Musicians don’t just play – they work at it!

One of the most popular compliments Strings of Silk Music receives is, “Wow!  What a great performance – the best entertainment we’ve ever had!”  It is usually followed up with a question, “How much do you charge?”  First of all, it is an honor and a privilege to be chosen to entertain at any event and the compliments are absolutely priceless!!  According to the internet, musicians in the Chicagoland area have a medium income of $17.30 an hour.  It is physically impossible to perform music 8 hours a day, 5 days a week but luckily the American Federation of Musicians states that performers are entitled to one 10 minute break per hour.  But again it is impossible…not for the musicians but for the audiences.

Musicians don’t charge for the music.  Musicians charge in order that they can perform the music – rent, gas, food and instrument repair are just a few of the many expenses involved.  Other expenses that musicians incur may include: sheet music, advertising, costumes and make-up and miscellaneous musical equipment.  Musicians base their pay on experience, ability and if they must pay an agent to secure the performance.

So, when you hire a professional musician, please keep in mind that you aren’t just spending money, what you are actually doing is investing in having the time of your life!