Normal steps to set up a (paid) performance

[jam8086]

Anyone who regularly performs, or has regularly performed, concerts/recitals (preferably solo recitals)...Could you walk me through the process of setting everything up, different advertising techniques, etc.?  How much do you usually charge per ticket for different sized audiences?  How much do you earn?  I know I'm only scratching the surface with these questions, so please don't hesitate to elaborate on other issues pertaining to setting up performances.

For anyone that wants to yell at me because they think I'm an idiot that thinks he can live off of classical music performances: I am just entering college, and I'm planning on teaching piano as a career afterwards, but also probably doing some performances on the side (which I'm positive is a great way to get new students, and some extra cash). So this is obviously for future reference, but four years is really not that far away, and I like to plan ahead and have knowledge of things ahead of time.  Others can probably benefit from your advice, too!

Thanks!!!

[bartolomeo_]

I have not had the experience of witnessing a piano recital where admission was charged though perhaps I live in an area with an unusual abundance of free music.  The recitals around here where the pianist is getting paid for the recital are all underwritten by arts foundations because they all lose money otherwise.

Most of the pianists I know rely on a combination of teaching income, church gigs, choral accompaniment, club dates, other "atmosphere" gigs like hotels, restaurants and department stores, and various kinds of sponsored events.

The local historical society is having a pianist at their exhibit at the upcoming county fair.  They fully expect to have someone playing -- for free -- for seven hours a day for the five days that the fair runs.