You may often hear professional musicians use the term "gig" broadly, without clarification on its meaning and usage. At MU we define "gigs" as paid performance opportunities for enrolled MU students, who have been approved for such performances by their primary faculty mentors.

"Clients" may hire these student musicians at an established or negotiated rate. Gigs, then, could include but are not limited to paid performances at weddings, corporate events, private events, or in collaboration with other organizations.

Rates: As a general guideline, you can expect to hire student musicians at the rate of $100 per musician, per hour. These rates are negotiable and greatly depend upon the type of engagement, the length of the engagement, special musical requests, travel distance (according to current state mileage allowance), etc. If you feel the rate is too high for your budget, worry not! Simply submit the Hire a Musician form and we will do our best to work out a mutually acceptable rate. Please note: payment should be issued directly to the performers.

Students accept performance engagements as freelance performers, not as employees of MU or clients. They may accept gigs at a discounted or waived rate for select community events. Students who choose to do so may view these events as unique opportunities to serve their communities, and in electing such service do not waive their rights to pursue additional paid gigs at a later date.

We encourage both clients and student musicians to put performance agreements in writing, but please be advised that the MU School of Music does not enforce nor endorse any contract undertaken by students acting as freelance performers. 

Do you have a specific event in mind? 

Is the date, time, and location of the event set? 

What is your budget? (Please review the student rates listed above).  

Do you expect the musicians to play for the duration of the entire event, or in sets? 

Is this event formal or casual? 

Do you have genres/stylistic periods of music in mind? 

Is the location/venue suitable for musicians? 

What kind of atmosphere are you trying to generate? 

Is there an acoustic piano available?  Will you have it tuned for the event? 

Is there a space where musicians can warm up or drop off their instrument cases? 

Is a rehearsal/sound check session possible or necessary in the performance space prior to the event? 

Now you’re ready to start exploring the wonderful palette of musical offerings that our students can provide!