FEES

I've put this page together for people who haven't used a pro freelance player before. I've had a lot of responses to my work wanted ads and some of the questions are a little naive.

Pro players can skip this page, there's nothing on it you don't already know.

Just like a plumber or your car mechanic, a freelance musician charges a fee for a service. This is a set fee and is designed to take into account costs as well as the work done.   

You wouldn't expect a plumber to work cheap or for free because you've just bought a lottery ticket and promised to cut him in if you win. Some bands expect a freelancer to do the equivalent however. 

I need to earn a living so I need to charge a set fee and will take a chance on missing out on a cut if you hit the big time.

HERE'S A LITTLE FEE FAQ

Why are your fee's so high

They are not that high compared to other jobs. Even a labourer/process worker/forklift driver gets around $25/hr. It's the costs that are now making it hard to keep prices down.

$30 per hour times 4 hours = $120

Petrol (Sydney Metro)        = $    30

Toll way fees                       = $    10

Strings (1 set)                     = $    20

Parking Fees                     = $    20

(dependent on venue)

Total                                     = $ 200

This does  not even begin to recompense me for any meals, rehearsal time, and the associated travelling and other costs. In "the Golden Years" a freelance player would turn up to a gig, read pro charts all night, or play by ear if the music was simple, and go home. No rehearsals, meals paid for, low petrol costs.

The world has changed, bands rarely read music or have charts prepared for freelancers,  and the music is often more arrangement focussed. Just turning up and playing by ear is not an option anymore, so rehearsals are needed. Four rehearsals with their attendant toll, fuel, and string costs for one $80 gig is just not good economics no matter how much a person loves playing. Even if you send me charts and recordings and I learn the material at home, and just turn up to the gig....it's still my time spent for your benefit; if you accept the concept of music performance as a job.

Why won't you play for a 3rd/4th/5th share like our regular guy.

Because it is your band and as such a freelance player doesn't expect to share the successes or failures of the band. I just need to pay the bills.

Will you take a cheque

No, I've been done over nearly every time I've been paid by cheque. Cash at the end of the night please.

We get a cheque from the agent at the end of the month, can we pay you then.

No, sorry. The bands financial arrangements are none of my concern. Cash at the end of the night please.

After all; you do trust your agent don't you? ;-) The money is coming, isn't it? Great! Then pay me now and collect it back when the agent/venue pays you.

Your attitude seems a little hard arse 

I earn my living playing. Not many people do or can. Most people have double incomes, and music is often a hobby or a part of their "grand dream". They can often afford to play for free. Great!... so pay me with your share of the gig money, I can't afford to suffer for your dream or hobby.

Why should you get more than the regular band members

1) Because I have the skills, experience, equipment, and confidence to walk into a high pressure situation and deliver the goods. Something the talented amateur down the road doesn't have.

2) Because I may be saving your gig, or residency. You're also not losing face with your agent. Pay me what it takes to keep your gigs running smoothly. Is it worth cancelling gigs while you work in a new player?

My brother in law's mate plays pretty good; why should I pay you more when he'll do it for free.

I have a professional reputation to keep up. I turn up on time, maintain my equipment, have reliable transport,  and don't get stoned or pissed at the rehearsals or gigs. I also don't argue with venue owners, turn down when asked, don't expect a say in the music performed.... and don't piss in the dressing room sink. Also see above.

So freelancers are like whores then, anything for money.

I like to think of myself as a whore with a heart of gold!! Seriously though, most true pros are passionate about music, it just may not be what you're into. I take a personal pride in doing the best job I possibly can for anyone that hires me, even if I'm not interested in the music. 

If I HATE a musical style, I wouldn't take the gig.

What about Tax

For the odd one off fill-in gig I can't be bothered with the paper work, just pay me cash and I'll worry about it when I do my Tax.

For regular work with the same people I do have an ABN and have no problem setting that system up for longer term projects.

E