How much do unknown freelance musicians make?
How much do unknown freelance musicians make? Do they charge per job or per hour? Can you live off of it?
Classical - 4 Answers
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1 :
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos095.htm#earnings
2 :
Are you talking about studio/session players in a place like LA or Nashville, or a random performer somewhere? I would think it would be next to impossible for someone to be a freelance musician outside of a major recording metropolis and not have to get a second job to pay the bills. If you're in a major orchestra (or even a smaller one) the pay is enough to live, but still less than the studio players. Look up the musicians union - you'll need to be a member if you want to get in official recording sessions in LA. Even then, you'll probably have to bus tables for a while until you can get your foot in the door. Maybe a few "blackout sessions" that are off the radar of the union (and thus illegal) but a good way to meet the regulars.
3 :
If you're an "unknown" freelancer, you probably can't live off it. But if you're known for good work and availability, you can do quite well. There's a violinist in Cleveland they call the Gigmonster, because if there's a job, she's playing it. The last time I worked with her was for a special church service on the first Saturday in June...it was the first of 4 jobs for her (rest were weddings) Last I looked AFM minimum was $120 for 3 hrs with breaks. For weddings, you charge what you can.
4 :
Most musicians cannot make enough to live off of by simply playing gigs. If you're, say, the lone talented player of your instrument in your area, you can make a good bit more money than most, but you'll still have to get a second job (and maybe even a third
