Need Advice

I was recently offered what seems to be a great opportunity playing Praise and Worship for a large congregation... Contemporary stuff like Hillsong (http://youtu.be/vdq9Q8wJdjc), Chris Tomlin (http://youtu.be/dbNK50T35wY), David Crowder (http://youtu.be/ptsBk0KEFiE), etc.

This is a church with 3,000 members... Every Sunday is major production with wide screen LCDs and a full orchestra as well as an electric combo.

I have known the music director of this church for several years, and I taught him and his kids how to play guitar. I think I am up to it, but it would be a challenge. I'd be in the "orchestra pit" alongside trained classical musicians, and while my reading is okay, I'm not reading Pagannini at tempo the first time through (or the second or third times! :oops:)

It is a great honor to be considered for this position, but I am intimidated by the size of the congregation, and I don't want to let anyone down either.

My wife and I are Christian and have attended several services at this church, but we are not official members of this congregation, and we were raised in a different denomination.

I don't mean any disrespect to people who offer their musical services to God free of charge, but I would have to look at this as a job first and foremost, although I am open and optimistic to potential spiritual benefits as well.

First thing I'd like to know is, what should I ask for in terms of pay? Typically for local gigs I get $150 for four hours of playing in a nightclub or restaurant, with a $100 minimum. I mentioned this $150 briefly while talking to my friend the music director, and he didn't even blink an eye.

Personally, I feel that if I could get paid $150 every Sunday to play from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, that would be fantastic... Is this in line with what other professionals earn in similar situations?

Another thing is, I'm worried about my ability to wake up... Seriously, I've been on "2nd Shift" for so many years as a musician, I'm not sure how I'll handle having to wake up every Sunday at 6 a.m. so I can be ready for the 8 a.m. downbeat...

While I'm a little nervous about playing in front of 3,000 people, I'm pretty sure I'd get used to it. On the other hand, the prospect of waking up at 6 a.m. every Sunday (while the rest of my week is still on 2nd Shift) is rather terrifying!

I haven't committed to this yet, but I feel like I would be a fool to let this opportunity pass me by. Not even so much for the money, but the chance to regularly play with great musicians in a professional environment...

Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

I can't comment on the money, having only ever played as a volunteer as part of my own church's band. But on the 'stage fright' aspect... if you're in the pit, would you notice the size of the congregation anyway?

Being a gigging pro does not necessarily mean you'll nail the SunAM gig, they are vastly different skillsets esp in a big-production church. I play at one similar in size, though we don't have an orchestra - that's awesome!

I'd be making sure I'm the right fit for the team before even considering $, and by this I don't mean straight up musicianship. I get to do both on a regular basis, and its great. For me, one serves the other and I can't imagine only being just a pub OR church muso.

If I may, you charge what you can command at a pub gig, because that's your area of expertise - there is no question if you are up to the job. However, you are questioning your suitability for this P&W band, yet still require the same rate that your gig pays. I'd say give it a crack for a few months, see how you handle the tunes, charts, team culture and early starts. If you prove an equal or better contributer to what the rest of the team (or guitarists on rotation) contribute, then discuss $ with your MD - but give him the heads up on this 'pro bono probation' period. How the church structures its finances has more to do with that church, and less with what others on forums think about getting paid to play - a can of worms as you know.

As a working muso, I will tell you 6am wakeup for 7am rehearsals on Sunday is downright rough, esp after a Sat gig that wraps at midnight. I've done it for about 6 years now, and it doesn't get easier. Two services means its 1pm by the time I've loaded up the car. Then I head off to my 3-7pm solo gig.

Mondays are a write-off :wink:

Brother,

Without being a member, from a different denomination, dreading 6am wake ups, and really worried about pay, I would suggest to really pray on this. Not only to make sure you are where you need to be but also to ensure you will be ready for the commitment.

Thank you all for your responses. I knew I could count on TDPRI for some good advice.

In fact, my wife and I are "in between" churches at the moment, so the different denomination isn't a big issue for us.

The biggest issue will be waking up at 6 am, but I think I can do it. I'll start by attending one of their services this Sunday.

If that goes alright, I'll meet the other people I'd be working with and see how that feels.

Sometimes clarity requires a different perspective. Thanks again for sharing your experience and your advice. It helped more than you know.

I'll start by attending one of their services this Sunday.

If that goes alright, I'll meet the other people I'd be working with and see how that feels.

That's what I'd do too. I know everyone's different but I'd want to feel comfortable as part of the church, not just as part of the band (mind you, I've never done it as a paid job).

How do i delete a post? I posted this on the wrong thread like an idiot

All the best JayFreddy. Hope you find somewhere where the fit is right, and also the challenge moves you along in your journey.

IMO, a trial period would be a great idea ... see if it works for all parties involved ... if not, you can move on ...personally, i would go to church every Sunday for $150 ...

In my experience... As insignificant as that is!!! God will open doors to new challenges and new beginnings for us but he requires a step of faith too and he will never test us outside of what we can handle.

As mentioned by someone else, the best thing you can do is draw near to God and seek his face on the matter.

Hope it all works out for you bro!!