Party Pros: Contract Points for Musicians

Partyspot.com, June 28th, 2007

Before you check off musicians on your long list of to-dos, confirm everything with your bandleader or DJ. Be sure your letter of agreement includes:

[ ] Exact date of event, arrival time, and location with address.

[ ] Equipment that you are expected to supply and equipment they are expected to supply -- such as chairs, music stands, or amplifiers.

If the musicians are bringing their own equipment, record any extra charges.

[ ] For bands, be sure you include exactly how many musicians you've booked -- that is, are you hiring a six-piece band or a 12-piece orchestra? Make sure you also note the instruments they'll be playing.

[ ] The names of the particular musicians or DJ who will play at your party, plus the names of their substitutes should there be an emergency.

[ ] Attire guidelines: If you have any special requirements for what the performers wear, be sure to note them.

[ ] A list of what will be played when. Also talk to them about some B-list songs to play should they need to fill time.

[ ] If you're serious about your do-not-play list, include that in your contract and attach the list.

[ ] Amount of time you've booked them for.

[ ] How many breaks are needed and when they plan to break for dinner (remember to think about what you'll do for music during these break times).

[ ] Fees and overtime rates. Write in a clause that ensures their flexibility should you need them to play longer.

[ ] Deposit and balance amounts and due dates.

[ ] Cancellation/refund policy.

[ ] Your signature and the bandleader or DJ's signature.