How to Hire Musicians (FAQ)
excerpted from www.afm.org

AFM musicians perform all kinds of music for all kinds of events. Here are some frequently asked questions:

How far in advance of the actual date should a group or solo performer be contracted?
As early as possible. Many musicians are booked as much as a year in advance of the actual performance date.

How do you find out about the solo musicians, bands or orchestras in your area?
Call the AFM Local nearest you to find out about musicians and how to contact them. The Local will be able to give you the telephone number of the leader of a group.

How do I know if particular musicians are available for the date in question?
Simply contact the individual musician or leader. He or she will be happy to discuss available dates.

What if I can't get my first choice of musician?
With over 100,000 professional musicians located in almost 300 Locals throughout the U.S. and Canada, we can find you musicians equal to your first choice. If the musician or group you want is already booked, the AFM Local in your area will recommend several suitable alternatives.

How much will the group or solo artist cost?
The cost will vary. The exact amount will depend on the number of performers, the length of the performance (usually 3 or 4 hours), the occasion, and the popularity of the the musician(s). Live music usually costs about the same as a DJ (and sometimes less) and makes every event special.

Can I hear a soloist or group before signing a contract?
Yes. The soloist or leader of the group will tell you when and where you may hear a performance. Most musicians also make tapes/CDs available. Some AFM Locals have audio and/or videotape libraries of musicians' performances.

How can I be sure the musician(s) won't back out at the last minute?
All you have to do is sign an official AFM contract, which will be furnished to you by the soloist or leader. Both the purchaser and musician must sign the contract to make it binding. An AFM contract is your guarantee that you will get the music you want at the date and time you want it. Once signed, the AFM musician is obligated to honor the contract and so is the purchaser.

Non-union musicians and DJs give contracts, too. What's so special about an AFM contract?
A signed AFM contract is "peace of mind" insurance for both the purchaser and the musician. Even if a non-union musician or DJ offers a contract, there is no organization or trade association monitoring their activities.

What if I sign a contract and then find that I have to cancel my party or event?
A cancellation clause may be added to any AFM contract. This clause allows you to cancel the engagement with sufficient advance notice (agreed upon by both you and the musicians). This way, you don't get stuck and neither do the musicians.