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Hobbyists -vs- Real Musicians?

I've done the whole pro touring, session player, to cheesy cover gigs at $250-$350 per. It is in fact wholly different than being an original artist. Its almost like acting. Unfortunately, talent and opportunity don't go hand and hand. Bassists on a mediocre level that make the same money playing covers calling themselves "pro" made me see things differently. Technically the "pro" definition is correct, but its in regards to the superficial side of things
 
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Anyone who plays music is a musician. Gigging doesn't make a person more of a musician than someone who plays only at home. It makes them a professional. Leaving the person who plays music at home being a hobbyist. The only difference is cash.... Nothing more, nothing less.
 
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Sorry folks but musician is a profession. Playing music regardless of pay makes you a hobbyist.

I guess I just see it differently. There was a point in my life where I was paid to make music. Much like others on here I would gig usually weekly. Today, my age and current career, which includes copious amounts of travel, make it too difficult to commit to a band. So was I a musician before, but I am not now?

Putting this in context, if someone asked me what I do? I would not say... "I am a musician." Like most of us, in that context, I would define myself by my primary occupation. (Which is a different discussion for a different day.)
 
If I’m being honest, I do think that some bassists are not really musicians. But it has nothing to do with money or how often they gig. It’s a mindset thing.

If you work at your craft, understand the larger context of how your instrument fits into the song, and always seek to improve your playing, you’re a musician to me. Put simply, being a musician is caring about the music.

If you don’t care at all, well, maybe not.