neumes

Thanks for the detailed replies--I appreciate the insights. (I love "tell your father he is an idiot!")

Violadad, you are right about the friendship--we've done lots of volunteer help for his music projects (church related, all) and have had him over for dinner several times. Perhaps because he's seen our tiny house in contrast to our very rich community (!), every time I ask him about rates, he says, "No, no, nothing for you" so I have to ask other people what he charges. He does cash checks when I slip them on his desk! It's only right, after all. I think it might be best to pay for the time spent in the city--four hours--and cover travel and lunch expenses. He's no doubt thinking ahead to his next post and income possibilities, as he is coming to the end of a 2-year job. He's incredibly talented and personable, so I have no doubt he will go far.

Cheaper than flying to the universities to audition, too! I realize it's better to go, but S's schedule has been just unworkable in that regard.

Cosmos

Standard accompaniment fee? Last year for my senior recital at Juilliard, my accompanist had a $35/hr fee. I thought that was quite low, but there you are.