[HANASHIR:2321] What is a cantorial soloist worth?

[LSalvay <LSalvay...>]

Dear HN-niks,

I hope I'm not broaching too sensitive a subject here, but I'm trying to get a
handle on what the typical (?) pay is for someone in the role of a cantorial
soloist (if that is even the correct terminology).

My congregation has decided to institute regular "alternative" services (one
Fri. eve and 2 Shabbat mornings a month), and has asked me and two other
singer/guitarists to make a commitment to leading the music, either together
or on a rotating basis. While the three of us have done this sporadically over
the last couple of years, this is the first attempt to "institutionalize"
these Renewal-style services. This brings up the question of what our (the
musicians') time is "worth" to prepare, lead and be available for these
services on an ongoing basis.

I know many of you already have been doing this at your own congregations for
some time ? and we just want to get an idea of what sort of remuneration is
standard, fair or otherwise reasonable for musicians doing this kind of
"adjunct cantorial work." I suspect that geographical location will have some
bearing on what is considered "fair and reasonable" pay, but at least this
will give me some frame of reference.

Thanks for any and all responses. Looking forward to seeing all of you in
June!

Linda Salvay

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