I responded to an ad at a local music school for a singer looking for an accompanist. This man is in his late 60s, hasn't sung in years, and is looking for someone to rehearse art songs and spirituals on a weekly basis for occasional performances at church. He starts telling me about his life, and I learn that he lives with his schizophrenic son, his partner committed suicide in June, and he basically hasn't been out of the house in months, except to go to work. He wants to have one last go at singing, and it seems to be the only joy he has left. We went through a couple pieces last night, and while he sings with a great deal of expression, his voice is basically gone, especially in the upper register. I have no idea if it will come back with practice.

It seems like an easy gig, but should I feel bad taking money from this guy?

I think the question to ask yourself is whether you would still want to participate if you weren't being paid for your services. If you would be willing to do it for free, then I think you should consider declining to take payment. (Of course, depending on the man's finances and his pride, he may insist.)

If, on the other hand, you wouldn't accompany him for free, then you should take the money in good conscience.

Steven

Depends. To turn the question around, can you afford to give him the time for free?

(Edit - Steven: snap!)

i would.

you can suggest songs in his register and give him company while you accompany.

Can he afford to pay you? If he can I'd take it. If not, it sounds like you're leaning toward helping him out anyway.

I think he can afford to pay me. He did not hesitate to agree when I stated my fee. In all honesty, I'm really only looking for jobs that either give me more experience/connections, or pay. I already do a lot of things that don't pay and are just for fun.

You can do whatever you want, but beware a double standard. If you accompany some people "for fun" and other people for money, the ones who are paying you are going to start wondering why they're not getting the "sob story discount."

Other things to consider - not knowing any of the parties involved.

- Sometime people value something more when they pay for it. If he sees that you are doing it "for fun," he might value what you are doing less.

- Sometimes people providing a service for free value what they're doing less, and don't take it seriously.

- Some people can have a lot of pride, and might be insulted at an offer of free service.

If I was in your situation, I would take it as a paying job, and look for ways to do some little extras - a little more time off the clock, suggest repertoire (as Apple said), maybe take him to a recital, etc.

I think you can be a blessing to this guy, definitely get to know him and be a friend if you can, but, do not feel bad about taking his money.

I agree - give him an outlet and a little joy in life - and as to the money, let your conscience be your guide. Happy rehearsin'.

It seems like an easy gig, but should I feel bad taking money from this guy?[/quote]


"My present position amounts to about 700 thaler (money), and when there are more funerals than usual the fees rise proportionately; but when a healthy wind blows they fall, as for example last year, when I lost fees that would normally come in from funerals to the amount of over 100 thaler......."

Extract of J S Bach`s letter to his friend Georg Erdmann. Now if Bach wanted more people dead to make more money, why should you bother about that man who advertise for an accompanist?, are you a philanthropist or a musician?, do you think you are better that J S Bach?.........How I wish I lived in Bach`s time, I could make him a millionaire murdering all his works and listeners with my playing.............

Watch out! The grammar police might want to have a word with you.

"My present position amounts to about 700 thaler (money), and when there are more funerals than usual the fees rise proportionately; but when a healthy wind blows they fall, as for example last year, when I lost fees that would normally come in from funerals to the amount of over 100 thaler......."

Extract of J S Bach`s letter to his friend Georg Erdmann. Now if Bach wanted more people dead to make more money, why should you bother about that man who advertise for an accompanist?, [/quote]

`Accidentia' like this were a staple income for municipal composers in Bach's day, as tips are for waiters and taxi drivers these days. I don't think it's fair to assume that modern musicians should work to 17th century practices.

Having said that, I rarely have qualms about taking money from people who can afford to pay me. I can't afford to.

Chances are this fellow feels good about giving you money for accompanying him. Paying someone to do something you want done can be very rewarding.

Exactly.

Money is there to be spent. I consider that I do anyone a favour in relieving them of the stressful burden of money. Indeed I relieve them as much as I can. Call me a hero, but no amount is too big for me to take - I'll take the lot if necessary. Haha!!!

That said, I have helped many on there way...no charge.

Accept payment but do nice things for him. Like, give him two hours once instead of one.

I'd take the money if he can afford it. If you don't take it, the nature of the relationship changes, and that can complicate things.

I am in full agreement with Kreisler; the truth is we all have some pretty sad stories. He could have been telling you because he was lonely, but from what I read he is not telling you to get out of paying.