For Musicians Employed by Religious Institutions

2006 Salary Guide

Provided in PDF and Microsoft Word Format at the National website.
www.agohq.org (AGO Headquarters, New York, N.Y.)

AGO Guidelines for “Substitute Musicians, Weddings & Funerals”

The range of fees are for musicians with degrees in organ or church music or AGO certification. Fees vary regionally. The lowest figures reflect smaller, rural areas of the country. Fees will also vary based on training, experience, availability, responsibility, and dates required.

Substitute Organists and Choir Directors

Single service (organist only or director only, no separate rehearsal), $100-$225.

Additional services (organist or director only) not requiring additional preparation, $50-$125  

Single service (organist-director combination, no separate rehearsal), $150-$275

Additional services (organist-director combination) not requiring additional preparation, $75-$175

Rehearsal fees range from $25-$100/hour, depending on  whether the substitute is organist only, director only, or organist-director combination and the preparation required.

Musicians for Funeral Services  

Service fees are $100-$225 (service only).
Rehearsals $25-$100/hour, depending on the difficulty of the music & the use of choirs, soloists, or instrumentalists.