BigBear:
SallieMae loans... crap.... yeah - I got 'em too.
Looks like I have 14.3K left on them - mo. payment is 175.00 - paying 200.00 even - maybe it will get paid off one day... tough to deal with - but I am paying off credit card debt first - the interest isn't deductible.

Some good news - (if there is any):
Student loan interest IS tax deductible...
Free Turbo Tax on Sallie Mae's website...

What repayment option are you set up with?
Check other options here: https://www.manageyourloans.com/MYL

You are in the Springs - right?
Hit the jam nights - gotta be a paid gig or two out there for you...
Not sure about these - but worth a try for extra paid gigs...
http://www.bandmix.com/colorado/colorado-springs/
http://www.musicianhunter.com/Messag...=Colorado&ID=6
http://www.coloradospringssuperads.c...eds/index.aspx
http://www.joinmyband.co.uk/classifieds/region.php?f=52
Personally can't stand the CSIndy - but:
http://www.csindy.com/colorado/playi...nt?oid=1111447

BTW - if you have a good video camera (I have one if needed)- go to a jam night - video your performances and post it on you tube then start linking it for musician wanted ads...
In our industry - you know it is all promotion... (I used to say "You could sell pressed dog $h1t if it had the right label on it!")
Hang in there brother.