> How did you get into paid music gigs despite not being a "pro"? Not OP but I have been playing music non-professionally in the US for about 25 years - there

> How did you get into paid music gigs despite not being a "pro"? Not OP but I have been playing music non-professionally in the US for about 25 years - there are a number of ways non-pro musicians can work paid gigs. I have been paid to play coffee shops, small festivals, college radio events, the occasional decently attended bar show, etc. My personal experience is primarily loud and / or experimental[0] music (punk, hardcore, noise, sound collage) and there are huge networks of like minded people throughout the US who work to set up and promote shows / concerts for local and touring artists. Having said that, the total amount of cash I have made as a performing musician totals < $2000. A few outliers from my immediate circle have become moderately successful as non-pros. [0]: https://papertether.bandcamp.com https://papertether.bandcamp.com