What advantages and disadvantages did baroque composers have in the patronage system? what did they gain from this practice? what limitations did it place on them?

The patronage system meant that Baroque composers had to rely on the support of rich nobles to fund them to write music. The patronage system ensured that, if a composer could gain favor, he would have job security - he would always have a source of money to support him, and a place to live. However, this could work conversely. If a person could not find a patron, they would be isolated, cut off, and be rendered almost helpless. They would not be able to have a source of income and a way to succeed in the world around them. The Patronage system also limited some composers in what they could write - they needed to write music that proscribed to the tastes of their patron in order to retain favour. All in all, the system was good if you were lucky enough to get a patron, but terrible if you couldn't.