One easy answer would be to charge what your playing is worth.
Another would be to charge what people are willing to pay.
We all have been approached with this question, “How much do you charge to play your trumpet for us”?
In order to establish your true value to a listener, first we have to establish what kind of performance you will be asked to do.
Taps– The normal compensation in Branson would be $50.00 but this could vary from nothing to possibly more, depending on the size of the service and the amount in their budget.
Church solo– Most solo players will expect anywhere from $50.00 to well over $100.00 depending again on the importance of the service and the budget.
Full recital– If you have been contacted to perform a full recital (1 hr. to 1:30) and it is requested from someone other than a close friend or relative, you could expect $100.00 to $500.00 for your services.
Symphony concert with multiple rehearsals– $200.00 to $300.00 would be reasonable for your time.
Combo gig– Most players in the Branson area will expect $75.00 or more for a three to four hour gig.
Big band gig– Most jobs with a big band would entail about three hours of playing and should pay from $100.00 on up, depending on the importance of the occasion.
Solo with High School band– Budgets again will dictate this amount but $100.00 would be a good starting point.
Church worship band– Nothing to $50.00 a service would cover it.
Commercial recording– to be honest, it has been such a long time since I did jingles in Dallas that I’m not sure what the going rate is for commercials or recording sessions. Most sessions are on an hourly rate and that is established by the local or area in which you would be playing.
Television performance– This would also be determined by your area and also the broadcast circumstances.
Funerals and weddings– These are strange bed fellows but both fall into similar conditions. The starting fee for either would be $100.00 and could go up to something in the $500.00 price range.
Regularly performing show– Most players would expect from $500.00 to $850.00 a week for their services which would include periodic rehearsals.
My estimates are based on communities similar to Branson which would be considered a medium size town when you consider the number of shows. Larger cities will usually pay more and smaller towns will pay less.
These fees are also based on the services of a professional musician and a amateur should consider something from 1/4 to 1/2 the prices listed.
If you are expected to travel a distance ( more than 30 minute travel time) to perform, you should be compensated for your mileage.
If you are required to wear clothing which would require you to purchase, this also should be tacked on to your fee.
This is a very general range of fees and your ability, location and needs will dictate your eventual compensation.
