Jack's right, McMoo's right, Marion's right.

You might as well ask "When should you get paid for working?"

First of all, if you play for 100% free gratis, you are not only not making money, you are losing it. Both in long-term --hundreds or thousands of dollars you've spent on instruments, accessories, music, demo tapes and what have you--and short term--gas, strings, rosin, babysitting, drinks.

I think the real question is when should you perform for free, or for expenses only?

Possible Answers

• for a cause that is so good you personally believe in it
• at an open-stage scene which treats performers with considerable respect (and complimentary beverages/food)
• out of friendship

A pub session is a bit different, but at most good ones there is a host/animator/facilitator, and that should be a paying gig.

Bill C.