Hi folks,

Have done endless searches and can't find the one I'm looking for.

I was asked ten days ago to play the organ at a wedding on Friday (despite not being an organist and making this very clear but no matter...) with a flautist. His role is to play in the signing of the registrar with some backing tracks while I get all the hymns, processional, recessional and general noodling. For this I quoted a 50 pound fee which already I'm regretting due to the amount of time spent learning the wretched ressessional (and have sinking feeling flautist has asked for a lot more) . However yesterday I found out that the wedding is being recorded I think I read somewhere on the forums that this changes the copyright of the performance and therefore I should charge more. Is this right? If so, how much more should it be? And how do I make the the phone call, or should I say nothing and grit my teeth?

advice most welcome!

Usual practice is to double the fee paid to organists etc. if a recording is taking place.

This thread may be of interest.

brilliant, that was the thread I couldn't find. Now how do I go back on my earlier quote?

You could invoke the ISM (Incorporated Society of Musicians website which says:

Weddings, Memorial Services, Requiems and other Special Services
Playing/Directing: At least £100.75 per service including a rehearsal
Playing only, major church or synagogue: At least £72.00 per service
Playing only, small church or synagogue: At least £55.00 per service

SNIP

Notes:
SNIP
* Organists who regard themselves as amateur should be paid no less than two-thirds of the professional rate for organists’ posts, weddings, funerals and other services.
The rates do not include private recordings of services, for which an additional fee (50% for audio recordings and 100% for video recordings) is payable.

http://www.ism.org/publications/info/02_9.html refers

Hope this helps.

Thanks Barry. I wouldn't describe myself as a professional organist (first time and all!! )but the information will set me up very well. Not with ISM but the MU so I will have some backing on this matter. However as it's so close to the wedding I may say nothing but will charge appropriately from now on if ever asked again. I do have to meet with the flautist, so would that have counted as directing? (just curious for future reference)

I cannot swear to it but I think directing means discuss the music with the couple, and organizing and directing the choir. Meeting the flautist probably wouldn't count.

Can I ask a related question here? What should I charge to play at a wedding reception? I did this a couple of weeks ago - it was what I call "wallpaper music" - the guests all continue to chat while there's music in the background. I played for around an hour, until the speeches started. Anyone any guidance on this?

I used to do this several years ago through an agent. The usual fee was around £75-£85.

Wow! I didn't have the faintest idea what to charge, so asked for £25!! Looks like I'll have to have a massive re-think if I do it again!

Wedding parties think nothing of forking out a fortune on the most obscure aspects of the day, in order that everything is as near perfect as possible. Music is something that makes a very big impact, so why should it not receive the respect it deserves in the form of adequate remuneration? Think what photographers charge to get on everyone's nerves at the front of the church before the service, while the poor organist plods through all his repertoire inside, keeping the guests in good spirits while they wait for the bride.

I certainly agree as far as the organist is concerned, and for any performance while the register is being signed, and would definitely have asked for more if that had been my contribution, but not having done the background stuff in a reception before, I wasn't sure if I could ask as much as no one really was listening, and I played more or less for my own entertainment. If I do it again though, I'll definitely charge more.

Re the ISM recommendations - don't forget these are 2004 prices. They have been prevented by legislation from publishing later fees, so you need to add inflation x2 to these fees.
Also, don't forget it's not just what/how much you play (in my case sing) whilst you are there, and the time/expenses to get there, it's the years and cost of study to get you to a standard that they would want at their wedding!

I still think background music adds to the mood and atmosphere of the occasion as much as, let's say, the flowers. Think of the price of a single bouquet! And the florist won't have spent the time and money on reaching your level of accomplishment. Actually, I, personally would find this type of thing more demanding than playing organ voluntaries before a wedding (if I didn't use pedals, and many don't). I'd have lots of music at the organ; what you're talking about requires a special type of ability.