Some folks have a per hour rate and try to stick to it.

Others, like me, adjust the rates as appropriate for certain venues.


For instance, my restaurant dining room/patio gigs are all $150.00-that's the top dollar around here.

Last week, I did a reception for $500.00. Tomorrow night, I'll do a job that pays nearly 1/2 year's salary. I do a couple of these a year out of the country for a major horse farm owner/foreign dignitary.

The next week, I'll do a "Jazz in the Park" "green sheet" job that pays $42.50, with lots of competition for the chair.

I have a regular 2 hour gig at another local country club which pays $100.00 for two hours (early-5:00 7:00-only one around, and they bought a digital piano for me. Mainly, I use the visibility to get corporate work).

I'm playing for the birthday of one of my biggest day clients "gratis" (he's responsible for about $350,000.00 in "day business").

I play an old Kiwanis luncheon "gratis". And I play one job a week (usually $250-400.00) and donate the proceeds to my favorite charity.

Another Country Club pays $250 for a 2 hour dinner-early in the week. The trio gets $750 for a three hour jazz (read B-3) performance at the same club.

There are some jobs I won't do for any amount of money...EVER. Those are for ethical or personal reasons.


What about you? Looks like market rates are more influenced by circumstance than talent, in some instances.


Russ