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.