Funding The Habit., Who pays? Options

[mel2]

It is one of the joys of doing music that there is always something new that you want/need. I speak here of sheet music.
Most of my purchases are funded out of my honorarium and fees. I am fortunate in not relying on this source to keep alive, as I have secular employment.
Having recently shelled out nearly £20 for something (and it just the latest in a long list) I wondered how others justify the cost to themselves, or to others.

Is this typical? Or do other organists (and here it is confined to church musicians) charge their sheet music expenses to the firm? After all, it is usually for the benefit of the services. My husband says it is like working for a big company and having to buy your own safety equipment.

OTOH, the firm could have reason for objecting if you exhibit an Imelda Marcos style appetite for buying new music! Mine has reimbursed me for a few things but I don't like to ask very often.

Mel

[daveinnorfolk]

I always take the attitude that I buy music that i want to play - and if this is the case I should pay for it. Because i find some obscure piece of French music worth buying, doesn't mean everybody else will feel the same.

I have occasionally had people ask for things (including a previous vicar, and members of the congregation) who i have said i would appreciate a donation towards the cost of... normally they will pay the whole cost, in return for having 'my time' as the piece is learnt