RE: Why SHOULDN'T musicians be paid?

["greg williams" <gregorwilliams@comcast.net>]

My perspective on this extraordinary debate is likely skewed but I'll chime
in anyway. My goal since I was a teenager has been to make my living
entirely in music, and I have been blessed to have been (modestly)
successful at it for over 20 years now, although I certainly do not make a
lot of money. My income is about 50% teaching, both privately and at the
college level, and about 50% gigs, depending in large part on the time of
year. Like many on this list, I have put my whole life, spirit and soul 
into
what I love because I was somehow driven to do so. I value highly the time,
effort and passion that I have put into learning my craft, and in a perfect
world I believe others should value this as much as any other profession
which demands so much unpaid training, such as a doctor or lawyer. It is an
imperfect world, however, but I still value what I do and what I am and do
not gladly give my services away. 

Is this an idealistic stance? Yes it is. Is it impractical? I haven't found
it to be so, but I have put a lot of effort into marketing myself, and I'm
fortunate to live in an active and vibrant market (Northern California).

As a rule I do not play without compensation excepting my annual faculty
recitals, which are free to the public and I view as part of my salary, or
festivals (such as Y2K) where the "exposure" - I hate to use that word - is
very real and beautiful and not speculation or fantasy. I get calls to do
"benefit" gigs all the time (I'm a classical guitarist, so I play a lot of
corporate parties and weddings), and politely turn them down if they cannot
pay my usual fee. They generally then sound perplexed or questioning, and I
simply ask them if they are making a salary calling people and asking them
to donate their services and time. They almost always are, and that usually
ends the conversation, that is unless they ask for a recommendation of
someone else willing to give their services and time away, which I decline
as well.

Love and Music,
~Greg
http:/www.gregwilliamsguitar.com
http:/www.myspace.com/gregwilliamsguitarist

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Sewell [mailto:lunamusic@mac.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:26 PM
To: Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com
Subject: Re: Why SHOULDN'T musicians be paid?

I'm in awe of you guys. This all started with a very offhand, flippant  
remark by me to a fellow musician looking for help with some gigs. I  
felt bad originally because I felt like I demeaned him in some way. It  
was not my intent. I deeply respect anybody who's out there in the  
trenches.

I don't know about all these philosophers, or avant garde composers  
you are citing. I just want to show up to the gig, have some fun, play  
well, get some applause (yeah right), and get paid. Im 4 to 6 hours  
away from home. Away from my family, dealing with stingy club owners,  
drunk assholes who want to beatbox on my mic, driving late at night  
when the road is full of drunks. I feel I should be paid fairly, and I  
am, because I demand it.
Is that simple.
Great thread(s) though.
You guys rock.
Chris