How to Break Down Musician Pricing for Your Next Event

Because great talent shouldn’t feel like a mystery line item.

Booking musicians shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret menu, but if you’re not living inside the entertainment world every day, the pricing can feel confusing fast. What’s the difference between a solo act and a trio? Why does a “name-act” demand a different budget? And how does a full band jump from thousands to many thousands?

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

Start With the Big Picture: You’re Investing in the Experience

When you hire live music, you’re not just paying for the two-hour set. You’re investing in:

• Rehearsal time
• Professional equipment
• Travel & load-in
• Performance talent (the actual magic)
• Event requirements (timeline changes, special requests, etc.)

Once you see everything that goes into it, the pricing curve makes a lot more sense.

Solo Acts: The Lean, Flexible Favorite

A solo artist is often the most affordable point of entry.

You’re paying for:

• One performer
• Usually a guitar, keyboard, or tracks
• A small footprint (perfect for receptions, dinners, lounges)

Pricing often ranges anywhere from low-four figures on the corporate side, depending on:

• Experience
• Day of week
• Travel
• Event demands

A soloist is seamless, polished, and low-maintenance, which is great for ambiance or intimate settings.

Duos & Trios: Small Group, Big Sound

Think of duos and trios as the sweet spot. More energy than a soloist, without full-band logistics.

Duos add vocal depth, harmonies, and instrumental range, ideal for cocktail hours, after-parties, and intimate brand activations.

Trios start feeling like a “mini-band”, with potentially a rhythm section, keys, or strings that elevate the sound without jumping into big-stage budgets.

Because you’re multiplying performers, you’re multiplying cost—but still staying reasonable.

Full Bands: The Showpiece

A full band is your true centerpiece moment.

This is where:

• Production goes up
• Energy goes up
• Pricing goes up

A full band often includes:

• 4–10 performers
• Drums, bass, keys, guitars, multiple vocalists
• Sound/engineering support

This is the “we want a party” investment—perfect for private social events, corporate finales, galas, and festivals.

Pricing varies widely because every variable shifts costs:

• Band size
• Specialty instruments
• Custom requests (walk-on songs, curated setlists, brand moments)

It’s the moment-maker for a reason.

Name-Acts: When Recognition Is the Brief

When you're booking a recognizable name—someone with chart credits, TV exposure, touring history, or viral fame—the budget changes.

You’re paying for:

• Talent fee
• Representation/agency fees
• Travel, lodging, hospitality
• Production that meets their rider
• Name-value (the “I know them” factor)

This is less about background entertainment and more about brand heat:

• Product launches
• Incentive trips
• Ticketed events
• Headline-worthy corporate wins

Budgets scale from mid-five figures to six figures and up, depending on the artist.

So Which Tier Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do we want ambiance or a show?
• Is this background music or a main event?
• Do we care about name recognition?
• How critical is audience engagement?
• Are we building a “moment” or a mood?

There’s no wrong answer, just different outcomes.

The Takeaway

Live music doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the tiers, you're simply choosing:

• Size
• Production
• Impact

That’s it.

And if you want someone who does the matchmaking seamlessly?

That’s literally what EVA exists for.