[Harp-L] What constitutes being a "Professional"

["Billy James" <billyjames@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On this topic of 'Prof. Players this is what I think. Firstly, I don't mean to sound narcissistic but here is my honest ongoing experience. I call myself a professional player because it is my major profession performing 'live' shows playing harmonica. It is an independent self generated income. That means I regularly [usually weekly] earn income playing [usually] four hour [3 set] shows singing and playing harmonica, also setting up and publicising events. It involves lots or co-coordinating between people from band members to agents, venue operators and reporters etc.This can be one to three or on occasion four gigs a week or just a couple a month. Meanwhile, I sometimes get paid to play in other 'paid' bands or duo's, doing anything from blues, folk, country,'covers or rock'. I have been teaching harmonica for about 25 years in music shops [in the city] or at home in my home music room. I have created over 20 one day workshops over the years. I get hired to educate or support kids by community groups such as libraries, Adult education, Schools, Youth clubs, even Rehabs and church groups. I am also an experienced Drug and alcohol counsellor and have other talents away from the creative. Playing professionally for me also involves recording on peoples music or creating product to sell at performances [this all takes time effort and money]. The venues for staging shows require I use my own P.A and lighting. I have to provide insurance in public situations and be taxed under our tax system. I have to hire other players to support my show in situations from house parties to large venues, cafes, hotels, conventions, festivals to street performances and markets. I invest quite alot into the business including providing and creating artwork for posters and posting them, advertising content, press releases to newspapers, radio and television. These days I've travelled and looked O.S. to Asia & the U.S. to see and get a vibe on what's happening, in an effort to evaluate where product needs to be created in a variety of merchandising areas. I'm an artist also. These 'professions' involve alot of creative effort and unpaid 'time' with little financial reward coming back [as yet] but will eventually embrace the world wide web  to the largest audience available. Meanwhile, I watch with interest as other professional players and harmonica specialists create and make money from their skills and efforts. As for part-time or full time? I hold no other 9 to 5 income. I rely majorly on self motivated creative income and teaching harp. So maybe in the strict sense of 'established employment'... am I unemployed? Does that mean I'm not a professional Harmonica player? Who cares? Maybe just I'm a obsessed creative character who makes a meagre living from playing, creating and enjoying giving to the community by making music and writing songs? 
I'll leave that for you to figure? I personally don't figure attending Harmonica seminars,' wishful thinking' [ *harmonica legends in their own lounge rooms ] or jumping up [sometimes shamelessly inept at playing] into bar room Jam bands is 'professional playing'. Professional playing I think is when you are a very competent player who is hired for that expertise. However, I know many an amazing seasoned harmonica player who enjoys a very low key journey to 'excellence' who is not in the public eye or being paid.These humble 'guru's often will teach us more [for free] than any 'Professional' tutor, in my experience.