Ways Musicians Can Cope with Gas Prices
The Detroit Free Press asked a question on Twitter today that is on all musicians’ minds:
Honestly, gas prices are already on my mind. Musicians have to drive everywhere! Rehearsals, gigs, studios, photo shoots–driving is a necessity. Plus, I need a car that’s large enough to carry my equipment. (AKA, I’m not going to be able to drive a new Ford Fiesta with great gas milage and bring my speakers!) What ways are you using to cut gas prices? I’ve had to figure out simple ways to diminish the strain on my profits as a musician. Here are a few:
1. Scheduling rehearsals on drive homes from other things
Example: I’ve started a duo with Hannah Fralick, and we’ve been scheduling our practices after our day-jobs end. We meet at a central location (Hannah’s music studio where she teaches), which I already pass by on my way home from work. This way, neither of us are adding milage to our weeks to practice.
Problem: Sometimes I get out at work three hours before Hannah does! Yep, you find me tutoring after school or grading papers in my classroom waiting sometimes. We have Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday which last to 7:30, and I’ll be driving to rehearsal that evening too.
Some of us like carpooling more than others!
2. Carpooling to gigs, rehearsals, events
Yeah, this is a no-brainer, but it can be the most effective way to share costs.
3. Using Costco card/Credit card 1% plans
I’m seeing less gas stations offer lower prices for paying in cash, so I try to use my WMU Visa Card (which gives 1% back) and my “no fees” Costco American Express Card which does the same. Let’s note, I use a credit card for cash I have. (I don’t buy things I can’t afford.) Why not get a little money back at the end of the year?
4. Embracing my local shops!
Natalie and I are planning our weekends more closely. Living in Downtown Howell allows us some opportunities to walk. We shop at the local Howell Market and will buy at the Farmer’s Markets in the summer. We share the driving on the weekends to other stores in one fell swoop. We find ourselves going out less, but that might be caused by our self-employment responsibilities too. (Nat’s writing gigs, my music gigs).
5. Budgeting Consistently
Making coffee rather than buying it. Choosing black coffee vs. pricer lattes at Uptown Coffeehouse. Cooking at home rather than eating out. Natalie and I have identified the places in our budget we splurge, and we make educated choices when we should.
Gig mileage = Gas Expenses!
6. Being prepared for those (un)expected events!
Relative’s birthday gifts. Mother’s Day. That trip to Bay City to visit family for Easter… These are things that one shouldn’t have to say, “Oh, I can’t do that because of gas prices.” Instead, Natalie and I are looking a month or two ahead of time to know when that event will be expected, and making better choices before we get there. (See #5)
7. Condensing multiple drives into one trip
So I’ve got a gig in Brighton at Stout and I need to buy extra strings at the Music Man shop. Yep! I’m leaving for my gigs an hour earlier to share my errands.
Gunshy says, “Jeez, my Mike drives so slowly, I could run faster than this!”
8. Driving more slowly to and from work
I hate to admit it, but I find myself driving 60 mpr home south on I-23 after school. Yep. I’m the turtle you are passing on the freeway. I’m just trying to save an extra dollar per drive home. My Ford Escape gets best gas milage at 60 MPR, so I leave about 15 minutes earlier to avoid rushing to work or gigs.
Free Press Article: How high do gas prices have to go before you change your lifestyle?
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