The Session Musician Agreement is essential for professional recording projects in the United States where temporary musical services are required. This contract type protects both the hiring party and the musician by clearly defining the scope of work, compensation, and rights assignments. It ensures compliance with federal copyright laws, state labor regulations, and union requirements where applicable. The agreement is particularly important in establishing clear ownership of recorded material and preventing future disputes over usage rights and compensation.
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1. Parties: Identifies the contracting parties (typically the producer/studio and the session musician)
2. Background: Brief context about the recording project and the need for session musician services
3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Recording Session', 'Master Recording', 'Works', etc.
4. Services: Detailed description of musical services to be provided, including number of sessions and hours
5. Payment Terms: Session rates, payment schedule, and any additional compensation
6. Intellectual Property Rights: Assignment of rights, ownership of recordings, and usage permissions
7. Warranties and Representations: Musician's confirmations regarding ability to perform and right to enter agreement
1. Union Compliance: Required if musician is an AFM member or if session must comply with union regulations
2. Royalties: Terms for ongoing payments for future uses of recordings
3. Travel and Expenses: Terms for reimbursement of travel costs and related expenses
4. Exclusivity: Restrictions on recording similar material for competitors
1. Schedule A - Session Details: Specific dates, times, and locations of recording sessions
2. Schedule B - Fee Schedule: Detailed breakdown of rates, including overtime and additional uses
3. Schedule C - Technical Requirements: Equipment specifications and technical needs for the session
4. Schedule D - Song List: List of compositions to be recorded during the sessions
5. Appendix 1 - Union Requirements: Relevant union rules and regulations if applicable
Relevant legal definitions
Agreement
Artist
Background Tracks
Base Fee
Compositions
Confidential Information
Delivery Date
Effective Date
Employer
Engagement
Force Majeure
Instrument
Master Recording
Musician
Overdubs
Performance
Producer
Project
Recording Session
Recording Studio
Rights
Services
Session Fee
Sound Recording
Studio Time
Term
Territory
Union
Work for Hire
Works
Artist
Background Tracks
Base Fee
Compositions
Confidential Information
Delivery Date
Effective Date
Employer
Engagement
Force Majeure
Instrument
Master Recording
Musician
Overdubs
Performance
Producer
Project
Recording Session
Recording Studio
Rights
Services
Session Fee
Sound Recording
Studio Time
Term
Territory
Union
Work for Hire
Works
Clauses
Scope of Services
Payment Terms
Recording Sessions
Intellectual Property Rights
Work for Hire
Union Compliance
Performance Rights
Mechanical Rights
Digital Rights
Confidentiality
Non-Compete
Warranties and Representations
Indemnification
Termination
Cancellation
Force Majeure
Credit and Attribution
Equipment and Materials
Studio Rules
Travel and Expenses
Insurance
Assignment
Notices
Entire Agreement
Amendment
Severability
Governing Law
Dispute Resolution
Third-Party Rights
Survival
Payment Terms
Recording Sessions
Intellectual Property Rights
Work for Hire
Union Compliance
Performance Rights
Mechanical Rights
Digital Rights
Confidentiality
Non-Compete
Warranties and Representations
Indemnification
Termination
Cancellation
Force Majeure
Credit and Attribution
Equipment and Materials
Studio Rules
Travel and Expenses
Insurance
Assignment
Notices
Entire Agreement
Amendment
Severability
Governing Law
Dispute Resolution
Third-Party Rights
Survival
Relevant Industries
Relevant Teams
Relevant Roles
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