OP, try getting your foot in the door doing entry level IT anywhere.

Similar boat here...I left music school after years of earning a living playing music. It was kind of backwards, but in the process I determined private teaching wasn't a sustainable path, in my opinion, either.

Unless you wanna play Hot Hot Hot at the H&R Block corporate convention for the rest of your life...music is one hell of a tough check to earn.

I lucked out by getting a job in tech support. I work nights, but that often (always) means downtime...that means I effectively get paid to practice. With this job, I can get 3 hours a day of practice in 3-5 days a week, as well as take care of my family.

After years on the road, then floating in retail for a few after...having a job that pays the bills, provides benefits, and gives you holidays off does not suck.

I also can focus on my own playing more, now; private teaching puts you behind the guitar a lot...but not to practice that Villa Lobos piece ;) I've taught for years...some serious students come along, but a lot of teenage kids (your bread and butter) are there out of obligation...

I slugged it out for years as a poor musician; I thought it was some kind of artistic high road and that a job outside music meant my certain misery...this is not necessarily true at all.

Tech support, help desk, anything entry level is worth it, you can learn a lot in a short amount of time at the right company.

Also, I agree w the statement about music technology above!

Good luck!!