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Musicians for Events

Planning The Music For Your Event

Here are a few guidelines to assist you to maximise the musical element of your event.

 

Classical

The musicians usually play light classical background music. They are happy to discuss their repertoire with you, including the music to be played during the signing of the register or fanfares to welcome speakers, prize winners etc.

The musicians may charge additional fees where specific music is requested, in concert situations and where soloists/singers need to rehearse with an accompanist. Please discuss any specific requirements with the musicians.

The venue and the anticipated number of guests at your event will determine the size and nature of the ensemble. For example, a duo may be sufficient for an intimate wedding but a brass ensemble is better for an outdoor product launch.

A running sheet or program should be provided for the musicians. They usually require chairs (without arms), adequate lighting and a covering against the elements.   A raised dais is recommended.

Possible combinations for Classical Musicians include:

Solo players:
Violin, cello, flute, guitar, piano
Duos:
Guitar with violin, cello or flute/clarinet
Singers with accompanist
Trios:
String (violins/viola with cello)
Wind (flute, clarinet & bassoon)
Guitar, flute & Cello
Quartets:
String (2 violins, viola & cello)
Trombone, guitar & brass
 

Jazz

Students, graduates and faculty musicians are happy to play at a large variety of special occasions including:

WEDDING RECEPTIONS
CORPORATE FUNCTIONS
AWARD NIGHTS
BALLS
DINNERS
BIRTHDAYS
PARTIES

Any variety of ensembles can play at your event including:

SOLO PIANO/GUITAR
DUOS to SEXTETS
BLUES/FUNK/LATIN

It is possible to build an ensemble during your function. For example, a soloist or a duo can be used for pre-dinner drinks, musicians can be added for dinner music and then again for dancing after dinner.

Possible combinations for Jazz Musicians
include:

Solo players:
Guitar or Piano
Duos:
Guitar or Piano with Bass, Horn or Vocals
Bass and Horn or Vocals
Trios:
Guitar or Piano with Bass and Horn, Drums or Vocals
Quartets & Quintets:
Various combinations of the above
Larger ensembles by request:
POA

 

 

Additional Considerations For A Successful Event

  • Meals and accommodation should be offered for out-of-town evening engagements.
  • Food and drinks should be provided for the musicians where agreed.
  • For performances of 3 hours or more, the offer of a meal would be appreciated.
  • Musicians should be provided with a 10-15 minute break each hour.
  • You should ensure you have suitable public liability and workers compensation insurance to cover the musicians in accordance with current legislation.
  • Arrangements can be made with the musicians for an invoice to be sent prior to the event.
  • If an out door event is planned, an alternate venue should be organised in case of inclement weather.
  • All venues for Jazz Musicians must have access to electrical outlets.

The Charges

A publishing fee of $44.00 (including GST) is payable at the time of submitting your request. This payment may be made by credit card, cheque or cash (sorry, Diners & AMEX cards are not accepted). The Publishing Request Form doubles as a tax invoice for the publishing fee. Cheques for the publishing fee are to be made payable to The Australian National University (The ANU)

Musicians are to be paid separately, as arranged with them.
If you require a tax invoice for the musicians fee, please discuss this with the musician who contacts you.

Musicians Fees

  • Please note the following are indicative fees only – prices should be negotiated with individual musicians.
  • Student ensembles: $60 per hour, per musician; minimum call of 2 hours.
  • Instrumental soloists: $120 per hour.
  • Singers: $120 per hour plus an additional cost to cover a rehearsal with an accompanist.
  • After midnight, on Sundays and Public Holidays the fee for all musicians increases by $10 per hour, per musician.
  • Fees for larger ensembles can be negotiated.
    • Fees are payable to the musicians according to the arrangement you make with them but please note that:
    • 50% of the total agreed musicians fee may be charged for any performance cancelled within two weeks of the booking date.
  • 100% of the total agreed musicians fee may be charged for performances cancelled within 48 hours of the event.
  • Additional charges for travel may be applicable for functions outside the ACT at a rate of approximately 70c per kilometre. 

The Process

Please submit the online Publishing Request Form and forward payment of the publishing fee to the address on the form.

Details of your event (excluding your personal details) will be posted within the School of Music. Musicians interested in playing at your event will be given a copy of your form. The leader of the ensemble will contact you and make arrangements with you directly.

Please note:
Requests are processed in order of receipt. There is no guarantee that you will receive a response to your request. There are some occasions during the year when musicians may not be available due to School of Music Concerts, Exams, Recitals, Semester breaks and holidays. The publishing fee shall be repaid to you in the event that no musicians are available to play for you.

The Finishing Touch information in pdf
Publishing Request Form & Tax Invoice in pdf

Who to Contact

Nicole Bates
Student & Outreach Services

School of Music
College of Arts & Social Sciences
Building100
Australian National University
Canberra ACT, 0200

T: + 61 2 6125 5754 or + 61 2 6125 5731
F: + 61 2 6125 9775
E: nicole.bates@anu.edu.au

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 Testimonials

"... the ensemble leader was an absolute pleasure to deal with as were his colleagues.  Their music provided a great atmosphere to the occasion and provided quite a "wow factor" as the guests arrived."

Michelle L. Fisher

“…(the musicians were) very professional, courteous and friendly, not to mention their fantastic entertainment!”
“They are a credit to the University.”
“Thank you for providing such a wonderful service and we will certainly use your students more in the future, it’s a great way to support our local talent!”

Kellie Hogan
Events & Communications Manager
Canberra Business Council