how much do you charge to do your music thing?

[silenced]

i don't see a "music biz" forum, so i'll post this here

how much do you charge to do your music thing - what do you charge for, what do you do to advance your career or for buddies for free - what do you barter - per hour, per gig, to play your band, to DJ, to play on other peoples' records, to record people, to teach, etc - and what's your best gig for the money, for the love?

[Professor Riffs]

It all depends on the situation. If it's a recording session for a friend, I'll do it pro bono, maybe for some beers or something. If it's a gig, it'll depend on how hard the tunes are.....never lower than $100 for a night. I teach too, and I ask $20 per lesson. I like making money, but playing for cash is something that wasn't an option in my hometown (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), so I'm not quite as picky as some in the city might be. I think a lot of people here forget how good they've got it with all the opportunities available to them!

[Chaorta]

Yah, totally depends. I'm very flexible with my rates.

[dagosto]

Freelance work comes in all shapes and sizes. I think stating an hourly or per song rate right off the bat helps to convey the fact that you are a serious business-person. I usually follow that with "I make exceptions for larger projects."

[EvanExempt]

I get paid in Beer, Curry, and hot young Ukrainian Girls.... what's up with you people and your MONEY,anyway? Shallow freaks.

[Professor Riffs]

Originally Posted by EvanExempt

I get paid in Beer, Curry, and hot young Ukrainian Girls.... what's up with you people and your MONEY,anyway? Shallow freaks.

If you can find me students that will pay in beer, curry, and hot young Ukrainian girls, be sure to let me know...I'll gladly make the change!

[drewsifer]

I charge $150/hr per person per hour starting for every gig (transportation costs not included). I usually settle with a lower number, but the important thing is they know what your worth and that your very serious. plus your doing them a favor by playing for less. Its good business. Its also crutial to always play under contract. I refuse to play unless its under contract even for friends and family. Even if I'm not getting paid I still will not play unless its under contract. These small pieces of paper are our only means of protection from shafty, sketchy clubowners and people who think they can get somthing for free by taking advantage of artists. The contract instantly weaves out these types of people and insures that you will get paid. I will post a thread about contracts in the near future.