Engaging professional artists | Making Music

Engaging professional artists

Arranging and Copyright (online event)

We know that for many of our members there is a confusion and uncertainty around arranging and copyright, with fears of getting caught out for unintentionally not following the rules. This can be a significant barrier to celebrating the variety of repertoire that arrangements make it possible for groups to perform. We know arrangements are more important for many of you than new music commissions - but that is not reflected in the number of nominations for our Best Arranger for a Leisure-time Music Group Award. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Webinar recording: Commissioning new music: the challenges and benefits

In this recording of our webinar (original event 28 January 2025), we talked about process of commissioning new music as a leisure-time music group, and the challenges and benefits that it brings.

Commissioning a new piece of music can be a daunting process for a leisure-time music group, and it can be equally daunting for a music creator to approach a group to discuss collaborating. 

Chairs and leaders meet up (online event)

The responsibility that lies with Chairs and other leaders of music organisations can feel overwhelming, particularly in times of change. Making Music is hosting this meetup so you can connect with others in the same role, and talk about your challenges and successes. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Recommended rates for engaging professional musicians

This agreement, reached between the Musicians' Union and Making Music in 2017 (updated in 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024) provides guideline minimum rates for groups when engaging freelance professional musicians. 

We are very pleased to have renewed our agreement with the Musicians’ Union which is now in its seventh year.  

The Recommended Artist Guide

We are delighted to be preparing to launch a new and exclusive Recommended Artist Guide, an online database of affordable professional artists to book specially by leisure-time music groups and promoters, with the launch of our new website in 2025. 

Replacing our previously printed Selected Artist Guide, Making Music members will be able to book the listed artists at specially quoted fees, while the artists will gain exposure and more opportunities for bookings. 

Chameleon Arts Orchestra

Long-running group of top freelance players to suit your venue, repertoire and budget.

Recruiting a Music Director

Recruiting for a new musical leader is an important moment for a music group. This resource will take you through the process from defining the role to making an offer. Groups use different terms for their group's musical leader role, but in this resource we will use Music Director (MD).  

Contents:

Engaging and working with the musical leader for your group (online event)

98% of Making Music members have a music professional leading their group – but how to find and engage the right individual, and what are the different models of how music directors and committees work together? 

Making Music will talk about some of the practical help we have to help you find the right musical leader for your group: our Musical Vacancies tool, template contract, the fee results from the Big Survey 2022, and our ‘Searching for a Music Director’ resource. 

Location

Online
United Kingdom

Bands for Hire

Music agency providing live bands for every occasion. 

Map a Muso

Map a Muso is a directory that matches professional performers based in your local area with your event.

Whether you're looking for soloists, conductors or extra musicians and singers for your concert, Map a Muso can help you find the performers you need.

Since launching in Spring 2023, our directory has grown fast to nearly 400 performers, from freelancers working for West End shows, to top orchestras and BBC choirs. Our mission is to make the music industry greener by connecting performers with gigs and concerts nearby.