• tomd
  • Junior Member
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  • From: Illinois, USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 6

Topic: What To Charge?

I played out this past Friday, and contracted for $75 an hour.   I only took $50 an hour since I didn't draw as well as I'd hoped and want to be invited back when there isn't a presidential debate or pre-playoff baseball to compete with!!!!!!

I was wondering what other people seek to charge when they are pitching a new venue.  I'm open to any feedback.  I am a solo artist, mix of cover and originals, good crowd engager (when there is a crowd!).  I welcome any comments or experiences.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/tboned611]www.youtube.com/tboned611[/url]

tomd's Website

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: What To Charge?

tomd wrote:

I played out this past Friday, and contracted for $75 an hour.   I only took $50 an hour since I didn't draw as well as I'd hoped and want to be invited back when there isn't a presidential debate or pre-playoff baseball to compete with!!!!!!

I was wondering what other people seek to charge when they are pitching a new venue.  I'm open to any feedback.  I am a solo artist, mix of cover and originals, good crowd engager (when there is a crowd!).  I welcome any comments or experiences.

This should be a private matter. One never knows which web-site(s) others may happen upon. I've been playing professionally for 25 years and i can tell you this; no good whatsoever comes from revealing the amount of money one gets/asks for. You are wise in being flexible with your price demands because the goal for a musician is to get repeat business. However, revealing the amount of money one receives as an entertainer is a no win situation. Entertainers can, and often make 5X(or more depending on tips) as much as most people that work at any said venue/restaurant/bar and they work 1/2 or less the hours than most of the other staff . My personal advice to you, tomd, is find a price that you feel comfortable with, and also doesn't dig too deeply into the pockets of the establishment that hires you, and go with that...

Give everything but up.
  • tomd
  • Junior Member
  • Offline
  • From: Illinois, USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 6

Re: What To Charge?

Thanks for the feedback.  It's venue specific, but I am just thinking of "value per hour" sort of guidance.  I might make $100 an hour as an IT guy, but that ain't reality in the real music world!  Thanks!  TD

[url=http://www.youtube.com/tboned611]www.youtube.com/tboned611[/url]

tomd's Website

  • Registered: 2007-03-24
  • Posts: 1,108

Re: What To Charge?

I'm an IT guy and while the money is better the job sucks way more than playing guitar!!!!!!

I used to be disgusted; now I try to be amused.
Elvis Costello