Live & Stage Gigs

Here is exactly how to do it:

1. Create the Document

  1. Open Microsoft Word (or Google Docs or Pages).

  2. Paste the contract text I gave you earlier into the blank page.

  3. Highlight the “Fill-in” parts: To make it user-friendly, go through and make all the bracketed info (like [Artist Name] or $[Amount]) Bold or Yellow Highlighted. This prevents the user from accidentally sending a contract that still says “[Date]” on it.

2. Add Your Branding

To make it an “Official Guild” document:

  • Header: At the very top, type “MUSICIANS GUILD INTERNATIONAL | OFFICIAL CONTRACT TEMPLATE” in a small, clean font.

  • Footer: Put your website URL in the bottom corner (e.g., www.musiciansguildinternational.com).

  • Professionalism: Use a classic font like Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman (size 11 or 12).

3. Save the File

  1. Go to File > Save As.

  2. Name it: MGI_Universal_Performance_Agreement.docx

  3. Pro Tip: Also save a second version as a PDF. This allows members to see the “locked” version so they know what the layout should look like.

4. Upload it to WordPress

Now you need to get that file onto your website so the buttons actually work:

  1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.

  2. Go to Media > Add New Media File.

  3. Upload the Word doc you just saved.

  4. Once it’s uploaded, click on it. On the right side of the screen, you will see a box that says “File URL.”

  5. Copy that URL (it will look like https://yoursite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MGI_Contract.docx).

5. Connect it to your Button

  1. Go to your Live & Stage Gigs page.

  2. Click on your [ 📄 Download Word Doc ] button.

  3. Click the Link (🔗) icon.

  4. Paste the File URL you just copied from the Media Library.

  5. Click Apply/Enter.

🏁 Done!

Now, when a member clicks that button on your site, the Word document will automatically download to their computer or phone, ready for them to edit.

4. Upload it to WordPress

Now you need to get that file onto your website so the buttons actually work:

  1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.

  2. Go to Media > Add New Media File.

  3. Upload the Word doc you just saved.

  4. Once it’s uploaded, click on it. On the right side of the screen, you will see a box that says “File URL.”

  5. Copy that URL (it will look like https://yoursite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MGI_Contract.docx).

Quick Tips for your “Live & Stage” Page:

  • Upload this as a Word Doc: So they can delete the extra signature lines if they are a solo act.

  • Add a Disclaimer: Put a small note on your website: “MGI templates are for guidance. Consult a local attorney for specific regional laws.” 

That is a smart move. Including an “Other / Additional Provisions” section is essential because every gig is a little different. One musician might need a specific parking spot for a harp, while another might need a “No Pyrotechnics” clause.

In the legal world, we call this the “Miscellaneous” or “Additional Covenants” section.

📝 Where to add it in the contract:

You should place this right before the signature lines at the end. Here is the text to add:

7. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS / OTHER Any additional terms, technical requirements, or specific agreements not mentioned above shall be listed here:

(If no additional terms are required, this section shall remain blank or be marked “N/A”.)

🛠️ Why this is a “Value-Add” for your Members:

By adding those blank lines, you are giving your members a “safety valve.” Here are some examples of what they might type in there:

  • “Purchaser to provide 4 clean towels for stage use.”

  • “Artist is permitted to sell merchandise at no commission to the venue.”

  • “Performance will be moved indoors in the event of rain.”

MGI UNIVERSAL PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT

Musicians Guild International | Official Template v1.0

1. THE PARTIES This agreement is made on [DATE OF AGREEMENT] between: THE ARTIST(S): [NAME OF BAND/GROUP OR PRIMARY MUSICIAN] Comprised of the following members: [LIST ALL INDIVIDUAL NAMES HERE] AND THE PURCHASER: [NAME OF VENUE, CLIENT, OR PROMOTER]

2. THE ENGAGEMENT

  • Event Name: [e.g., Summer Jazz Night / Smith Wedding]

  • Date of Event: [DATE]

  • Venue Address: [FULL PHYSICAL ADDRESS]

  • Performance Time: [START TIME] to [END TIME]

  • Soundcheck Time: [TIME ARTIST MUST BE ON-SITE]

3. COMPENSATION (PAYMENT TERMS)

  • Guaranteed Fee: The Purchaser agrees to pay the Artist $[TOTAL AMOUNT].

  • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $[AMOUNT] is due by [DATE] to secure this booking.

  • Balance: The remaining balance of $[AMOUNT] is due immediately following the performance.

  • Payment Method: [e.g., Cash, Bank Transfer to (Insert Details), or Check].

4. TECHNICAL & HOSPITALITY

  • Equipment: The Purchaser shall provide professional Sound & Lighting as per the Artist’s Technical Rider. If no rider is attached, the Purchaser provides: [e.g., PA System and 3 Microphones].

  • Hospitality: The Purchaser shall provide [e.g., Water, 2 Meals, and a Private Dressing Room].

  • Parking: The Purchaser shall provide [NUMBER] of reserved parking spaces for Artist vehicles at no cost to the Artist.

5. CANCELLATION

  • If the Purchaser cancels this engagement within [e.g., 14] days of the event, the Purchaser agrees to pay the Artist 100% of the agreed-upon fee.

  • If the Artist cancels, the Deposit shall be returned to the Purchaser in full.

  • Neither party shall be liable for “Force Majeure” events (e.g., extreme weather, national emergency).

6. RECORDING & MEDIA

  • No professional audio or video recording of the performance is permitted without prior written consent from the Artist.

  • The Artist grants/denies (circle one) the Purchaser the right to use the Artist’s name and likeness for event promotion.

7. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS / “OTHER” Any additional terms or specific requirements (e.g., specific gear, outdoor rain plans, or merch sales) shall be listed here:

8. SIGNATURES By signing below, both parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this contract.

FOR THE ARTIST(S): Signature: __________________________ Print Name: __________________________ (Authorized Representative/Band Leader)

Additional Member Signatures (if required): __________________________ / __________________________ / __________________________

FOR THE PURCHASER: Signature: __________________________ Print Name: __________________________ Title: __________________________ (e.g., Venue Owner, Event Planner)

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