Both professionally and personally, charity events can be extremely rewarding.It’s always a good feeling to know that you helped raise money for a good cause, and there’s always the chance that other clients will book you for other shows.
However, you still have a right to be compensated for the effort and time you put into your performance, as well as for the years of training and sometimes thousands of pounds worth of equipment.You always have the option of donating some or all of your fee to a charity that is dear to you; however, you should at least have your costs covered.
The following is the message that Sarah-Jane conveys to any inquiries regarding charitable events:
We are unable to perform for free because of the Musicians Union’s “Work Not Play” rules, which we sign up for as members.
We are getting requests from more and more charities to perform for free, and I always advise people to get in touch with local businesses to get sponsorship for the music and entertainment because having great music is crucial for future events and the success of the evening.
This is something I’ve learned from working as a volunteer fundraiser for three different charities. These charities always pay their musicians, and we sell a lot of tickets because people know they’ll have a great time.
I get a lot of calls from charities two days before an event when the musicians they booked through us have pulled out to take paid work. Here at Last Minute Musicians, I handle these calls.
It’s sad to hear thus I would ask you to integrate the music into the expense of the ticket so your artists don’t feel they are being paid not exactly their charges and let you down.If it’s a cause they care about, they can always return the fee to you.
I hope that helps; if you need ideas, I’m here to talk and am always happy to help!
Even though it can be difficult for younger or less experienced musicians to acquire the performing experience necessary to command a fee, it is possible if done correctly.You can always ask Apollo Music band London to assist them on the road or play a guest slot with them at a gig, both of which provide opportunities to perform in front of an audience. Open mic nights are one way to do this.You will gain valuable insight, and many will appreciate your assistance.
In addition, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer at UK festivals in exchange for weekend tickets, providing an additional perspective on what it takes to put on a great show from behind the scenes.
0It is also becoming more common for young musicians to be able to study their craft academically, from schools to university courses.
Doing a favor for a fellow professional is the only time when you might feel comfortable working for free.Having important people recognize your work ethic and owe you a favor in return can be invaluable, as the music industry sometimes thrives on such things.Having said that, avoiding being taken advantage of is still very, very important!
If it’s worth having live music, paying for it is often suggested by many musicians who believe they are taken for granted.
However, some professional and amateur musicians continue to perform without paying a professional fee despite years of practice and development.There are those who argue that this makes professional musicianship less valuable.