Free Session Musician
Service Agreement
One 'lost' invoice or a kicked-over pedalboard will cost you more than the gig pays. Without a signed paper, you're just a roadie working for free while some suit pockets your royalties.
Pro Contractor Tip
Include a 'Work for Hire' provision that only transfers ownership of the masters to the client once the final payment clears your bank.
Why use a written agreement?
Handshake deals are risky. As a Session Musician, "scope creep" is your biggest enemy. A clear agreement ensures everyone agrees on the deliverables before money changes hands.
🛡️ What this sequence covers:
- ✓Deliverables List
- ✓Payment Terms
- ✓IP Rights
- ✓Revision Limits
- ✓Cancellation Policy
Ready to send?
Our AI will fill in the client's name, dates, and specific project details for you.
Start building now →Statement of Work
REF: 2026-0011. Project Background
This Agreement is entered into by and between the Client and the Contractor. The Client wishes to engage the Contractor for professional Session Musician services.
2. Scope of Services
The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:
- Multi-track raw WAV stems
- Master take comping
- Lead sheet and chart preparation
- MIDI performance data files
- Equipment load-in and sound check
- Post-session file delivery and archiving
3. Performance Standards
The Contractor agrees to perform the Session Musician services in a professional manner, using the degree of skill and care that is required by current industry standards.
TERMS & CONDITIONS (Summary):
1. Payment: 50% Deposit required.
2. Copyright: Rights transfer to Client upon full payment.
Disclaimer: This template is for educational purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions
The producer is demanding three extra hours of 'experimenting' after the scheduled end time.
The contract sets hard start and stop times; use an 'Overtime' clause to ensure you're paid a premium rate for every 15 minutes they keep you past the whistle.
The client wants me to wait for payment until the album 'drops' and makes money.
You aren't an investor, you're a technician; your agreement should mandate a 50% deposit before you even tune your strings to protect your time.
They keep asking for 'minor' revisions days after I left the studio.
Define a set number of allowed revisions in your scope of work so you can bill them for a new session the moment they start changing their minds.