Hi all,

Wasn't sure if this is the right forum but seemed the most appropriate.

I am possibly going to be asked to play in the cafe of one of the big London venues (eg a museum or an art gallery, with their own piano etc - don't want to be too specific!) and they said they might be interested - they want to know my hourly rate.

I have just moved into London and have very little idea how to reply - perhaps the truth is the best answer?
I did Grade 8 in 2000 (and have told them this), and I used to live in a smaller north city in England where I was paid anything from £25 to £70 / hour in various cafes and resturants.

Perhaps someone who has played solo jazz/improvised/classical (ie a mixture) piano around London might give me a ballpark figure to suggest? I'd like to make the most of this opportunity so don't want to say something that would put them off (ie too expensive or maybe even too cheap).

Thank you

I knew someone who played regulary in a restaurant, i think he was paid around £30 an hour, but that was two or three years back. What kind of music will you be playing and did you need a demo CD ? I was thinking about doing this too...

I don't have any experience with London and I am a singer, but maybe you would be interested in what the MU recommends?

GRADE 1: Central London (London, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea) APART FROM pubs & social clubs
GRADE 2: all not listed under 1
GRADE 3: pubs & social clubs

GRADE 1 per hour: 29.17£ before midnight, 43.76£ after
GRADE 2 & 3 per hour: 23.83£ / 33.88£

If you are a soloist, which I assume after your description, 50% on top. That would mean roundabout 45£/65£ ph for Grade 1 and 35£/50£ ph for Grade 2 & 3.

This is definitely a gig/session rate, but if you are playing in a cafe, a concert or recital fee, which is considerably higher, will probably not appropriate.

Just a rough estimate, but maybe it helps. These are, as I said, the minimum (!) rates recommended by the Musicians' Union ...

I was just thinking, WOW, that is good money for knowing how to pay grade 1 piano, something like twinkle, twinkle, little star and was wondering about grades 4 to 8, but realise you are talking about different levels of payments. I'm going to bed. Good night.

Well it is central London, and I am a soloist - it'll be lunchtime (a weekday) in the cafe for one of London's popular tourist attractions. Maybe I should suggest £50 per hour? Or £45?

It's not a concert, it's, well, it's playing the piano in a nice cafe in central London... what do you guys think?

Oh, the type of music will be varied: I'll play some classical, Grieg, Beethoven, maye some rachmanninov... also at least as much, if not more, jazz, and a lot of that improvised (which is mainly what I do these days anyway - improvise, that is).

Thanks

Nothing much concrete to add I'm afraid, but a charge of £45-£50 per hour feels about right. Lessons in London are often in the £30-£40 per hour range. Plumbers/electricians charge more! I was involved in booking musicians for an event in London about 18 months ago, and the amounts they were paid, although not directly comparable with the situation you describe, were consistent with that level of charging.

Just remembered this site which may help you in figuring out a reasonable fee
http://www.tcm.ac.uk/RVE9c1e29f92f094d469b...c8496612,,.aspx

Thanks, suggested £45 and said I am new to London so not completely sure of the going rate

I used to play background music at a hotel on a Saturday evening, I used to get paid between £80-£100. This was 8 years ago and through an entertainment agent.