I’ve enjoyed playing for every kind of occasion you can imagine and my charges depend on the event. Overall, my price range is from free (for fundraisers and charitable organizations) to $500 for Weddings to $1000 for a New Year’s Eve party.
My Basic Rate
$250 minimum per performance (This pays for 2 hours of music).
$100 per hour, thereafter. For each additional hour I play I charge one hundred dollars. I (sometimes) take a 10-minute break per hour.
It’s all in the Details
Once we have the Who, When, Where and Why, we need to go over some other considerations. First thing I want to know is what you’ll need in the way of music. Most gigs have a flow to them that usually go from slow paced to medium to upbeat. I like to “match the mood” of the event so it is important to discuss the general plan and make decisions based on your personal needs.
10 questions I ask
1. Is the party indoors or out (hot or cold)?
2. Is there easy access to electricity? Is a 20-foot extension cord long enough?
3. Is there about 32 square feet of floor space for me (same as a 4 X 8 sheet of plywood)?
4. Is there overhead lighting for me to see?
5. Do you need a microphone for making announcements?
6. If so, who is making the announcements?
7. Do you want me to be in charge of providing recorded music when I’m on a break?
8. Do you have a dress preference (tie or no tie)?
9. Is there a comfortable chair for me to use?
10. Who is the contact person that I’ll be working with?
Mainly I need to go over these types of “set-up” questions to know what to expect and how to prepare.
Weddings
I’m always honored to be a part of someone’s special day and I take the responsibility that comes with it quite seriously. I’m happy to discuss your wedding plans with you by phone or email to learn what you are looking for and what I can offer. If you prefer, I am available for a personal consultation / audition when possible.
When I’m needed for a rehearsal or planning meeting I require a $75 fee for participating in the planning process (if I am not previously booked).
Location & Travel
For occasions requiring travel it will be expected to have all travel expenses paid or reimbursed. A $75 per diem will be charged for each day of travel required.
Special Requests
When there is a need for a special song or music that you wish to hear, there is a chance that I may be able to locate it through one of the many MIDI developers that I work with. These MIDI songs are typically only $8 or $10 each but require 1 to 3 hours of editing and time for rehearsing. My rate for this work is $50 an hour. With 15 years of experience using MIDI, I can assure you that the time spend preparing special requests is as quick and efficient as possible.
Not all MIDI files are created equal and I work with only the best developers. If a particular title is not available, some providers will produce a “custom” MIDI song file for $50 to $100 each.
Terms & Contract
This contract is a necessary part of the process. It will insure the desired results and also provide me with all the answers to the above questions. A 50 % deposit is required along with a signed contract to secure a date. Please read the contract closely to understand my cancellation / refund policy. Click here for a printable acrobat contract form.
Also, I prefer to have the final payment once I have set up and ready to play. This avoids having to bother with it later when it’s difficult to find people and/or time to complete a transaction.
Thanks for your consideration. I appreciate your support!
Sincerely,
Jon Jeffers