How much is this violinist worth?

March 1, 2008 1:24 PM

How much should I charge to play violin at an old classmate's wedding?

A good friend of mine from high school called yesterday to say that a former classmate of ours (a close friend of hers but not mine) is getting married in September and would like me to play the violin at her wedding. I've been invited to the reception (via my friend) which is very kind, and initially I offered to do it for free as I would for family and friends. However, I've been informed by my friend that this classmate makes an excellent living and expects to pay my usual fee. I only play weddings a few times a year (I don't advertise but typically take whatever comes my way via word of mouth) and although I have been charging $200 for weddings for the past couple of years I'm not sure if this is too expensive, too cheap or what. We're in Philadelphia -- any musicians out there have some recommendations?

posted by chihiro to media & arts (9 comments total)

Lower your fee once and you have set a precedent. Stick to your usual fee.
posted by swarkentien at 1:35 PM on March 1, 2008

If you have reason to expect that your classmate is planning on paying you your usual fee, charge $200. How much time are you putting in? I'd say $200 is more than reasonable, but I'm a musician in Seattle. Practice stating your price without flinching or apologizing! You are providing a service for which you deserve to be compensated.
posted by rossination at 1:46 PM on March 1, 2008

I think $200 is quite reasonable, perhaps too reasonable -- how many hours were you planning to be there? I'm not a musician but am planning a modest wedding and still would consider a $200 violinist something of a steal, especially if you are sticking around for more than the ceremony.
posted by bluenausea at 2:04 PM on March 1, 2008

If it's taken you years and years to be at all proficient at what you do, treat it like any other set of skilled labor. If it's going to take you four hours of your time (even if you're not playing the entire time), then $200 sounds more than fair. Stick with the rate you've already set. Or check around and see what other people have paid online.

It sounds like you're looking for justification to raise your rate since you know this person will probably pay it no problem. If you haven't quoted them $200 yet, and you feel like that's shortchanging yourself, and you're not just looking to take advantage of the situation, such that $300 or whatever will be your new rate, then raise it. But be reasonable and pick something you can stick with.
posted by disillusioned at 2:04 PM on March 1, 2008

I used to sing for weddings and that fee sounds MORE than reasonable for me (circa the year 2000 in Chicago, anyway.)
posted by jeanmari at 2:12 PM on March 1, 2008

I play weddings.

I start at $200 for the first hour (includes travel) and charge $100/hour for ever hour over that.
posted by Baby_Balrog at 2:13 PM on March 1, 2008

It's a no-brainer. If he's expecting to be charged your usual fee, charge him your usual fee. He knows the how much your fee is?
posted by mattoxic at 2:32 PM on March 1, 2008

$200 to play music at a wedding is a steal. Also, if you charge your fee you will most likely be respected by the wedding party more than if you do it for free.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 2:42 PM on March 1, 2008

Thanks all -- these answers are tremendously helpful. She does not know what I have charged in the past, so I will just quote a fee and not be apologetic. Thanks again!
posted by chihiro at 5:31 PM on March 1, 2008