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I don't want this to sound mean, but I can't believe that your musicians don't quit before you fire them! I have been a professional guitarist since high school and I have never been asked to make any commitment like that.
Several times a year I will get hired for "vanity" projects like yours - a songwriter/performer wants to showcase his or her material. I usually receive the tunes in advance and do 1-3 rehearsals before the show(s). Sometimes the rehearsals are payed ($20/hour or $50/for the evening), but if I like the music I may only ask for gas money, or what ever. This also depends on what the gig pays. Attitudes are great, pro musicians are on time, the client always is repectful and asks for artistic input and allows some freedom on what to play.
To ask for uncompinsated rehearsals for that amount of time, not allowing any artistic involvement, and to demand punctuality and smiles the whole time is NUTS!!! I have never heard of any musician at any skill level working in these conditions, except for school kids.
I am not in a major music market or a "session" guy. I am just a working guitar player in a small city. Be respectful, be flexible, hire compitant musicians, and put yourself in others shoes: Would you ever devote that kind of time to someone else music? |