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Financials

I thought it might be interesting to share the financials behind my summer recitals. Spoiler: I didn’t earn any money, but I didn’t lose much either.

Donations received

Total donations received (both recitals): $600

Costs

Many of the musicians very generously donated their time and expertise, and I was granted use of both performance spaces free of charge. Thus, my expenses were very low.

Musicians: $250
Marketing (mailed posters): $30
TOTAL: $280

Donations given

50% of donations I received was given to the performance spaces: $300
One musician requested I donate to a charity instead of paying a fee: $50
TOTAL: $350

Conclusion

$600 received (donations)
$280 spent
$350 donated
NET TOTAL: -$30

So I didn’t make any money, but also didn’t spend much, and was able to share a lot of it. The experience of making an artistic statement, challenging myself, and making music with some truly wonderful people is my reward for doing these recitals.

With the spirit of generosity I’ve received from my colleagues, it feels appropriate that I also pass on the donations. Sometimes I feel that I should “monetize” myself more, but that generally seems to move me away from my desired artistic direction. I didn’t want to charge admission- I wanted anyone who was willing and interested to attend.

I look forward to my recitals each summer (this is the 3rd year). It’s a lot of work, but it’s for the sake doing something I love, with people I love. It’s a very fulfilling creative process- from the initial concept of the program, to the hours of personal practice, rehearsals (honestly, my favorite part!), and finally the performances.

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Organizations

A very big thank you to these organizations that helped me present my recitals!!

Denton, TX

Blue Mound United Methodist Church
tb winds

Honolulu, HI

University of Hawaii- Manoa
Hawaii Opera Theatre
Hawaii Youth Symphony
Hawaii Flute Society