Playing For Free: Insult Or Opportunity?

A major dilemma among musicians is deciding whether or not you should accept non-paying gigs. Some don’t mind. Others are adamantly against it. I think the best way to go about tackling this particular problem is to ask yourself if the non-paying gig will provide any payment opportunities.

Think of a payment opportunity as the possibility of future payment or gigs.

A free gig that provides you with a large audience is a payment opportunity to sell your merchandise. A gratis gig at an upscale benefit concert could connect you with people looking to hire you for other upscale events.

Playing for free is good if there is some kind of value attached to it. Playing a free gig on a Tuesday night at a famous rock club can be a payment opportunity if that’s what you need to do to get a weekend headlining slot. Playing a free gig on a Tuesday for no reason other than you have no other gigs, is not the best choice.

Once you’re fairly established, figure out what you are worth. When you have correctly figured out your worth, you can then decide whether or not to accept gigs based on this criteria or whether the offered gig is a payment opportunity.

Keep in mind payment opportunities do not necessary equate to monetary transactions. They can be an interaction with a person who helps further your career, or, exposure to different types of audiences.  Or, maybe even a connection with an established group that you want to tour with.

When offered a no/low paying gig, brainstorm. Figure out the gig’s perceived value based on any possible payment opportunities you can think of.

When have you agreed to play for free? Was it worth it?

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Image by: {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}