I have known many people to share their thoughts on the matter, so I have decided to share mine.
On one side of the coin, we have people who have put all of their energy, effort, and money, into making themselves a reputable success in the world of artistry. Countless hours working multiple jobs to continue an artistic career that often goes unnoticed. People will often begin studying at an early age (usually under ten), and then many have pursued post-secondary education in their specific skill. With a 6-year degree, in any other profession, the expectation to work for free sounds ludicrous. People do not ask the likes of plumbers, dry-wallers, or financial advisors to come in and provide a service on the pretense of 'exposure' or the promise of future business for a job done well, so why are musicians asked to share their career for free? We employ a painter to paint our place of business, but if we want someone to come in and paint a professional feature wall or mural as an artist, well maybe they can have the privilege of being showcased on our place of business, rather than paying a fee for the service.
I understand why it is often this way, though.
On the other side of the coin, art is very much viewed as a hobby or leisure activity. Art and music are the first to be cut in times of financial downturns. Music, although it permeates every part of our day-to-day lives, is considered very much a privilege instead of a necessity. It is a 'nice to have' rather than a need. In that sense, to pursue a successful career in music and art is widely viewed as taking a risk. This image we have of 'struggling musicians' is a little antiquated. For the artist his-/her-self, it can be viewed as 'selling out' by taking a corporate job, and yet equally looked down upon for putting all of your effort, time, and energy, into your craft while struggling to maintain financial stability.
I have been asked to perform for free - which I do not mind usually.
I have been asked to pay to perform - sometimes this is worth it and sometimes it is not.
I have been asked specifically NOT to accept gigs that do not pay to help change the stigma of expecting artists to perform for free.
So here is my general rule of thumb:
• If you have sought out a particular artist or musician to provide their craft for a particular event or gift, reasonable compensation is recommended.
• If a musician seeks out to provide their services and uses the word 'volunteer', then compensation is always welcomed but is not necessary.
• If you seek out a musician or artist for a volunteer position, make that position undeniably clear when asking. That way, we have the opportunity to decide for which events are worth volunteering without the awkward conversation of payment.
The problem with always holding out for solely paying gigs is that you may miss out on some wonderful opportunities. The problem of accepting various non-paying gigs is obviously an additional financial burden and setting a precedent that others may expect.
The reality is that each artist is very different in their views on performing for free. While, like any performer, I love being center stage with a spotlight showcasing my talents, I love gigs where I am in the background. I very dearly miss singing the anthem for hockey games, football games, or other widely recognized sporting events; something I used to do on a regular basis. I miss the stage - musicals, plays, and masterclasses at University. I miss being the lead or even singing harmonies in a band. I also, however, love playing dinner music, providing live music for weddings or funerals, and absolutely LOVE singing harmonies for other performers.
With all of that said, some of my most cherished performances have been volunteer. I perform for fundraisers, I perform a Christmas concert somewhere, and this year I even performed a Christmas sing-along night and live background music at Chapters.
The comments, those people I could hear singing along, the children crowding around the piano, and the smiles and kind words from people I have never met is all the payment I really need. These are the moments that make me love what I do so much more.
Sure, it would be ideal to make a career out of performing (if I had the health to do so), but I would much rather be out there performing for free rather than sitting at home because I would prefer paying gigs. I do not have the energy nor the time to 'hold out' for that one big successful moment. If I can sing, if I can perform, if I can manage to get myself somewhere and share background music that I love singing, I am going to do it! Especially if the organizers are kind and appreciative, of course.
At gigs like my latest, it is entirely possible that had I asked for compensation they may have decided not to have me there. I would rather be there, singing, than miss out on an opportunity.
There is always a fine line between expecting someone to be okay performing for exposure and asking if someone would be interested. It all lies within the tone, the function, and the artist him-/her-self.
How do you feel about artists showcasing their talents on a volunteer basis? When and how do you draw the line between an appropriate or inappropriate event to volunteer for?
As usual, I love My Musical Life!
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