FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
  I do have standard price guidelines in place for making quotes on music performances. They are based on frequency of commitment, location, equipment needed, hours of performance, special requests (like learning a whole night of new material or writing custom poetry & songs), travel time & expenses. My lowest fees are for locations around the corner, walking in, using what's available (like a piano on premises or acoustic guitar), and working with clients who utilize my services on a regular basis. In the NW Raleigh NC area, up to the first hour starts around $125.00 for a one-time client. (This fee includes singing telegrams - for which I customize heart-felt programs and an intimate short garden wedding wedding singing with the guitar.) My party rates are higher to set up a full stage (keyboard, mics, amps, etc), perform longer hours, and to travel longer distances. My minimum fee to set up fully starts at $250 for the first hour, with hourly fees of $125 for each additional hour in NW Raleigh NC areas. I charge additional fees for travel based on hours driving and expenses (like toll fees & hotels). If I had to fly to a location, or other use other modes of transportation, those fees would be considered too. Some of the travel fees can be adjusted. For instance, if you are offering me a free room in a block of hotel rooms you're already holding for your guests, I wouldn't need to charge for my own hotel reservations. If I am able to book other performances in your area, the travel fee may be adjusted by sharing it with my other clients for that trip. If I am allowed to collect tips, sell CDs and other merchandise during your occasion, there may be room to negotiate a little. Similarly, if you are hiring me for repeat performances every month, for the whole year, we can negotiate a repeat client fee.
• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
  Before being hired, I like to ask a lot of questions. I am unlikely to offer myself for a job where I am not a good fit. Sometimes the information provided in first contact is not enough to determine that one way or another, so understanding the customers vision and desires is the most important thing I can do. This creates a win-win situation for us all. Once a commitment is imminent, we discuss ideas about how to best implement their vision. Usually that comes with song suggestions or asking about the customer's favorite music, how I would best set up my gear for that particular occasion (to stay in the background or to be more present). I spell out all the details and necessities ahead of time, including contracts, payments, when I will show up to set up my equipment, etc. I am very open about my processes, try to stay on top of things that need to be done in between being hired and performing. The customer should always understand what they can expect from me, and that they can trust me to provide it.
• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
  I don't take regular instruction, but often take part in training programs and workshops. For instance, I just attended (for 4th year) a creative conference, where there were opportunities to hear people talk about various aspects of the music business, and other creative businesses. I am a member of a local songwriter's association that offers peer feedback on presented songs. The association also provides a forum on an annual basis, with speakers relevant to singing, writing, recording, and marketing music. Last year, I attended a 3-day training session on music for toddlers and families, which was very helpful to enhance programs I perform as Grandma Paula.