it. Do what you find valuable and market it. Help others to see the value in you and your music. Success will follow.

After all, “beggars can’t be choosers.”