Re: [Harp-L] Re: re: how much do you get paid for a gig?

["Rob Paparozzi" <chromboy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

            Doesn't matter what $$ you make , I agree w/ Iceman....it's what
you MAKE of the gig.
You stay at this game long enough keep tryin' to perfect your craft and
trust me, the money WILL follow.
This business is ALL about 'word of mouth' referrals and getting the job
done sans the NEGATIVE attitude and these issues hold true on ALL levels of
the Music Buisiness.

    I've done many benefits and recieved much gratification. Clubs are Clubs
and somethings almost never change.
I also agree with Chris M......NEVER be afraid to ask for the money you know
you deserve. If you've been playing to the public and have 10, 20, 40 years
more experience than a novice blues band that learned how to put the 3
chords together a few years ago to make a buck.....then say so! let the club
know your credentials and tenure in the biz and demand your money. The Clubs
are important for the working  musicians as it's a 'showcase' for 'private'
gigs. The private gigs are where you can ask your price and usually get it!

    If you have others talents ie: Piano, Vocal, Guitar or Songwriting
combine these with your 1st LOVE the Harmonica......it'll help you break
into to new musical situations. Don't forget as good as Toots is on
Harmonica he made the BIGGEST paychecks of his career writing & whistling!
(Bluesette & The old spice commercial).

    A good recording gig ie: a Commercial, an hours work can translate into
thousands of dollars depending on how long it runs and if you play on Movie
soundtracks.....your pension, benes and yearly resids are nothing to sneeze
at! (ask Tommy Morgan).

     If you can Sing and Play Harmonica on a National spot then you've got
TWO unions pulling in the dough and the singers checks are about 5-10x
higher then the musicians checks.

     Getting back to the LIVE performing gigs, if you can hook up with a
high level act ie: Sting , The Stones etc...you could get upto 6 -10K per
week and over a 60 week tour, that's not too shabby......

     What I'm saying is DON'T give up and take the corner bar gig JUST as
serious as the carnegie hall one....because it's all about the music and you
NEVER know who's out in that audience,-)....the rest will follow if you
respect your craft. (and you can take that CRAP to the bank,-)!!!

ps...looking forward to meeting some of you at the Grand Canyon in
September!....the rest of you have a blast in Denver.....nice line up this
year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


        harpfully,
rob 'the honeydripper' paparozzi