This year I plan to turn my volunteer-only piano playing into a part-time hobby business, hopefully to include playing at weddings, private parties, perhaps at a restaurant and/or teaching a little.

Are all the following expenses able to be deducted from gross revenues for calculating my taxable net revenue?

1. New equipment (will probably need to upgrade my electronic keyboard).

2. Existing musical equipment (such as grand piano) that I previously used for hobby-only, but now would use as part of business — for teaching, practicing for gigs, etc.

3. Continuing education to increase my skill, my ability to get more business and charge more. For example, courses leading to a masters degree?

Finally, how long does the IRS allow this type of hobby business to continue to operate at a loss before they consider it really not a business but just a hobby? For example, I can imagine that start up expenses would easily be more than a first year of revenue, and possibly could eat up pretty much all of the second year’s revenue also.

Today I got my first pay check from the church I work for. They took out no taxes what-so-ever.
At one place on the check stub I am listed as a "volunteer custotian" in another place I’m listed as "vendor".
Should I be leary of this pay arrangement?

I don’t want to sound cold or like i’m doing it for the wrong reasons, but is there any kind of tax deduction for volunteering to be a big bro/big sis? It doesn’t make any sense that they’d give tax breaks for people giving money to recruit volunteers but not give breaks to those who do volunteer
if there are no breaks can someone put what they normally make per hour and consider it a donation? Giving money would be easier for me, and apparently more beneficial, but I think it’d do more good to give time

If so, How much should I claim?

I purchased a computer in January 2006 for use at the office at the location of the non-profit. That was when I was paid a salary. When the salary ended, I chose to make my hours my own, rather than "punch a time clock", moved the computer to my home, and set up a home office for the work and to the benefit of the non-profit. That space and computer are used for the functions of the non-profit org specifically. I have another computer for my personal use and keep the work distinct from each machine. Can I deduct the cost of the equipment I purchased for the non-profit home office on my taxes?

I live in OHIO and in July 2007 I purchased an airline ticket, hotel, and rental car for the sole purpose of volunteering in New Orleans with a Non-profit organization there. I had no other purpose there other than to donate my time and talents to help rebuild. I purchased all my own food and I was not reimbursed for any expenses.
What expenses can I deduct on my taxes? And what tax forms do I use?
Thank you.