John, you're right. In my case, music has been one element, along with communication research, graphics, film production, marketing, etc. of a broad spectrum of communication related activities. This is what my graduate work is in. I worked as a VP for the world's largest electrical company. My company does communications projects (packaging, electronic communications, print, etc.), and music is an integral par of most of the work.

I like writing copy and playing music equally, for instance. This kind of music is just one critical element in creating messages appropriate for the project.

In this case, music is a secondary, although very important element of the process.

It's more acceptable to me, because I get my satisfaction from the completed project, not just from completing the score, copy, editing, etc.

If I tried to make a living playing what I wanted to, I'd starve to death. This way, I get to concentrate on the over-all project(s), which I love to do.

As a "non-entertainer", I really don't miss the constant feedback some need. What I do need is the unspoken communication between musicians of the same caliber.

We smile a lot as, together, we play ourselves out of a job (LOL)!

I laugh, but that's not far from the truth.

I could NEVER just play music. I also could NEVER not play music.

This I how I manage my life, and the result is more than enough to generate the resources to help lots of people and groups who really need it.

Sorry for the rant. And, yes, sometimes I really do miss the audience.


Russ

PS. I understand the "heart attack in progress" issue, but I LOVE tight deadlines and have been doing things like this for over 50 years, with no plans to quit anytime soon.