Amateur musicians outnumber professionals, on most instruments. There are entire amateur orchestras.

I'm am amateur cellist. I took cello lessons as a kid, and played in a community orchestra. I also played in a lot of smaller (so called "chamber") ensembles, and learned some solo cello pieces. I never expected to pursue cello as a career.

At the start of the pandemic, I got out my old student cello and started playing it again, strictly for my own pleasure. I will never get good enough to play classical music for money. I have found some jam sessions where my cello is welcome among folk musicians, and have also begun learning to play jazz on the cello.

It sure is a hobby, but one that's not for everybody. Instant gratification? Forget it. Endless struggle? You bet. Most amateur cellists learned the instrument as kids, but that still accounts for a lot of people.