The Bienen School of Music Career Services Office receives many calls each day from individuals and businesses interested in hiring a single musician or musical ensemble. If you are registered with us, you have the opportunity to add to your immediate income, gain valuable performing or teaching experience, learn to run your own small business, and begin to network into the Chicago musical scene. Here's how we operate.

How To Register

1. Come to MAB Room 31 and pick up registration materials. Fill out the card indicating everything you are able/want to do -- write on the back if you'd like. Please don't sign up for work you really aren't qualified to do.
2. Take the card to your applied teacher, or some other NU faculty member who knows your playing abilities, and get a signature. When your name is given out, it must be with faculty endorsement. The hiring agent needs the assurance that you are qualified to do the job.
3. Return the card, registration form and a resume or bio to MAB Room 31. You're all set.
4. Remember to change your phone number on file with us when necessary. People interested in hiring you and your ex-roommates will appreciate this.

What kind of musicians do people want to hire?

Studio Teachers

both children and adults, beginners through advanced -- on all instruments.

Solo and Ensemble Performers for ...

• parties
• programs
• weddings
• receptions
• restaurants
• churches
• orchestra substitutes

Accompanists

Coaches

• voice
• theory, composition

Arrangers and Copyists

How does it work?

When someone calls seeking to hire musicians, the Career Services Office serves as a referral service and not a booking agency. Each client will be given at least three names with phone numbers of individual musicians or groups that could meet their needs. The client will then contact the musicians. We make every effort to rotate the names so all get equal opportunities.

Fees

When you accept a job, the negotiations and contract are up to you. Northwestern does not set your fees. If you are not sure what to charge for your services, you can talk to other students, check with your studio teacher or come to the Career Services Office for some guidance. This should be done before you get that first call. Negotiating is a part of any contract, but you should know what the going rates are and what you're willing to accept for a given job.

Some Tips!

• Your professional reputation is at stake with every job you take, so take this very seriously. The music world is amazingly small. Word of unprofessional behavior travels quickly. You may not get a second chance.
• Get an answering machine with a very professional message. Respond to your messages promptly. Remember, you must be the salesman for your talents.
• Be prepared to provide a tape of your or your ensembles playing. If you play different music styles, include these on your tape and on your registration card. Perhaps a repertory list will be requested. We get calls for musicians to play classical, jazz, pop, show tunes, Klezmer, Dixie, Mexican and other ethnic styles.
• Protect yourself with a written contract. Make certain you and your client are in agreement as to the time you begin and finish, equipment needed, required breaks, fee for service, fee for overtime, any special clothing requirements, etc. Ask for a deposit with a signed contract.
• If for some reason you cannot fulfill your contract (and it better be for a very good reason), you must find your own replacement and one that is acceptable to the client.
• Get directions and leave extra time to arrive a little early. The music shouldn't worry the event organizer.
• Dress appropriately -- if in doubt, ask.
• No smoking, drugs or alcohol.
• Create an attractive business card. Bring them to your gigs. Guests may want them for future events.
• Treat this as a small business. Keep good records. Tax time rolls around before you know it.
• Have fun! Remember, you're earning money doing what you love, so enjoy.