The following information is provided to assist you in your search for the perfect live musical entertainment for your event:
TOP 10 TIPS FOR HIRING MUSICIANS
1. Match the music to the mood
Match the music to the event "mood". For example, you don't want to hire a big band that specializes in swing music if you are throwing a graduation party for high school students. Discuss the mood you want to create with the musician or group leader to ensure they can provide the desired atmosphere.
2. Confirm the date and time
Determine if the musician or group is available to perform at the time and date needed. Many musicians and groups will play more then one gig on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore ask if they will be performing another event before or after yours to ensure there will not be a scheduling conflict.
3. Know your band booking budget
Keep in mind that the price for live music can depend on many factors including the time, date, size of group desired, performance length as well as travel and set-up time. If the initial price is more than your budget, don't be afraid to discuss your budgetary constraints. You may be able to explore alternatives such as utilizing fewer musicians, shorter playing time or streamlining set-up time to reduce cost.
4. Review playlist and specific songs once you have your band booked
Discuss what type of music you want (and don't want) to hear. You might want to hear a song that you think is a great dance number and will really get the crowd on their feet. Ask the bandleader for suggestions for similar songs.
5. Request more information
Very often bandleaders manage different bands and you could get the band you hired, but with different musicians. While it is common for bands that perform on a regular basis to occasionally utilize substitute players, it is important to discuss this ahead of time with the bandleader.
6. Get who you pay for
Very often bandleaders can have several different bands that they manage. In addition, sometimes you can get the band you hired, but with different personnel. While it is common for bands performing on a regular basis to occasionally utilize substitute players, it is important to discuss this ahead of time with the bandleader.
7. Coordinate the setting
It is often said that the devil is in the details. Make sure to be clear as to what the musicians will be wearing, how much playing time you will get each hour and discuss what you would like as a filler during beaks. Often a bandleader can arrange for a soloist to play during breaks or provide some prerecorded music if your require it.
8. Plan the music schedule
Be clear on how much playing time you expect to get during each hour of your event. Breaks of 10-15 minutes per hour are customary. Often a bandleader can arrange for a soloist to play during breaks or provide some prerecorded music if you want. If you expect your event might run overtime, agree on the availability, cost and terms of this extra service.
9. Remember the details
Final details such as what the musicians will be wearing as well as whether or not you intend to provide food and drink for the musicians should be reviewed. The musicians should be instructed to wear appropriate clothing for the event. It is not unreasonable to ask for tuxedos at a wedding or other formal affair, however, if you want the group to wear something out of the ordinary it is customary for you to cover this expense. Also, clarify added services you would like to have provided by the musician or bandleader, such as master of ceremony (MC) responsibility.
10. Put it all in writing
Ask the musician/bandleader to provide a standard contract and review it thoroughly. Make sure it covers all of the items discussed. A signed agreement between you and the entertainer is binding and will serve as a valuable reminder of each party's responsibilities.
Match the music to the event "mood". For example, you don't want to hire a big band that specializes in swing music if you are throwing a graduation party for high school students. Discuss the mood you want to create with the musician or group leader to ensure they can provide the desired atmosphere.
2. Confirm the date and time
Determine if the musician or group is available to perform at the time and date needed. Many musicians and groups will play more then one gig on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore ask if they will be performing another event before or after yours to ensure there will not be a scheduling conflict.
3. Know your band booking budget
Keep in mind that the price for live music can depend on many factors including the time, date, size of group desired, performance length as well as travel and set-up time. If the initial price is more than your budget, don't be afraid to discuss your budgetary constraints. You may be able to explore alternatives such as utilizing fewer musicians, shorter playing time or streamlining set-up time to reduce cost.
4. Review playlist and specific songs once you have your band booked
Discuss what type of music you want (and don't want) to hear. You might want to hear a song that you think is a great dance number and will really get the crowd on their feet. Ask the bandleader for suggestions for similar songs.
5. Request more information
Very often bandleaders manage different bands and you could get the band you hired, but with different musicians. While it is common for bands that perform on a regular basis to occasionally utilize substitute players, it is important to discuss this ahead of time with the bandleader.
6. Get who you pay for
Very often bandleaders can have several different bands that they manage. In addition, sometimes you can get the band you hired, but with different personnel. While it is common for bands performing on a regular basis to occasionally utilize substitute players, it is important to discuss this ahead of time with the bandleader.
7. Coordinate the setting
It is often said that the devil is in the details. Make sure to be clear as to what the musicians will be wearing, how much playing time you will get each hour and discuss what you would like as a filler during beaks. Often a bandleader can arrange for a soloist to play during breaks or provide some prerecorded music if your require it.
8. Plan the music schedule
Be clear on how much playing time you expect to get during each hour of your event. Breaks of 10-15 minutes per hour are customary. Often a bandleader can arrange for a soloist to play during breaks or provide some prerecorded music if you want. If you expect your event might run overtime, agree on the availability, cost and terms of this extra service.
9. Remember the details
Final details such as what the musicians will be wearing as well as whether or not you intend to provide food and drink for the musicians should be reviewed. The musicians should be instructed to wear appropriate clothing for the event. It is not unreasonable to ask for tuxedos at a wedding or other formal affair, however, if you want the group to wear something out of the ordinary it is customary for you to cover this expense. Also, clarify added services you would like to have provided by the musician or bandleader, such as master of ceremony (MC) responsibility.
10. Put it all in writing
Ask the musician/bandleader to provide a standard contract and review it thoroughly. Make sure it covers all of the items discussed. A signed agreement between you and the entertainer is binding and will serve as a valuable reminder of each party's responsibilities.