Hire a University of South Carolina musician

Hire a USC Musician is not a booking agency, but it does facilitate the hiring of talented student musicians. After you submit an online request, you are sent a list of musicians and ensembles you can contact and book.

DISCLAIMER: In no way does the School of Music School act as an agent for any musicians we refer. The School of Music is not responsible for any agreements made by, or performances provided by these individuals.

The musicians

All of the musicians and ensembles provided by this service are current students at the UofSC School of Music who have been approved by faculty instructors to perform in professional settings.

Soloists and groups available

The USC School of Music has numerous categories of solo performers, including brass, strings, vocalists, woodwinds, piano, organ and guitar. We also have multiple ensembles, including string quartets, brass quartets/quintets, woodwind quintets, percussion ensembles and jazz combos. We cannot guarantee that all categories of performers listed are available at a given time.

Cost

While there are standard rates recommended for student musicians, specific details are negotiated between the ensemble leader and client. Considerations include the size of ensemble, length of event, distance away from campus, experience level of players and special equipment required. Special musical requests (e.g. specifying musical repertoire requiring students to learn new works, performances requiring travel to locations outside Columbia, etc.) are welcome, but they may result in a higher rate.

Student musicians accept performance engagements as freelance performers, not as employees of USC. Hire a USC Musician strongly encourages both clients and student musicians to put performance agreements in writing, but the USC School of Music does not enforce or endorse any contract undertaken by students acting as freelance performers. 

Things to consider before booking

• What kind of performer or ensemble do you have in mind?
• The date, time and location of your event.
• What is your music budget? Cost is influenced by number of players, length of event, travel distance, equipment required, experience of performers and special requests.
• Will the performer/ensemble play for the entire event or only certain times? The standard is 45 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Musicians are compensated for the overall length they are required to be there, not the amount of playing time.
• Is your event casual or formal? This is important to consider when selecting the kind of performer/ensemble for your event.
• What kind of atmosphere are you trying to create for your event? Do you have specific genres or stylistic periods of music in mind for your event? Classical, romantic, jazz?
• Is the location or venue suitable for musicians? How much space is available for musicians? Do you require a sound system? Are electrical outlets accessible?
• Is there an acoustic piano available? If you require a piano, plan to have it tuned for the event.
• Is there a space where the musicians can warm up or drop off their possessions?
• Is a rehearsal/sound check possible in the performance space prior to the event?

Questions? Email gigoffice@mozart.sc.edu.