[Harp-L] Appropriate compensation for gigs

["samblancato" <samblancato@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Folks,

 

I want to add my two cents to this discussion about getting paid for playing
and/vs. playing for the joy of it.  I hear what everybody is saying about
how you really have to want play because you care about it and love it, but
I think getting paid is really important as well. But when I'm thinking
about the paying part I'm thinking about another dimension of it: namely,
the audience.  What I mean is if you play out in front of an audience a lot
and are serious about it, about what you are trying to do with your playing,
then you should be paid something.  It makes it a transaction with your
listeners who, if they pay to hear you, will have slightly different
expectations, I think. than if they aren't.  I think if the audience cares
more it adds something to it.  I also think no matter what club owners pay
generally, and how ever too little (or too much even) it ends up being, you
are gong to be taken more seriously it you cost something to people.  I
realize that sounds crass as hell but I don't really think it is.   They
(the consumers i.e. club owners and the public)  might not have a full
appreciation of the music you make because they aren't that familiar with it
so even if you don't get paid very much,  their having paid even just a
little changes their expectations that your playing  will be -or might be at
least - something of value.  Why? Because they paid for it, that's way.
They'll be more likely to take a seat facing the stage, and pay attention.
I'm sure all you guys who've played at jams and at paying gigs can't think
of all the ways a paying audience is different from a non-paying one.
Doesn't it help to elicit a better performance out of you?  Doesn't it make
you think a little more about the overall performance?  

 

Okay, I've gone on enough - you all get the idea. 

 

Sam Blancato, Pittsburgh