Hiring Musicians for an Event

Things to consider for a private event

What sort of music do you want?

There are many options available to you, such as: 

• A Jazz Trio or String Quartet. Solo guitarist or a pianist for a drinks reception or to play through dinner
• A bagpiper to pipe your guests into dinner
• A ‘covers’ band for dancing to those popular tunes everyone loves
• A Ceilidh band for some enthusiastic dancing
• A’ tribute’ act for a themed or fancy dress event.

Where to find musicians

Websites are often the best starting place as most musicians and bands now use social media and web based information portals as the most effective means of selling their services.

Browse MU musicians' directory

You could also approach an Agent. They will source the right band for you and ensure all the necessary booking details are dealt with.

Do you need a licence?

Paragraph 15.6 of the Licensing Act 2003 Guidance document states:  "Events that are held in private are not licensable unless those attending are charged for the entertainment with a view to making a profit (including raising money for charity)".

For example, a party held in a private dwelling for friends featuring amplified music, where a charge or contribution is made solely to cover the costs of the entertainment would not be "regulated' i.e licensable entertainment.

Similarly, any charge made to the organiser of a private event by musicians, other performers, or their agents does not in itself make that entertainment licensable. – It would only do so if the guests attending were themselves charged by the organiser for that entertainment with a view to achieving a profit.  The fact that this might inadvertently result in the organiser making a profit would be irrelevant, as long as there had not been an intention to make a profit.

What to check with the musicians 

• Arrival time (allow time for sound check.)
• Performance time.
• Finish time.
• Breaks required.
• Catering needs.
• Does the band provide lighting and sound equipment?
• Is the lighting and sound equipment (or P.A) the correct one for the size of the venue?
• Is there easy access for the musicians to unload and load?
• Do you have a specific song you would like the band to play?
• Ask the musician for a rough idea of cost. 

Signing the contract

Once you have agreed on an amount, the musicians will most likely send you a contract to sign. Once you sign and return this a legally binding agreement is forged and therefore both sides are committed.

Some bands do charge a deposit, which is then offset against the balance when the time to pay the musicians comes. Make sure as part of your event planning that you have the form of payment available on the night (cheque or cash), or have made the necessary bank transfer by the stated date and time on the contract, this is likely to be after the event.

What if you need to cancel the event?

In the unlikely event you have to cancel you need to be aware that this can only be done by mutual agreement in writing. If you have simply changed your mind or have made a mistake on the dates, for example, then be prepared to compensate the musicians to the full amount they would have expected to earn for that event.