Booking a musician in Switzerland: the practical guide

There is no single rate. An artist's fee mainly depends on five things: the line-up (solo, duo, full band), the playing time, travel, the equipment to bring and the date.

Saturdays from May to September and the end-of-year season are the most requested. A weekday or off-season request leaves more choice. Give a budget range in your request: artists reply with a precise fee, and every profile shows its own range.

The right line-up depends on what the music should do. To accompany drinks or a dinner, a soloist or an acoustic duo is enough and leaves conversation free. To get people dancing, a band or a DJ. For a ceremony, a melodic instrument (piano, violin, guitar) or an accompanied voice.

One artist can often cover several moments by adapting the repertoire: describe the programme of the day in your request.

Check the space available to play, access to the venue (floor, lift, parking), a nearby power socket and the time needed to set up. Ask whether the artist brings a PA or whether you need to provide one.

Outdoors, plan shade and shelter: instruments fear direct sun, rain and cold. Also check the noise hours of the municipality or the venue, which often set when amplified music must end.

For a private party among family and friends (wedding, birthday), the organizer usually has nothing to declare. For an event open to the public or a commercial event, the use of music may require a licence: check with SUISA, the Swiss cooperative society for music authors, before the event.

A clear written exchange avoids misunderstandings. On AskFor.Music, messages keep track of what you agreed. Write down at least:

• the date, the venue and the times (arrival, set-up, start and end);
• the length and number of sets, with breaks;
• the fee, travel costs and what they cover;
• the equipment brought and the equipment provided on site;
• meals and drinks for the musicians, if needed;
• the rain plan for an outdoor event;
• the cancellation terms, on both sides.

Ceremony: an instrument or a voice for the entrance, the highlights and the exit. Drinks reception: light background music. Dinner: a mood that lets people talk. Party: a band or a DJ, with a first dance prepared in advance.

Send specific songs (entrance, first dance) early: the artist needs time to learn or arrange them.

Before booking, ask for:

• a recent video or audio excerpt close to what you expect;
• the repertoire and whether a song can be added;
• technical needs and set-up time;
• what the fee includes;
• what happens if they can't make it (replacement, cancellation).

With a solo artist who has enabled online payment, you pay on AskFor.Music: Stripe collects the fee directly for the artist, and you receive a confirmation email that serves as proof of payment. With a band, the fee is settled directly with the band. For a formal invoice, with or without VAT, ask the artist.