There are many occassions where one may wish to hire a live singer(s). Weddings, funerals, religious holidays, parties, romantic dinners, and other celebrations or memorials are just a few examples. Here are some guidelines to help you find and retain a singer for your event**.

Finding singers: Check with friends and family for recommendations. Check with your local religious and school music leaders for recommendations. Check with your local college music departments or, if applicable, your local opera or chorus leaders. Search singer websites; BSR lists many New England artists, but there are other singer websites you can find through google.com. Post notices with reputable music business' and music publications such as BSR, music stores, college music boards, and music trade magazines. In general, search for singers in places where singers are - such as music business' and music schools. Placing ads in general news papers or posting notices in grocery stores will yield limited results and waste your time and money.

Posting your request: Just like any other news announcement, include as much information about the event and the music as possible. Who, what, where, when, how much you will pay (pay range is ok too), contact information. Other information you may wish to include: repertoire you would like the singer to sing, male or female singer, accompanist or not (make sure there is a piano for the event if you need one), a travel stipend, etc.

Screening singers: Whenever possible, screen your talent. Don't just trust someone elses recommendation (unless you really know and trust their taste well). Most singers are used to presenting materials for singing jobs and will not be offended in the least if you ask to hear more about their experience. Ask for a biography or resume that lists experience. Ask for a recording or a schedule of performances where you can hear them live. If it is appropriate, set up an audition to hear one or more singers live. Know what kind of voice you are looking for (classical*, pop, jazz, male, female, etc.)

Auditioning singers: If you find the need to audition a singer or a group of singers, please be efficient and pleasant. Arrange the venue, set a date and a time with the singers. Either provide an accompanist or tell the singer that they must provide thier own (make sure there is a piano). Tell them ahead of time what you would like them to sing and anything else you plan to do at the audition (interview them, give them new music to sight read, etc.). Make sure you allow enough time between singers so you don't get behind schedule. If there are not alot of applicants, you should follow up with a phone call or a note to all of them thanking them for their time.

Contracting a singer: It is always good to have something on paper. The singer may have a contract to use already or you may wish to write one. Depending on the situation, singer, client, or organization, you may wish to use an arts lawyer to draw up a contract. Most of the time, a simple letter or email with all the information included is all that is needed to record the deal. Discuss all the details with the singer first. Then, be sure to include all that you discussed in your contract - who, what, where, when, how much, and contact information as well as any extra fees you may have negotiated such as a deposit required, accompanist fees, travel stipends, rehearsal fees, sheet music fees, music requirements, costume or equipment fees, costume or equipment requirements, piano tuning, etc. It is important to note that each situation is unique just as each singer is unique; not every contract will be the same or include the same fees.

Rehearsal and performance: If you wish to rehearse with a singer prior to your event, be prepared to pay extra, or be specific in your announcement and auditions that the singer will not be paid extra for rehearsals. In general, you do not pay a singer to rehearse on their own (exceptions to this may be newly composed music or rehearsals with other performers involved in the event.) If a rehearsal is expected, again, please be efficient. Arrange the venue, set a date and time with the singers and accompanist (make sure there is a piano). Stay on time.

On the day of your event: Have someone check in the singer and accompanist (make sure there is a piano for your event if you need one). Make sure they can get into the venue early to set up and warm-up if possible. Pay all the musicians before the event starts (this is customary and is one less thing you have to worry about later). Be prepared for 'no' if you make last minute repertoire request changes or additions. Many singers and accompanists do not improvise on the spot or keep alot of songs memorized. Most singers and accompanists like to prepare music for performance ahead of time as they do not wish to jeaprodize their performance.

After the event: A simple thank you at the end of the event is fine. A thank you note or email sent later is even better. A referral to a friend or colleague for more work is golden!

Special considerations:
Piano ccompaniment - make sure there is a piano if you need one. If not, see if you can obtain one or if the singer can bring one (you may have to pay extra). Determine if you will need to pay for a piano tuning or not on the day before your event (extra fees).
Piano accompanist - make sure you have one if you need one. A singer can often bring their own accompanist if you let them know ahead of time (be prepared to pay extra for an accompanist).
Other instruments - make sure you specify in your announcements if you would like guitar, harp, flute, etc to accompany the singer. If you don't have specific instrumentalists in mind to play, sometimes the singer can help you find them (be prepared to pay extra for instrumentalists)
Taped accompaniment - only if you really prefer the recorded accompaniment or you must do this as a necessity. Use this as a last resort.
.A capella - make sure you specify this in your announcements. Make sure you hear the singer(s) a capella so you know what it sounds like.
Amplification - Do you need microphone for the singer or not? Size and acoustic of the venue as well as the singers' voice will largely determine this. Heavily carpeted meeting rooms and outdoor events generally require amplification. Very large concert halls and churches may require amplification depending on the singer. Some singers may provide amplification equipment, otherwise you will need to provide it (extra fees).
Power - electric pianos, tape recorders, music stand lights, microphones all require electrical power. Make sure you have it if you need it.

*A 'classically trained singer', it is generally thought, is someone who has had extensive musical training in vocal pedegogy and classical styles. They have learned how to use the voice in the healthiest and most naturally acoustic way possible and they are familiar with song repertoire from centuries past as well as from today. Not all 'classically trained singers' are 'opera singers.'

** Please note that a Boston Singers' Resource subscription is open to anyone. BSR is not a management company or referral agency. Talent is screened and contracts are negotiated directly between artists and the hiring individuals or organizations. BSR accepts no additional fees for succefully formed partnerships.