[HANASHIR:2332] Re: What is a cantorial soloist worth?

[RaizelD <RaizelD...>]

June et al,

Yes there is a lot of variation in pay.  Factors also include the size of the
congregation and what they can afford.  

For myself, I definitely grew out of the price range of my former congregation
and for that (and many other reasons) I am now in rabbincal school.  When you
begin to get serious, as I did, about trying to make a living as a Jewish
leader, it becomes very important to have the training and the title.  I chose
not to do Cantorial school because while music and singing is central to my
life and work, it was also essential for me to have the training in text and
practical rabbinical leadership.  (That's the long answer with my personal
background and experience included.)   

The short answer is "whatever it is worth to you".  Essentially it depends on
what you are doing at the service, how much time it takes you to prepare and
the dollar value of your time ie per hour.  You want an exact amount?
Depending on experience--no less than $100 per service.  I don't know what you
would pay your musicians, but it would have to be added in.  And make it
respectable!!!  

You can charge more with more training (I increased by $25 every year,
especally for individual families and special events, unless it was a package
deal job with a congregation in which I let my per service fee be a bit
lower).  A beginning "soloist" might charge only $50/service.  Whatever you
really think you're worth--don't undersell yourself.  It is not worth the
resentment that will surely trigger.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,
Rosalilnd

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