The reasons why most musicians cannot make a living from their music are varied and complex. Here are some of the main factors:

1. Low Income from Music Sales and Streaming:

   • Streaming Services: Although streaming platforms have revolutionized the way people listen to music, they generate very little income per stream for most artists. Payouts per stream are often minimal, and only artists with very high streaming numbers can earn a substantial income from it.

   • Decline in Physical Sales: The sale of CDs and records has declined sharply in recent decades, which used to be an important source of income for many musicians.

   • Illegal Downloads: Although reduced in recent years, illegal downloads have significantly diminished revenue from music sales in the past.

2. Difficulties with Live Performances:

   • High Competition: There is a large number of musicians who want to perform live, leading to high competition for gig opportunities.

   • Low Gigs: Especially for lesser-known artists, the fees for live performances are often very low and barely cover the costs of travel, equipment, and time.

   • Irregular Performances: Live performances are often irregular and unpredictable, making it difficult to earn a stable income.

3. High Costs of Production and Promotion:

   • Recordings: The costs for studio recordings, mixing, and mastering can be very high, especially for high-quality productions.

   • Promotion and Marketing: To be successful, musicians have to invest time and money in promoting their music, e.g., for music videos, social media campaigns, and advertising.

   • Equipment and Instruments: Musicians often need expensive instruments, equipment, and software that need to be regularly maintained or replaced.

4. Lack of Business and Financial Knowledge:

   • Many talented musicians have little or no knowledge in the areas of business management, marketing, contract law, and financial planning. This can make it difficult for them to manage their careers effectively and secure fair contracts.

5. Dependence on Other Sources of Income:

   • Many musicians are forced to pursue other jobs alongside their musical activities to secure their livelihoods. This can significantly limit the time and energy they can invest in their music.

6. Inequality in the Music Industry:

   • A small percentage of very successful artists earn very high incomes, while the vast majority of musicians struggle financially. The distribution of income in the music industry is often very unequal.

7. Appreciation of Music:

   • There is a tendency in society to view music as a "free" commodity, which makes it difficult for musicians to be adequately compensated for their work.

It is important to note that there are musicians who can successfully make a living from their music, but this usually requires talent, hard work, business acumen, perseverance, and often a bit of luck. Many musicians pursue their passion out of love for music, even if the financial rewards remain modest.