How much should I charge as a solo musician for a private event?

Question

I am a singer/songwriter/pianist. I gig every week at different brewerys, doing both covers and originals. Now people want to hire me for private parties and political fundraising events. I have no idea what to charge. I don't want to sell myself short, or charge too much.

Answer 1

Congrats on getting your gigs.  I wish I was getting additional gigs to play at.  My best guess is to talk with other musicians in your area who play for these types of events and ask how much they charge.  That way, you can give a better ballpark figure to prospective clients.  

Another option might be to ask them what they are willing to pay you based upon their budget and negotiate from there.  Then, make sure that you have a contract signed by both you and the people that will be paying you for documentation purposes.

Answer 2

Best to consider the following for pricing:

PA, Piano & Sound Tech supplied = No charge

You supply PA, Mic, Piano & Sound Tech / Friend / Partner

= $50 ph don't forget set up & pack up can be 1-2 hrs

Per set pricing for 45 mins = $250 minimum

Or you can charge a minimum fee $250 + $5 per head x number of sets required / playing time.

In this case you should ask how many people are attending

and how long you are expected to play for but don't mention that you are charging per head neccessarily.

It really comes down to being paid for the following factors

on a gig by gig basis:

Time =  Travel, Set-up, Performance, Day / Date

Relationship with person paying for your performance

= Personal, Professional

Function type / size = Private Party, Wedding, Xmas party, NYE

Special Requests = Are you learning a piece or writing a special piece for the occasion ?

Your profile / clientele profile = Build a good reputation & ask more $ for the big shows especially when you are requested or recommended.

Always good to have a setlist ready to provide if requested but you don't always have to offer it.

Confirm expectations and payment conditions via email / in writing, if possible before the gig.

Doesn't hurt to video yourself at some stage & provide edited footage with HIGH QUALITY live sound as

a Business Card. Less is more tho most of the time !

Buy yourself a good microphone (Shure / Rode / AKG /  Neumann ) & mic lead, etc or wireless setup and buy a quality PA when you have the money & are getting regular gigs.  This way you give yourself the best chance to sound your best EVERY time you perform.

The other thing you can do is figure out the minimum $ for you to break even at each gig & then figure out an hourly rate profit for yourself that you are happy with.

Good luck