Either way, AFAIK it's a fairly modest sum, given the astronomical cost of a *wedding* these days.
Perhaps an organ-playing Shipmate could give us some idea of what the fee might be? AIUI, it depends on what is played (copyright etc.), whether the service is recorded, and other factors.
As I recall, there are different rates for the size of building and whether the musician is a professional or not. I think we bumped it up to the top on both (it seemed stingy otherwise) and it was around £60-70, but of course that was 20 years ago. I assume it's around double that now.
Well, I think we must be well out-of-date, because AFAIK we give our Organist Number 2 about £50 per service! It's Organist Number 1 who plays at funerals/weddings in church (not more than one or two of each per annum), and I'm not sure if we offer her the larger sum you mention - I think we should, but that's not my decision...
Either way, AFAIK it's a fairly modest sum, given the astronomical cost of a *wedding* these days.
Perhaps an organ-playing Shipmate could give us some idea of what the fee might be? AIUI, it depends on what is played (copyright etc.), whether the service is recorded, and other factors.
As I recall, there are different rates for the size of building and whether the musician is a professional or not. I think we bumped it up to the top on both (it seemed stingy otherwise) and it was around £60-70, but of course that was 20 years ago. I assume it's around double that now.
No, it’s like a fair few other things IME, everything’s more expensive, but the rate hasn’t changed. £70 feels about the going rate to me, regardless of whether it should have doubled by now.
I think last time I saw the number, our organist got $250 for a wedding (which would include wedding, rehearsal, and consultation with couple over music.)
The organists on our lists are paid, as is our DM who has limited duties relating to the choir only. I have no idea how much, but the previous DM (who did everything) received around £3500 pa.
I think the main problem is that it is "insensitive" and cannot help if the congfregation is singing too slowly or quickly. It is also, by its nature, "inhuman".
Unless as I said on the other thread you’ve got a musical box like ours which is hymn tunes where you can choose how much welly you want from the organ. That has to be done in advance, but during the singing the operator can adjust the speed up and down to suit the congregation (or jolly them along). It can be very much down to the artistry of the operator with the buttons.
Not to the level of an actual organist, obviously, but it’s not just pressing play and stop either,
I'd be interested in knowing more about this box of tricks, if you have the time to say more. Our organist is in her mid 80s and when she's off, I can clobber a guitar but it's not great. We sing old hymns, mostly - Methodist Hymn Book, current (red) version. There is a set of CDs available which I'll probably buy one day, but they tend to go too fast.
There is the issue of skill. Just because someone can reasonably play a keyboard --not even a piano-- does not mean they can play an organ. It seems that it's a dying skill. Back in the 50s having a small home organ was a status symbol. Pianos were quite common into the 70s. But with the advancement of electronic keyboards pianos are disappearing in homes too. Kids just are not learning the basic skills anymore
When we moved to Pullman, WSU has three professors teaching organ. The last one retired two years ago. She still teaches organ independently. Has three organ students now.
I think the main problem is that it is "insensitive" and cannot help if the congfregation is singing too slowly or quickly. It is also, by its nature, "inhuman".
Unless as I said on the other thread you’ve got a musical box like ours which is hymn tunes where you can choose how much welly you want from the organ. That has to be done in advance, but during the singing the operator can adjust the speed up and down to suit the congregation (or jolly them along). It can be very much down to the artistry of the operator with the buttons.
Not to the level of an actual organist, obviously, but it’s not just pressing play and stop either,
I'd be interested in knowing more about this box of tricks, if you have the time to say more. Our organist is in her mid 80s and when she's off, I can clobber a guitar but it's not great. We sing old hymns, mostly - Methodist Hymn Book, current (red) version. There is a set of CDs available which I'll probably buy one day, but they tend to go too fast.
Only just spotted this sorry - i’ll do some digging (eg model, etc) and be in touch
Comments
Well, I think we must be well out-of-date, because AFAIK we give our Organist Number 2 about £50 per service! It's Organist Number 1 who plays at funerals/weddings in church (not more than one or two of each per annum), and I'm not sure if we offer her the larger sum you mention - I think we should, but that's not my decision...
No, it’s like a fair few other things IME, everything’s more expensive, but the rate hasn’t changed. £70 feels about the going rate to me, regardless of whether it should have doubled by now.
I'd be interested in knowing more about this box of tricks, if you have the time to say more. Our organist is in her mid 80s and when she's off, I can clobber a guitar but it's not great. We sing old hymns, mostly - Methodist Hymn Book, current (red) version. There is a set of CDs available which I'll probably buy one day, but they tend to go too fast.
When we moved to Pullman, WSU has three professors teaching organ. The last one retired two years ago. She still teaches organ independently. Has three organ students now.
Only just spotted this sorry - i’ll do some digging (eg model, etc) and be in touch