While there
is no universally accepted standard, we do have some guidelines — or tips, if
you will — for when, which, and the best way to tip live musicians.
As the
holidays approach with all sorts of seasonal events, we're constantly being
asked by customers and other entertainers equally what the correct amount is
for exhibiting gratitude to live musicians.
However, if
you appreciate what you hear, there are a few reasonable baseline amounts to
keep in mind, such as a few pennies if you're passing by, a few dollars if you
stay and listen, and $5 if a band is passing a tip jar in a club.
Also
remember music is nearly as subjective as art forms get, and there are too many
variations in artists, performances, and locations for strict guidelines.
First off,
there is an enormous distinction between an audience that is rushing between
point A to point B and one that has chosen to sit down and enjoy themselves.
Although I'm
sure others would differ, I'd think it's impolite to go without tipping if
you've stayed to listen to a song or two on the street. If you're in a pub and
a band you like is busking, what should you do?
Consider the
tip jar as you would a cover charge, but with the knowledge that your money is
going directly toward the meals and travel expenses for the band. Was the
concert $5 or $10 worth? Then please feel free to include it.
The
excitement of discovering an outstanding artist no one has ever heard of ranks
among the greatest cultural exchanges. If you're fortunate enough for something
to occur, the basic advice is nullified.
If you have
the money, have a blast! Because tips are more than simply cash when used as a
performance quality indicator.
They provide
you the opportunity to formalize and affirm your identity as a fan while also
giving you motivation to keep playing, which is maybe what great young artists
need most. You can never go wrong giving a tip and praise if they are in
between songs and you aren't interfering with anything else. Below we have
explored some of the best tips for tipping musicians.
When to Give Musicians a
Tip
First and
foremost, don't rely on tips. They are offered at the client's choice and are
the outcome of excellent performance and service. However, they are customarily
welcomed and a method to recognize the musicians' contribution to the
atmosphere.
What
constitutes excellent service? Think about the following:
- Had the
musicians a large setup or a difficult load-in procedure?
- Were they on
time for both their arrival and their start?
- Did they act
professionally and with good showmanship?
- Was the
entertainment and music top-notch?
- They were
requested to labor continuously or for a longer period of time than
anticipated.
- Did they accept
song requests from the audience?
What to Tip Musicians?
Please don't
feel obligated to contribute any certain amount more because every client and
situation is different.
Some people
might feel more at ease determining the cost as a percentage, such as 10% for
decent, 15% for fantastic, and 20% for outstanding. Others discover that
allocating $25–$50 for each musician works well.
Do you have
a tip jar? Depending on the situation, guests could feel motivated to give
anywhere from $1 to $10. Of course, they are only customary tipping percentages
and are not necessary.
As the main
client, you have a few options on how to leave a tip: The most common time to
tip a performer is after they've finished their act at the conclusion of the
event, however, some customers choose to tip them right away to express their
gratitude.
Did you
forget to visit the band before it was over? They will be able to appreciate
how busy event hosts and planners are on the ground. It's not unusual to send a
little more in the mail, and it's always a welcome surprise!
We assure
you that the tip will be valued regardless of its format, whether you have a
check ready for the band leader or cash in separate envelopes for each
performer.
Read More: Tipping in Spain: how does it work?
Busking vs. gigging
As much as
anybody, I am able to enjoy the pleasure of a saxophone playing in the distance
beneath a bridge while I browse the sidewalk stores or make my way through a
throng to a sporting event.
The music is
omnipresent and, in my opinion, imposed upon the listener because it fills the
outer area as opposed to a restricted space (such as a bar or a restaurant).
On the other
hand, if a musician is performing at a bar or a restaurant, we feel more
inclined to leave a tip, even though the venue is already paying the musician.
This is due
to my opinion that the atmosphere a place creates plays a role in the going-out
experience. I value the music since it often adds a special touch that makes
the atmosphere.
The gigging
musicians, as opposed to the buskers, are offering a service that is
appropriate for me as a bar patron. I can easily go to another bar if I don't
like the music at this one.
The
appropriate approach is to refrain from tipping the musicians if you are a
minority report among your pals and you are remaining at a place where you
generally depart.
Should I Tip My Birthday
Party Entertainer?
Whether or
if you tip is totally up to you. There are certainly other ways you may express
your gratitude for a well-performed event.
You may, for
example, give the performance rave ratings, suggest them to others, or just
continue to patronize them. Even a small gesture of thanks, such as providing a
glass of water during the performance or after the event, can go a long way
toward making your performer feel welcome at your gathering.
A performer
might be greatly motivated by rave reviews and other forms of acclaim. In fact,
most performers will appreciate it if you can post a review or provide a
testimonial because they frequently forget to do it.
Read More: Top Hotels in the Maldives
How to Tip the Entertainer at
a Party
When a
performer performs a fantastic job, a cash tip is and has always been the
preferred method to show your appreciation. But you may also make a personal
check payable to the artist and include it in the tip.
You could
even propose to pay more than the entertainer's formal request for payment.
Tips come in a wide range of sizes. They might be as low as 10% of the expense
of entertainment or as much as 50% or more.
In conclusion,
performers love gratuities just like everyone else in the service sector. However,
the majority of performers do not count on receiving tips. It always comes as a
welcome surprise.
Only
approximately 60% of the time do good performers earn tips, on average. Knowing
this, the better performers usually charge a bit more to make up for the
additional compensation for you.
Do we tip musicians at
weddings?
The answer
is: that each artist who will be playing live music at your ceremony or
reception should get a gratuity of $25 to $50.
Conclusion
Don't be
concerned if you regularly lack the means to pay respect to the musician’s hard
work.
Do you think
you need a tip app for musicians? Use our cashless tipping software for servers
to effortlessly keep track of tips by using electronic tipping. The convenience
of a digital tipping app will help you.
You may tip
using this program, which accepts non-cash payments. The good news is that this
tip software works with phones running Android and iPhone operating systems.