The Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performer Contracts

by David R. Williams, Stephanie Blythe (Foreword by)

Overview

The Enterprising Musician’s Guide to Performer Contracts is an empowering resource that provides detailed, plain-language explanations of the clauses commonly found in legal agreements such as engagement (gig) contracts, artist-management contracts, and producer agreements. Musicians from all musical styles will be able to decipher contracts offered to them and improve terms to their benefit. In clear detail, David Williams dissects the most common clauses in performer contracts, revealing how to avoid pitfalls and properly amend content to address each musician’s needs.

Seasoned performers, emerging artists, and music students of all levels will find this handy volume an invaluable compendium of conflict-free guidance as they navigate their careers in the music industry.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538106778
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/01/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	204
File size:	378 KB

About the Author

David R. Williams is a former professional musician with a doctorate in music and in law. He has lectured on music industry law at Yale University, Tanglewood Music Center, Manhattan School of Music, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Crane Institute for Music Business and Entrepreneurship at SUNY Potsdam, among other institutions. He also serves as company manager for TriCities Opera in Binghamton, New York. Visit https://TheEnterprisingMusician.com/ to learn about his workshops and consulting work and to explore additional resources.

Table of Contents

Foreword - Stephanie Blythe

Introduction

PART I: CONTRACT LAW AND THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM
Chapter One—A Brief Overview of the American Legal System
Chapter Two—Contract Basics
Chapter Three—Breach of Contract (When Things Go Wrong)

PART II: THE NUTS & BOLTS OF CONTRACT INTERPRETATION
Chapter Four—Interpreting Contract Language: 8 Tips for Getting Started
Chapter Five—Clauses Commonly Found in Musicians’ Contracts
Chapter Six—A Step-by-Step Guide for Analyzing Your Contracts

PART III: PERFORMERS’ CONTRACTS
Chapter Seven—Musicians’ Engagement (“gig”) Contracts
Chapter Eight—Personal Representation

PART IV: RESOURCES
Chapter Nine—Self Help

Index

Editorial Reviews

Williams' book is...a gift to performers. The Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performer Contracts provides working musicians clear guidance that is crucial for a performance career.

Classical Singer Magazine

David Williams demystifies the performance contract process with his clear explanations and pithy examples, and in doing so, he empowers young musicians to pursue their dreams. This book is required reading for serious performers.

Lynn Eustis

As a freelance musician negotiating my early career, The Enterprising Musician's Guide to Performer Contracts is the book I wished had existed. Smart and concise, it is the indispensable tool to help musicians negotiate the business side of their art.

Jamie Schmidt

Enlightening and invaluable. Williams shines a spotlight on how to navigate the business of a successful performing career, empowering you to make informed decisions with confidence.

John Churchwell

Comprehensive and easily comprehendible, this book is a real deal changer. The large numbers of examples add clarity, demystify, personalise and empower. A MUST for artists of every age and situation. With precision, love and passion, David Williams has written a profoundly important book

Margot Garrett