How much is a workshop really worth?
The final price of any workshop will usually be the result of negotiation and agreement between the workshop facilitator and the host. But what determines the price of a workshop?
Below, we’ve made a list of factors that can influence how much a facilitator may want to charge. When negotiating a price for a workshop, we recommend that hosts keep these in mind – and remember that more work goes into facilitating a music workshop than the hours you see.
A facilitator will probably charge more for a longer workshop.
More participants can mean more work for a facilitator, so a workshop for a larger group may cost more than one for a smaller group.
If a workshop is simpler in concept and execution, the fee may be lower because it takes less effort to enact, and vice versa.
If a space is already equipped for a workshop, this makes execution easier, and thus may result in a lower fee. For example, if the workshop requires a sound system and there is not one in place, the musician may have to source one, perhaps even pay for it and transport it there. This is extra work, effort and cost for them. Even if the space is adequately equipped, time may be needed to set up the space as the workshop requires, and this may also raise the cost.
These may include renting instruments or equipment, or buying other materials needed. If the host does not purchase these, facilitators may include the cost in their price.
A facilitator who has been delivering workshops for longer, who is more practiced may choose to charge more for their workshop. This is because of the amount and energy of time they have invested in developing their skills. A less experienced facilitator, on the other hand, may charge a lower price in order to gain experience.
Apart from the experience they have running workshops, facilitators may be established names on the music scene as performers or players. As a result, their time may be considered as having a higher value – like a senior professional, they have invested a great deal of time and energy in establishing themselves and their work, and therefore their workshops may have a higher price.
Musicians have expenses. And these extend way beyond one performance. They have also invested time and money into everything they currently have and are as artists – in instruments, equipment, tuition, rent for the rehearsal space, fees for the organisation, administration and promotion of their work.
I have a passion for music; I love music.
But I also have a passion for money and paying my bills.
Cardi B
This photo by Chris Allmeid (Chrisallmeid) is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, via Wikimedia Commons.
