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. No, I don’t see any of that money grumble grumble.)
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.
DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEPOSIT? WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT POLICIES?
To secure any booking, I require 20% of the total amount paid via e-transfer. Upon receiving a deposit and signed contract, the gig is marked as booked (yay!) and a receipt will be provided. Without a deposit, I am unable to do anything other than hold a date.
The final balance (including HST) is due twenty-four hours (24) hours prior to the event. If the final balance is not paid in full at this time, it will result in non-performance.
I know you have a lot going on, so wouldn’t it just be easier to mark this off your to-do list? Please don’t stress me out for days on end and make me wonder whether or not I’m going to get paid – it’s an awful feeling and makes the experience uncomfortable for us both if I have to hound you for payment. Bark bark!
I accept cash, e-transfer, PayPal or cheque – I cannot accept credit cards at this time.
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 cannot contract Canadian musicians in the US, but I promise that I put on an excellent solo show!
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. Should your venue change after the contract has been signed, there may be additional travel fees.
ARE YOU INSURED?
I hold commercial general liability insurance through Intact for coverage up to $1,000,000. Should you need me to provide proof of insurance and/or a certificate for your event, please provide this in notice at the time of booking. It usually takes about a week to prepare, so I need advanced notice before your event.
Should you want to take me on tour with you (do it!), I also hold instrument and equipment insurance. Therefore… take me with you!
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.
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.)
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.