These professional contracts are your most powerful tool for a fair and clear agreement. They are templates provided by your Guild—you are in control. Fill in the blanks, understand the clauses, and use them to communicate professionally and protect your art.
Section 1: Before You Fill It Out (The Mindset)
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You Are The Business: This contract reflects your terms. It’s not a request; it’s the professional framework for your services.
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Negotiation Is Normal: Presenting a contract starts the conversation. Be prepared to discuss terms like fee, schedule, and requirements.
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Clarity Prevents Problems: A good contract isn’t about distrust; it’s about mutual understanding. It ensures you and the client remember the details the same way.
Section 2: Step-by-Step Filling Guide
For every contract, you will need to decide and fill in these key blanks:
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The Parties: Your legal/business name and the client/host/venue’s legal name.
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The Gig Details:
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Date, Time, & Duration: Include load-in/soundcheck times.
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Venue/Event Address: Be specific.
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Performance Schedule: Number of sets, set length, break times.
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The Money (The Most Important Part):
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Total Fee: The amount you are charging.
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Deposit (Retainer): Always require a non-refundable deposit (e.g., 50%) to secure the date. This goes in the payment schedule.
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Payment Schedule: Deposit due upon signing, balance due when? (e.g., before performance, at load-in, in cash the day of).
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Cancellation Policy (“Kill Fee”): Define penalties if the client cancels. (e.g., “Cancellation within 30 days forfeits deposit; within 14 days requires 50% of total fee,” etc.).
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Overtime Rate: Your hourly rate if the event runs long and they ask you to keep playing.
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The Technical & Hospitality Details (The Rider):
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What you will provide: Your instruments and gear.
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What they must provide: A detailed list (e.g., “PA system suitable for a 5-piece band, 4 vocal mics, 5 monitor mixes, stage lighting, a clean, private dressing room, and two hot meals for 5 people”).
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Power & Stage Requirements: Access to dedicated circuits, stage dimensions.
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Other Key Clauses:
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Audio/Video/Streaming Rights: State that you retain all rights to your performance and likeness unless a separate agreement is made.
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Merchandise: Specify that you have the right to sell your merch, and the venue takes no percentage (or agree on a percentage if that’s the norm).
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Force Majeure: Understand this clause covers unforeseen cancellations (weather, illness) and defines what happens (reschedule or refund).
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Section 3: The Process: How to Send & Sign
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Download the correct contract for your gig type.
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Fill in all the blanks before sending it to the client. Use a PDF editor or print and scan.
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Send & Explain: Email it with a professional note. Example:
“Hi [Client Name], attached is our standard performance agreement for your event on [Date]. It outlines the schedule, fee, deposit, and what we’ll need on site. Please review and let me know if you have any questions. To secure the date, please sign and return this along with the deposit of [Amount] by [Date].”
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Get It Signed: Have the client sign and you sign. Use wet ink or a reliable e-sign service. Both parties must get a final, signed copy.
Section 4: Pro-Tips from Fellow Musicians
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Never play a gig on just a verbal agreement. The contract is your safety net.
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The deposit is non-negotiable. It separates serious clients from dreamers.
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If they push back on the contract, that’s a red flag. A professional client expects one.
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Keep a dedicated folder for all signed contracts and correspondence for each gig.
Section 5: Need Help? (Your Guild Resources)
Remember, MGI provides these templates as a benefit. We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. For highly complex contracts or unique situations, it is always advisable to consult with an entertainment attorney.
Link to our recommended reading list (books on music business).
Link to our member forum to ask questions about specific clauses.
