FAQ – Top 10 Questions

1) How much will it cost?

Live music makes every event special. When our Musicians perform for you, they receive fair wages and union benefits. Contact our Musicians directly to receive more information and quotes for their services.


2) How are the services guaranteed?

Musicians/Bands will provide you with an approved Local 802 American Federation of Musicians (AFM) contract, which must be signed by both yourself (the “purchaser”) and the Musician or Band Leader.

A Local 802 AFM contract is your guarantee that you’ll get the Musician/Band you want, at the date and time requested. Once signed, our union members are obligated to honor your contract.

NewYorkMusicians.com and Local 802 AFM expects every one of its Musicians to provide customers with contracts as peace-of-mind insurance. Please view the sample contracts provided for detailed information.


3) How do I know if a Musician or Band are available?

Contact Musicians or Band Leaders directly using the email address or phone number listed on their page.


4) Can I see the Musician or Band perform before I sign a contract?

Click on Musician or Band pages to watch YouTube clips, or follow links to websites or Facebook fan pages where more videos are available. To attend a musician or band’s public performance, check out their website or fan pages for announcements. If you want to attend a performance advertised on one of our musician’s sites, go ahead – purchase tickets and enjoy the show!


5) How far in advance should I contact a Musician or Band?

As soon as you know your event or preferred performance dates, start contacting musicians to discuss availability.


6) What if I sign a contract and then have to cancel my party or event?

A cancellation clause that allows the purchaser to cancel the engagement with sufficient advance notice (usually at least 3 days, or 72 hours) is included in every contract. Cancelling after the agreed upon deadline usually requires a partial payment. That way, you don’t get stuck – and neither do the musicians. Please read each contract carefully for specific details.


7) What if we go overtime?

Musicians are contracted to play a certain number of hours in advance. If you want musicians to play longer, an additional rate can be negotiated and added to your contract so that everyone knows what will be expected in case of overtime.


8) What size Band do most people hire?

The right size Band/Ensemble depends upon the event venue and number of guests.

For an intimate restaurant event, a solo pianist, a classical duo or an acoustic jazz trio would be perfect to set the right mood.

If you are opening a new boutique, a string quartet or jazz combo might set the perfect tone as your guests shop and sip champagne.

At your 40th Birthday Party, held in a large auditorium or gymnasium with 150 guests, you’ll want to hire a band that provides a big enough sound to get everyone dancing. A 7-piece Salsa Band or an 11-piece Swing Band will get them on their feet!

For your company’s gala or benefit dinner, you might choose to set a party mood with a 5-piece Rock/Funk/R&B/Top 40’s Band.

Contact a Referral Specialists now for advice, hints and tips.


9) I saw a great 8-piece Band available on your website. Do I have to hire all 8 musicians?

Bands and Ensembles can work in many different configurations and customized fashions. Discuss this flexibility with individual Band Leaders.

Hint: For your wedding day, you might request a Flute & Harp Duo to perform at your ceremony, a Jazz Trio to entertain during the cocktail hour, and finish with a Salsa/Swing Band for your reception. This type of multi-service event can be booked by one band leader with musicians who are all members of their ensemble, dramatically reducing your overall cost. Discuss these and many other budget-stretching options with individual Band Leaders!


10) Why find Musicians through NewYorkMusicians.com?

Our Musicians are at the top of New York’s music scene, and may not be found on other sites. They enjoy successful careers performing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Broadway musical productions, on television shows like Saturday Night Live and The Late Show, throughout New York City’s famous rock clubs like Rockwood Music Hall, Le Poisson Rouge, Mercury Lounge and Arlene’s Grocery, and throughout jazz venues such as Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Iridium, Smalls Jazz Club, Cornelia Street Cafe, and many others!