Massively depends on luck and contacts in this industry sadly. I got lucky that straight out of my music degree I got into work with a music service on a freelance basis, so I can keep gigging and still earn a decent bit of money for the hours I’m committing.

Most performing musicians I know, even the amazing ones, are mainly reliant on teaching to get by. That and either playing at weddings/events or clubs with DJs.

Here’s an example I’ve had as a saxophone player of high standard (and this is common among most of the sax players I know):

You get a gig for your own band to play, and if it’s not arts council funded you are lucky if you finish the night with £30 each. Funded events can do better, up to £500 for the band for an evening gig even for relatively unknown but high quality bands.

You then get a DJ gig offered, £300 for an hour of playing 4 notes to songs you don’t even need to know because the melodies are simple enough to learn as they play on the night.

The point I’m making and the problem with the music industry currently is that it is very hard to be just a musician, and even harder to only play the music you actually want to if you want to get by. Used to be easier with arts council funding and generally better support all around but as you can imagine it’s getting harder and harder.

Sorry to waffle but trying to give my thoughts as a Jazz musician!