Thank you for your interest in hiring a Bienen School of Music student for your event!

Whether you need music for a private party, corporate function, wedding, church service, or for private lessons, the Bienen School’s Musician Referral Service can help you hire some of the area’s finest young musicians.

Our staff are here to assist you in matching with the appropriate musicians for your needs. Please read all information below before completing the Musician Referral Patron form.

Please Note: Negotiated performance and lessons contracts are made between the musician and patrons. Bienen’s Musician Referral Service is not involved and does not assume liability.

Information for Patrons

After reading the information below, please fill out the Musician Referral Patron Form, which is designed for both events and private instruction. 

• Requests will generally be reviewed within two business days, and you will be emailed if any questions arise. Once reviewed, your request will be posted on a job board viewable by Bienen students on the Musician Referral vetted list. Any interested students will reach out to Musician Referral staff, and you will be connected with interested students via your preferred communication method. Bienen musicians will work with you directly to discuss details and negotiate terms.
• Due to the nature of student schedules, it is best to book your event at least three months in advance.
• Note that Bienen’s Musician Referral Service cannot guarantee an appropriate musician or group of musicians will be available for hire for your requested event or lessons.
• Depending on the type of event and expertise required, Bienen’s Musician Referral Service recommends compensation rates of $75-$200 per hour per performer or lecturer. Lesson rates are determined by individual Bienen students.
• Bienen School of Music facilities, including practice rooms in Ryan Center for the Musical Arts and Regenstein Hall, may not be used for Musician Referral lessons or performances. If you would like to use a space in Bienen School of Music for a performance, it must be contracted through the Bienen School of Music Concert Management Office.

Musician Referral Patron Form

Information for Students

Please read all information below before completing the Musician Referral Current Students Form.

• Bienen School of Music facilities, including practice rooms in Ryan Center for the Musical Arts and Regenstein Hall, may not be used for Musician Referral lessons or performances.
• International students must have a work authorization status that allows them to work in the United States. If you are an international student and have questions regarding your work authorization status, please contact Northwestern’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISS) for additional information. By registering for the Music Referral Service, you are confirming your ability to be hired by employers or contractors in the United States.

In the event you are interested in a posted ensemble performance, you may engage other students or musicians to participate who are not a part of the Bienen Musician Referral Service. It is expected, however, that you will remain the primary contact, and that you hold your peers to an appropriate standard as the group lead.

Utilizing Contracts

Though not required, it is in your best interest to utilize a contract to ensure you and the patron agree to all details. While not exhaustive, the following are details to consider including on your contracts:

• Your name and contact information
• Date of contract
• Patron information
• Agreed upon details (date, time, location, responsibilities of musician, genre of music (if applicable), performance dress (if applicable))
• Names of additional musicians hired and pay rates (if applicable)
• Break times (if applicable)
• Equipment provided by patron or venue (if applicable)
• Agreed upon pay rate or total payment due and due date
• Agreed upon deposit and due date
• Cancellation policy

Musician Referral Current Students Form