What Is a Fair Price for a Musician?

Would you ask your carpenter to work for half the price because you 'love his craftsmanship'?
Maybe it's time we asked ourselves the same question when it comes to how we value musicians.

Music is a craft – not just a hobby when it’s on stage

Far too often, musicians are expected to work for little or no pay, or to accept "exposure" as a form of compensation. But music is a true craft. It takes years of practice, investment in equipment, and immense dedication to deliver a professional performance.
Playing a concert or performing at an event is not just a pleasure for the musician – it creates real value for venues, organizers, and audiences.

When we willingly pay good money for a skilled carpenter, a photographer, or a chef, we should show the same respect for the professionals who provide the soundtrack to our lives.

Why are musicians under pressure to lower their rates?

One major reason is that music is often associated with passion and love for the art. That passion is sometimes used as an excuse to offer musicians less, or even nothing at all.
On top of that, musicians often face open bidding wars, especially in loosely organized spaces like social media groups, where the cheapest offer often wins – not the best musical experience.

The result is a market where serious musicians struggle to make a fair living from their craft.

Fair pay is essential for a healthy music community

When musicians are fairly compensated, the entire music community benefits.
It allows artists to invest in their careers, deliver better performances, and sustain themselves creatively and financially.
Respecting musicians' value strengthens the scene for everyone – audiences, venues, and future generations of artists.

At Beatnickel, we are building a platform where musicians can stand by their rates, and where quality and respect are central to every connection.

What do you think?

What do you believe is a fair price for a musician?
We invite you to share your thoughts – open conversation is the first step toward building a better future for everyone who lives and breathes music.