<p>A few people succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Much attention is paid to them. Some more have limited success/struggle but are able to make a living doing only the musical activity of their choice. Several more stay roughly in the field with a job they didn’t plan on taking (education usually, commercial music, or music-managerial, discounting those who wanted those jobs all along- they have better odds of success, still not stellar). </p>
<p>Many fail altogether to make a living doing music (or choose not to try instead of option three above). Little attention is paid to them. </p>
<p>There are success stories. The <em>odds</em> are against it.</p>