Before I answer, let's take a moment to recognize the fact that too often, musicians actually do not get paid so much.  And part of the reason for that may be a lack of understanding about what's really involved in putting on a musical performance; even a low-key, local affair without fancy sound and lighting equipment. 

But let's take the positive angle-  so why do musicians get paid so much?  After all we're only working a few hours a day anyway, and when we are working, we're just on stage having fun with our friends, right?   Uh- no.

Well, yes- it is fun to be on stage making music with people you like, but there's much more to it than that.  

My friend and fellow trumpet player, Robin Church, shot a video of a recent gig we played together with The Maxwell Project.  It's intended to answer the question of why musicians get paid so much. It's a condensed version of our gig from loading in at the venue to arriving back home after the gig.

If you're looking for a better understanding of what musician life is like, take a look.  Feel free to share it as well, either via this post or the Youtube link.

Thanks to Robin for helping to raise awareness and to you for reading/viewing.