To be able to get your head around how pay rates could play a role in driving up the value proposition for both the performer and the venue,  [for gigs not related to the American Federation of Musician's jurisdiction] you have to setup three sets of definitions:

• The commitment level of the band or ensemble members - do they do it for a living?
• The quality of the performance delivered and the impact of that value to the venue
• Is the delivery unique to the performer (s)?

Each of these define the value proposition for both the venue and the performers. For now we must remove the private event from this discussion.

In theory the better The Show the greater the draw for the venue, resulting in higher levels of revenue in ticket sales, door sales and/or food or booze sales. While some part-time bands can deliver a good Show, full-time bands/performers should deliver a more consistent, dynamic performance that increases with dedicated commitment working their craft as their sole source of income. 

Feel free to contact me to discuss.

Define Amateur Musician

• Playing sound-alike or cover materials - original material is less than 25% of the music performed.
• Music as an income source is less than 100% of the total income.

Define Working Musician

• Playing sound-alike or cover materials - original material is less than 25% of the music performed.
• Music as an income source is 100% of total income.

Define
Artist

• May be unsigned or signed to a label.
• Venues do not need to license with ASCAP or BMI - the Artist owns the music performed.
• Original material can be written by the Artist or another Artist.
• Artist has owner permission to use any and all intellectual property.
• Music as an income source is 100% of total income.

• Per-person pay (band or ensemble) is not less than $75 per performance.

• Per-person pay (band or ensemble) is not less than $125 per performance.

• Per-person pay (band or ensemble) is not less than $250 per performance.