 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Steve Epstein
Date: 2002-07-08 06:10
I'm about to get my first paying gig that I will be setting up for myself and one or two other players...maybe. I've already done paying gigs where others have set them up, but these have all been for dances where there are ongoing agreements, and so no need for anything in writing. This, on the other hand, is a wedding, and I do not know any of the people involved.
Can anyone here provide me with a rough outline of a sample contract? What needs to be in it? I already know I'll be responsible for a sound system (which may nix the deal if my buddy can't provide it), and will be fed at the wedding. I know how long they want us to play; should I specify how many breaks and how long they will be? What do I need from those who are hiring me? Should I demand a portion of our fee in advance? Should I demand to be paid in cash (or certified check or money order)? I don't want to get stuck.
Thanks in advance for your help and advice.
Steve
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Author: Lynne
Date: 2002-07-08 06:34
Hi Steve,
Here in England the Musicians' Union publish their own standard contract for 'one off' or casual gigs like you mention. Everything is printed on the contract for you - times, dates, venue, fees, etc. You just fill it in according to your own needs. I'm sure you have a Musicians' Union over in the States, so my advice to you is to join as quickly as you can. They will give you all the help and support you need and provide you with similar contracts. They also help with legal issues, insurance etc and I wouldn't be without them! I run a successful trio playing music for weddings, corporate events and private parties and couldn't do it without the help from the Musicians' Union. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Lynne
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-07-08 14:09
Steve,
There's nothing magic about a contract --- just type out the things you mentioned: That the band will start at X o'clock and end at Y o'clock, playing for XX-minute sets with YY-minute breaks, that the band shall be fed sometime during the evening, that the band shall supply the sound system, and that the band shall be paid (at the end of the evening, or later by mail, or whatever) in the form of (check, cash, whatever you're comfortable with given your level of knowledge of the customer). Then simply sit down with the customer and both you and he/she sign and date it. Done! It's not much different than selling a used car, for example, and typing out your own bill of sale.
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-07-08 14:45
Both David and Lynne have given you excellent advice, I agree, get at least something in writing, even for playing a wedding, which is much "safer" than a more "commercial" [income dependent on patronage] gig. As a longtime member of the AFM Locals 316/94 {Tulsa, OK], I've seen the need a number of times for a higher degree of legal help for contracting and for collecting contracted pay even with/from some "fly-by-nighters". If you plan on a sort-of career in this "funny game", I recommend strongly that you consider joining the your local union, the costs and possible restrictions are well worth their info, advice and legal help. Investigate, others please help! Don
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2002-07-08 22:11
Just writing out your agreement and having both parties sign it should be sufficient. One issue you should think about is a cancellation policy. How much notice do you think is reasonable for a cancellation? You might also want to think about requesting a small nonrefundable deposit.
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Author: Jean
Date: 2002-07-09 13:44
Yes, a deposit is a good idea. I used to play and sing for a lot of weddings and my rule was this: No music unless the money was on my stand prior to anything coming out of my mouth. I hated doing weddings so much that I gave up on them. I have a number of friends who do them and charge by the amount of music performed. You MUST have a contract if you are doing the whole wedding. Most people I sang/played for didn't have a clue about what was appropriate for a church wedding. A non-church wedding is a whole different animal. Get it all laid out beforehand and in the event the wedding doesn't happen you will have your non-refundable deposit.
Jean
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Author: GBK
Date: 2002-07-09 14:48
Among the obvious items such as: time, hours, overtime rate, food/drink for the band, etc, we have one VERY IMPORTANT clause in both our Big Band and Dixieland contracts.
In essence, the band requires a 50% deposit on the signing of the contract, and the remaining 50% will be paid in cash (only) after the 1st hour of playing (after the first set). If no payment is made after the first set, the band begins to pack up.
Only once in 30 years do I ever remember a gig where the party either forgot about the cash payment or tried to test the contract. When the band stopped playing (it was at a wedding) after the first set and started packing up, the money (amazingly) appeared.
No fuss - no muss, and most importantly it prevents "rubber" checks...GBK
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