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how much to ask for a gig?
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Jon Boyes
Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
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 RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to gerundino63)
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Hi Peter
A lot really depends on what the local market will sustain if its local public gig eg restaurants, wine bars etc. What I charge will be of zero use to you, you need to find out what other musicians are charging in your area (then price yourself at the bottom of the range as you are just starting out).
Also, I don't really charge by the minute/hour or whatever, I have a rough rate card for different functions. For example, with private bookings its a different ball game: I charge a lot more for weddings than I do for a restaurant gig, even though I might play the same amount of time. Again, its about understanding the market. I know exactly what the going rate is for hiring a classical/flamenco guitarist for such functions in the UK, and I price myself accordingly.
Out of my regular gigs, the two venues that consistently demand the most from me in terms of time are the ones that pay me the least. Confused? 
Basically Peter, you have to network & do your research.
Jon
PS I am assuming you are talking about gigging a soloist as you say 'I' and not 'we'
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Date Sep. 8 2004 10:57:40
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Miguel de Maria
Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ
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RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to gerundino63)
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Dave,
how many times do we have to tell you: Gin and Forum don't go together well! Actually, I have to agree with his point about raising ones prices. In my experience it doesn't work that way at all. If you play for $75 for a bar, in the mind of that bar owner you are a $75 musician. If in a year or two you get a lot better, that doesn't mean you are getting a raise. In fact, my friend Gaetano has played a brunch for 8 years and is still getting paid the same, and Gaetano is one of the most financially successful musicians here in Phoenix. The way you get a raise is playing better venues, by getting a good agent, and by being your own agent. But Mark's point is true in the sense that if you are not very good yet, you may like to start smaller scale gigs, coffee shops, etc. to get your act down before you take it to Broadway.
Peter, good luck, but I might advise you to charge by the hour. If you don't have 45 min. of repertoire, you probably aren't going to get work.
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Date Sep. 11 2004 0:38:26
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Mark2
Posts: 1873
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
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RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to gerundino63)
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I've had twenty minute gigs-wedding ceremonies, and four hour gigs, and everything in between. Most of the time it's two to three sets of 45 minutes. Sorry Billy about the UK. I know nothing of what it's like to gig there, but I do know there are guitarists in my town that make 75.00 a gig and those who make 600.00 to 1,200. And it has little to do with ability-it has to do with reputation, contacts, marketing, and professionalism. I once advised a college age player to ask for a lot on money for his gigs. It's simply my feeling that most musicians give away their talent. Being a well educated, personable, and talented guy, he was doing 500.00 gigs a few months later. A typical wedding client spends over 20,000 on their wedding. What's a few grand for the music? Some people spend much , much, more. I did what I thought was a well paid wedding reception not long ago. Then I found out the bachelor party was in Cuba! Should have held out for more money on that one.
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Date Sep. 12 2004 2:15:43
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Ron.M
Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland
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RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to Miguel de Maria)
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What do you guys normally charge for a Funeral?
Definitely, from my own experiences in the last couple of months, is that's where the money is these days!
Flowers (min $200) most basic coffin (to be cremated) $600 and orginization, another $2000.
I was offered optional extras, like embalming etc which would easily have added another $4000 to the list.
It was incredible... the Crematorium that my Dad went to, 15 years ago, (not of his own volition, I might add!), had now expanded into Crematorium A and Crematorium B.
I was told over the phone that there was a "slot" available between 2.00 and 2.20 pm because they were really busy.
When I got there, it was a bit like an Airport, wondering if you were at the right terminal.
Like a modern day Auzwitch, except they charge money for it!
The Death business is great, because a nice employee in a trained voice, explains to you how much your Mother meant to you, and why you'd love the most expensive coffin and all the trimmings LOL!
Brothers and Sisters,
Surely the Guitar can make an inroad here.
(I'm pretty sure MdM has already got that one sussed though.... LOL!)
cheers
Ron
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Date Sep. 12 2004 20:58:35
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Jon Boyes
Posts: 1377
Joined: Jul. 10 2003
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RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to Miguel de Maria)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Miguel de Maria
The way you get a raise is playing better venues, by getting a good agent, and by being your own agent.
The latter, definitely, at least here in the UK. Agencies are next to useless. I am currently on the books of about a dozen agencies, and I get maybe one or two gigs a year from them (in total, thats not per agency). On the other hand, I am playing four nights in a row this week at different venues, though my own hard work.
Honestly, you would get more work hanging a sign in your front window than via agencies over here. In the UK, entertainment agencies are great if you have a mobile disco, or you are a magician, a band that plays hits, or a female vocalist that sings along to midi back tracks.
If you are a flamenco guitarist, they will smile politely at you when you hand them your demo and biog, and you'll never hear from them again.
You have to develop your own market, it is the only way.
Jon
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Date Sep. 13 2004 8:36:56
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Ron.M
Posts: 7051
Joined: Jul. 7 2003
From: Scotland
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RE: how much to ask for a gig? (in reply to Mark2)
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Mark,
When you said "He'd almost had it", I first misread it to mean "He'd almost captured how to play Flamenco Guitar, and wanted to hear it for the last time".
I guess I'm responding to my own anxieties now LOL!
But really, my last post was in response to being a customer in the Death Business, and receiving (after 2 months respectful silence) a full colour brochure asking me if I would like a Gold plated plaque with my Mum's name inscribed upon it, to be placed in the Hall of Remembrance for only £475 + VAT, or a book of Remembrance to be kept open for visitors to sign at only £75 per year.
Gosh, even when you're dead they can't leave you alone! LOL!
What I enjoyed most, was at the Funeral Directors when they show you what you can have. They know the've got you by the short and curlies when they come out with outrageous prices for pieces of tat.
What are you gonna say?
"Thanks, but I think I'll shop around"?
or
"I think I could probably pick up a cheaper coffin on eBay"?
That's what got me thinking that it's a lucrative market if someone had to introduce guitar and make it fashionable and acceptable.
cheers
Ron
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Date Sep. 13 2004 21:20:25
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