Download Musician Referral Service Brochure (PDF)

The Bienen School of Music receives many calls each day from individuals and businesses interested in hiring a single musician or musical ensemble. If you are registered, 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

• Come to MAB Room 1 and see Vanessa Hughes to 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.
• 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.
• Return the card, registration form and a resume or bio to MAB Room 1. You're all set.
• 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 Bienen School 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.

Musician Referral Service Tips

Questions? Contact:

Vanessa Hughes
hire-musician@northwestern.edu
847-491-5741