themusiclady 1 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 Hi, I am a Houston musician entertainer, my rates are very reasonable but I have recently increased by $10 to cover the increase in transportation costs which have doubled since I last raised prices! I do give away some of my sessions to not-for-profits and sometimes when an activity director is having problems I've kept my prices low until they get on top of their budget- at which point they usually reward me by paying me more or recommending me- so it all balances out in the end. My question is- do other entertainers provide free entertainment or negotiate in this way, or do they have fixed rates? I want to be helpful and kind, but I want to pay myself fairly too- I work really hard to make sure there'sa high level of participation and engagement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaRee 0 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 Hi Musiclady, Lisa from Gulfport, Ms here. I can't speak for other AD's but as for myself I see nothing wrong with you raising your rates alittle. If the entertainment you provide is truly benificial to the fecilities you go to then I see no reason why an AD wouldn't be willing to pay extra to have you there. It's ironic that you posted that question because just yesterday I had a gospel entertainer who has been coming for nearly 4 years now call me aside in my office and ask for some compensation for his entertainment. In the past when him and his wife came I would sometimes offer them money because they are truly worth it and our residents absolutely love them. I had no problem giving what little cash I had in activity funds ($14.00) to keep them coming back. I have to admit I was alittle shocked that he asked, but all in all, with the prices of gas these days I can understand completely. Hope this helps you out some, Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 (edited) Coming from the entertainment side of the question, I have not raised my rates at all in spite of the gas prices. IMO, its mostly a cost of doing business. I also take a hearty mileage expense write off every tax season. If it keeps rising, up to $4.50 or more per gallon, I may revisit this, but right now the plan is to stay the course... I've heard a few AD's comment to me that other entertainers HAVE increased their fees, but by $20 or so, which seems a bit much to me. The AD's seem to feel a bit gouged... Typically, I don't do freebies. I do this as my sole source of income and for 13 years, its worked out pretty well. Occasionally I'm asked to come in and do a free show to "see if my residents like you." I usually counter by directing them to my website www.billcorfield.com and reviewing the sections I've dedicated to Retirement Communities/Nursing Homes as well as my "testimonials" section. Those combined with the audio samples and a look at my online schedule usually gives the AD enough comfort to hire me at my normal rates. On the other hand, I've been with most of my clients for over ten years and if any of them called and said they were in a pinch, I'd be there in a heartbeat if I could. Prices/fees differ all over the country-In SW Ohio, we're pretty middle class and middle America here, so to get $100 per 1 hr. show is pretty good. That's my average...I do offer volume discounts, so those facilities that book me 6 times a yr. or more get a 15% discount. I'd guess roughly 75% of my clients take advantage of that program. I see free entertainment on many facilities calendars and when I ask about it, usually its something not that popular with the residents. The AD's and residents seem to be getting more demanding about what they'll pay for and what they won't. This area has been swamped with karaoke entertainers who seemed to feel that NH's were an easy mark. There are a few really, really good ones-but in the end, the AD's and residents really seem to prefer those entertainers who actually play an instrument, as opposed to walking around the dining room with a wireless mic singing over a cd... I try hard to give my Retirement Communities/Nursing Homes accounts absolutely no reason to NOT hire me. I want to be the first guy they think of for most occasions. Being on time, looking professional, doing what you're there to do and not something else, has all really paid off. I make reasonably good money during the week at these type accounts. (I also enjoy these gigs BY FAR the most.) I make much better money on my private parties, clubs, etc. type things where I usually bring home closer to $150-250 for a night... Good luck... Edited July 17, 2008 by BillinDayton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themusiclady 1 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 Thanks Lisa and billinDayton. The people I work for regularly all seem happy so I guess I'll just keep doing what I'm doing! I'm English and not quite used to being in business here yet, I'll get the hang of it You are right Bill- musicians can get more income from private parties even churches in the US, but there's nothing like seeing someone come alive when you play their favourite song, and I've seen miracles and had so many magic moments in the nursing homes. It's reassuring to know other musicians have made it into a long-term career, though I have thought of taking AD certification and staying in one place, and I'd really love to be the head administrator of a large facility one day! Have a great day everyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillinDayton 0 Report Share Posted July 17, 2008 (edited) ...but there's nothing like seeing someone come alive when you play their favourite song, and I've seen miracles and had so many magic moments in the nursing homes. It's reassuring to know other musicians have made it into a long-term career, though I have thought of taking AD certification and staying in one place, and I'd really love to be the head administrator of a large facility one day! Have a great day everyone Not sure how many miracles & magic moments administrators are having each day...Even at the AD level, I hear endless complaints about how tough the job is when you're the one responsible for all the paperwork, charting, etc. I've seen way too many terrific angels in activity departments through the years become frustrated, graying, unhappy employees... Truly, be careful what you wish for... Edited July 17, 2008 by BillinDayton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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