booking tips
5 Steps for Booking Music
You don't know how it happened. You can't recall the details. Maybe it happened when you stepped out of the room. Regardless, it doesn't matter. The committee appointed you to locate music for the party!
Sound familiar? You fear the demands. "We need music that appeals to a wide age range, that's energetic, interesting, and good for listening or dancing."
Thankfully, your job is not as difficult as it seems. If you follow my 5 Steps for Booking Music, your success is guaranteed and your guests will be congratulating you on a superb job.
- Select Live Music.
For the vast majority of events with an age range of 20-70, live music adds its own unique touch, both musically and visually. Seasoned professional performers intimately involved with the creation of their music transmit an energy level and enthusiasm to their audience that recorded music cannot match. Want the best of both worlds? Hire a jazz combo for cocktail/dinner music and a DJ for the reception! - Look for a Track Record.
Can the band or booking agency furnish you with names of satisfied clients and venues where they have successfully performed? How many years have they been in business? You must have complete confidence in the dependability and reliability of the musicians you hire. There is nothing worse than placing a call to the band the day before the party and finding out that the phone has been disconnected. Work with people who inspire your trust! - Ask Questions—and Demand Answers.
How comfortable are they in taking requests? What is their break policy? How extensive is their set-up? Do they need a piano? What do they wear? Is the band responsive to the purchaser's wishes regarding volume? Will they perform overtime? Remember—there is no such thing as a stupid question. - Put It in Writing.
Contracts are essential. It's absolute foolishness to book a band without a contract, which typically requires a 20-50% deposit as consideration. A detailed, accurate written contract is your best assurance that the musicians will do what they promise. - Kick Back—and Enjoy!
More great parties have been killed by micro-managing hosts and nervous party planners. Select top quality musicians and let the professionals do their job. And don't hesitate to communicate your needs throughout the event!
For over 35 years, we've been helping clients select great music for great parties. Remember my 5 Steps for Booking Music and you'll be completely at ease!
This article was written to assist readers in search of information on booking music. You are invited to use it in your publication or website. Please include a link back to Ned Kantar Productions.
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