I'd kind of like to see the back-up Scriptures, just out of curiosity.
In a way, it is unscriptual NOT to pay musicians. "Biblically musicians (Levites) were recognized and paid for their services: And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the ...congregation. Numbers 18:21 [See also 2 Chronicles 31:2-10, Nehemiah 12:47 and Nehemiah 13.]
Quoted from The African-American Churh Musician's Compensation and Salary Handbookby R.W. Perry II. This is just a staring point in assessing whether musicians should get paid. There are also references in the New Testament, such as I Timothy 5:17-18, which clearly indicate that people in service to the church such as musicians should get paid. even though it looks like "people" are paying the musicians, isn't it really God doing it through his people.?
The Levites were priests, musicians(1 Chronicles 25:1-6) and singers (1Chronicles 6:31). Furthermore, God sanctified the entire tribe of Levi to Himself, and did not permit them to own land (Numbers 3, Deuteronomy 18:1-8, Joshua 13:14 & 13:33) so that it was difficult for them to support themselves. He provided for them through the tithes and offerings at the temples, (Leviticus 2:10 & 7:6, Numbers 18-21, 2 Chronicles 31:2-10, particularly verse 4, Nehemiah 12:47 & 13, particularly verses 5 and 10), just as he provided for the porters and the other priests.
Just as some of the Levites priestly functions are now carried out by Pastors, so are the singing and music ministries being carried out by today’s choirs and musicians. Consequently, it is unscriptural for a church to fail to pay its musicians. Of course anyone may decline payment if they choose to do so.
However, no one should ever be cowed into playing for free by those who say “The Lord will bless you real good you just keep on playing for him (for free)" while they pass the plate. True, the Lord will and does continue to bless. However, he also expects that seed will be planted into our ministries, because that is what we are doing, ministering, and he expects us to be good stewards.
Don't get me wrong, I frequently play for free or for a reduced fee....but I prefer to be the one to make the choice of whether I will play for free or not. I spend too much time in preparation, buying equipment and supplies, practicing, meditating and praying to be taken advantage of.
Anyway. that’s my 2 cents.