John,
Making it in the music business. That is an interesting question. I think that all of us on the BBS would like to know the answer to that. But the big question is "How do you want to make it?"
Would you like to be a performer, songwriter, producer, engineer, etc. You need to choose one area and focus. (It is fun to do it all, but you still need the bread and butter area otherwise you become a jack of all trades and master of none.)
Also, what criteria have you set for yourself to be able to say that you have "made it?" I have a friend who has a couple gold records and toured widely, yet he does not feel that he has "made it" in the music business because he has not had the financial sucess that he desires.
I know a lot of people who make a decent living in the music business without being superstars. Each one has found their niche. They range from live sound engineers, guitar techs, studio musicians, songwriters, ad nauseum...
I guess what I am trying to say is that the only way to find out is to GO FOR IT! But do it with your eyes open and always seek to understand your options. The music business is just like any other business. If you have the right skill set, the right focus, and the right attitude, then you are on the right track.
Good luck.