Acman3, unfortunately musicians ARE being replaced by computers - have you heard of the new Virtual Orchestra? Absurd? Yes. Unfortunately, it is now a reality. Let us hope most audiences will not accept it in the future, right now that remains to be seen. It is a crying shame that most ballet companies in the US now dance to recordings rather than a live ensemble. Musicians everywhere have been protesting this, usually with the help of the dancers, but so far to very little effect.
Society, especially here in the US, values the arts less and less. Let's make a comparison to athletics. Musicians in the professional orchestras of this country have worked just as long and hard in their training, beginning at just as early of an age, as the professional athletes have, with odds as long of actual success in the field. We also use much weaker muscle groups that have to last for much longer careers. Yet the top athletes make many, many times what the top musicians do. I am a fairly big sports fan (soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming especially), so this is not said to denigrate athletes at all - I just wish that the arts were as appreciated in our society.
Society, especially here in the US, values the arts less and less. Let's make a comparison to athletics. Musicians in the professional orchestras of this country have worked just as long and hard in their training, beginning at just as early of an age, as the professional athletes have, with odds as long of actual success in the field. We also use much weaker muscle groups that have to last for much longer careers. Yet the top athletes make many, many times what the top musicians do. I am a fairly big sports fan (soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming especially), so this is not said to denigrate athletes at all - I just wish that the arts were as appreciated in our society.