WHAT IS YOUR RATE? DO YOU CHARGE HST?
My rate varies depending on a few factors such as performance time, travel, and any special requests. But as a general rule of thumb, my event rate begins at $350 + HST and gets adjusted depending on the event details. I try to work with clients with all budgets and circumstances – contact me now to see if we’d be a good fit!
HST combines PST with GST to create one tax. Because I operate in HST-participating provinces, I collect sales tax at the following rates:
- New Brunswick: 15%
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 15%
- Nova Scotia: 15%
- Ontario: 13%
- Prince Edward Island: 15%
Because I am a frequently-booked (omgwow) musician, I am required to charge HST. (Anyone who makes over $30,000 is required to charge HST.)
WILL YOU WORK WITH MY BUDGET? WILL YOU WORK FOR FREE?
Though I would love to charge rates that only include performance fees, there are a lot of factors that make up a quote. Travel time/distance, instrument maintenance, practice time, equipment management, music procurement and performance complexity are all taken into account when providing a quote. I strive to provide high quality, beautiful, engaging performances that are tailored to clients’ individual needs. I hold a Bachelor’s of Music in Violin Performance and have performed thousands of hours at hundreds of venues all over the world. Therefore, my rates are non-negotiable. On rare occasions, I am able to do charity work or passion projects – but ultimately, I cannot be paid in exposure. If you’re wanting to ensure that your event has memorable, high quality live music, you’ve come to the right place! I offer competitive, fair pricing so reach out to see what can be in store for your next event.
WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL POLICIES?
I still actively gig in the United States and hold a US passport; therefore, I am able to provide my services throughout the US and Canada. Gigs booked in the United States are subject to half or full day rates depending on the location, and also must be accompanied by overnight accommodation and a meal stipend.
I own a car and travel all throughout Ontario for events of all sizes. However, I charge travel fees depending on the amount of time spent getting to the location. Travel rates are added if a location is outside of Toronto by more than an hour and a half roundtrip.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEPOSIT? WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
To secure any booking, I require 20% of the total amount paid via e-transfer. Upon receiving a deposit, the gig is marked as booked (yay!) and receipts can be provided. Without a deposit, I am unable to do anything other than hold a date. The final balance and HST are due the day-of the event. I accept cash or e-transfer at this time.
ARE YOU IN ANY UNIONS OR ORGANIZATIONS?
I am a proud member of the Toronto Musicians’ Association 149. I do all sorts of gigs, from orchestral performances to recordings to playing with bands. At some point, someone along the way asks you to join the union (in my case, it was because of my work as an orchestral violinist.)
I WANT TO HEAR YOU PLAY BEFORE I HIRE YOU. WHERE CAN I DO THAT?
If you take a look at the Gig Calendar page, you can find my upcoming public performances. I am also an official TTC Subway Sounds 2024-2027 Busker, so maybe you’ll even catch me at a station!
If you want to hear me play a specific song or arrangement for your event, I cannot record anything for free (even if it’s in the hopes that you’ll hire me.) There are plenty of recordings and video samples of my performances online for you to see if we’d be a good fit. I’ve learned everything from very niche indie band songs to Bollywood tracks to classical pieces – I promise I am versatile and worthy of your musical trust.
If you’re in a band or musician, I’m more than happy to come to the studio to record with you. I can also record out of my home (and I’m very diligent about getting the best sound possible!) I have samples on my socials such as YouTube, Instagram and here.
DO YOU HAVE COSTUMES? CAN YOU COLOUR MATCH TO MY EVENT?
Before I was a full-time musician, I worked as an agency model – so I’m very into fashion! I still do photoshoots frequently and have all of my closet documented for easy access. If you let me know your colours with enough time before an event, I will do everything I can to colour match. If I have something in my closet already, great! If there is something I would need to potentially make/purchase, additional fees may apply.
I also have costumes for various events. I’ve dressed as an angel with light up feathered wings for a first communion; a futuristic violinist with a holographic PVC skirt/top (complete with an LED light-up violin!); a Bridgerton-style character complete with a ruffled shirt and full-length waistcoat; a 1920’s flapper with a fascinator and sequin dress; and an elf complete with pointed ears and leaf boots.