Prices for "" soundware design...

[Martin Hughes]

Firstly, hello! This is my first post here. Came across the link on another forum community.

OK, I have just gone into business (self employed) as a soundware designer. I intend to produce both sample CDs and also do custom programming for projects, as well as (with a few friends) develop some new soft synths.

Until now, I have "winged it" as far as pricing for custom projects goes, but with the development of my website and now I am getting more work - mostly in the musical theatre field - I feel I should have some pay scale to work from....

I don't really know where to start. I guess it will all depend on a) the number of chairs in the band, b) the complexity of the programming (mapping/custom sampling rather than from libraries etc.), c) the support - on- and off-site, d) if they need music preparation with the mapped stuff etc etc.

Does anyone have any ideas? I've been looking at the Musician's Union (here in the UK) rates but the closest I can find is rates for electro-acoustic compositions, but that doesn't really correlate.

Any help appreciated!

Martin