A little Perspective on CD Pricing

       Multiple factors go into pricing any product and a CD recording is no exception.  Studio time, musician time and expertise, reproduction, artwork and methods of distribution all contribute to the cost of this type of project, never mind the skill and time involved in creating the music.   There is a marketplace for recordings today that is quite strange.  Because music can be downloaded and shared, record companies are scrambling to be profitable.  While independent recording artists have more of an opportunity for worldwide distribution because of the technology, we are also more vulnerable to the dishonorable practice of sharing and copying our work without compensation. 

I have tried to strike a balance in pricing this product to respect the cost that has been incurred and also to meet marketplace norms.  The first and foremost objective is always to share the music.  For this reason, we have priced the CD at $13.00 for a single purchase and have motivated the  buyer to purchase multiple copies by setting a price of $10.00 for two or more copies ordered.  Because I enjoy doing benefit concerts for nonprofit organizations, I have also instituted a policy of selling a CD at such an event for $15.00, $5.00 of which goes to the organization.  I am hopeful that this strikes a balance between respecting the work and cost involved while at the same time giving back to the community. 

To be honest with you, my economic objective for these projects is that they merely be self-sustaining. As you purchase a CD, take pride in the fact that you are helping to support such an effort.  I consider it a great privilege to be able to perform, record and share my work with others. As long as others are interested in listening I am willing to do whatever it takes to continue this labor of love.