Need advice on music commissions

[Charlie Huang]

OK, I just got a phone call from some company that wants me to do a solo Chinese music rectial somewhere for around 30 minutes. They are asking me how much I want to be paid. Unfortunately, I don't know how much I should be paid! I haven't been paid for a performance before, and this is all new to me. I need to know how much I should accept. I don't want to ask for too high or too low.

Advice, anyone please?

[carol]

hmmmm, the rate here is L.A. is $200+ to around $600-$700 for half hour Chinese music performance.

[Charlie Huang]

Apparently, in 2004, the suggested fee was £171... Must be higher nowadays...

[sanmenxia]

I suppose you could try contacting the Musician's Union. Also you could "adjust" the fee depending on who or what company, evil multi-national or local charity shop etc :-)

[kyokuhon]

Hi, all,
I knew a professional player of "different" i.e. European early music, who had a whole series of additions he would use to judge the pockets of a potential job. He'd start out with, say $200 per half hour. If the answer was a quick "ok" he'd add, "per person" (there were 3 or 4 people in his group. If the response was still enthusiastic, he'd say, "plus transportation", etc. until the buyer balked, then he'd back off on the last item.
Personally, since I'm not trying to make my living at this, I prefer to pay for free. It takes the pressure off, as I can always say "Hey, it's free! You get what you get." And, as sanmenxia says, it depends on who's asking.
Best to all, and good luck with the performance, Charles.

[Charlie Huang]

Well, I asked for £200 from sdvice from my other forumites of another forum. We'll see how it goes. Mind you, nothing is set in stone yet.