How much do people pay to have music at their wedding?

Question

My daughter is a sophmore in high school, and is 1st chair in flute in her school band. Her music teacher got her a gig playing Christmas songs at a local church, and they really liked her. I was surprised when they paid her! The pastor asked if my daughter would be available for other services and weddings.

My question is, how much do solo performers normally charge for weddings? No one on the internet will post their price.

Answer 1

It really depends. When my husband was in college (music major) about ten years ago they (a three piece band) would charge anywhere from 500 - 1000 but that really depends on your location, plus if she is hired by the church then the church would pay her from what they charge the wedding part, my husband and his friends were hired by the wedding party so there might be a difference because of that. Whatever it would be it would be a nice bit of change for someone in high-school and would look great on a resume or college application.

Good luck to your daughter.

Answer 2

A high school student isn't going to be able to charge as much as a college grad with a music degree...

There is a company called Elan Artists which is a co-op of musicians. Most, if not all, of the musicians have played at places like The Kennedy Center and The Washington Symphony...they have years and years of experience under their belts. They charge $650 for the first hour and $200 for each hour after that...now, your daughter could probably get away with charging $200 or so per event.

Honestly, any more than that are you're getting greedy...since she doesn't have the extensive experience, people won't be willing to pay a large sum for her services. Good luck!

Answer 3

I am a church organist, in the presbyterian church, with no degree, just private lessons, I am 22 years old. When I play for a wedding I charge $100, and an extra $25 if I have to go to the rehearsal, which they usually want you to. If she plays the flute, she should get like the same (around $100), if she plays for the entire service, If she is only playing for 1 or 2 songs, tell her to charge like $25 or so per song, do not let her do it for free, I ended up taking off work to play at a wedding for a friend once, and he paid me nothing, NOTHING at all, and i was sooooo pissed, anyway, tell her to make the most of her talents and to always charge for things like weddings etc. If she is playing with an organist or pianist for a wedding tell her to ask the pianist/organist how much she should charge.

Answer 4

I would sit down with the Pastor and ask:

1. How many songs?
2. How many hours do they need your daughter?

2 songs= $50 each

or $25 each
or 2 for the price of one

Your daughter must be very good if they are offering to pay.

Sit down and go over things. Even though it is the Pastor, make sure that everyone agrees on the prices. Also, start putting everything in writing or a contract so no one is confused over what to expect.

Answer 5

I've heard that it's like $50-$100 for an organist/pianist.

If your daugher is just starting playing at weddings and such, she can't expect to command as high a price as those more experienced. I'd call some of the agencies and ask what they charge for a flutist, not telling them the whole story, of course, and go from there. Perhaps the pastor could be of some assistance as well.

Answer 6

About $1000-2000 for a band.

Answer 7

My brother plays the keyboard. He charges about $900 for weddings.

Answer 8

For free if you have friends that are musicians, but usually from 1000 to 1500

Answer 9

if it is just for the service the range is usually $50-$150 depending on your region.

Answer 10

3,000