Hire a WashU Musician

The Washington University Department of Music is home to a variety of music students and faculty members available for your events that would benefit from a live music experience. With this form, we will match you with well-qualified individuals. We have many students who have been approved by their primary faculty mentors to perform in professional settings on campus and a world-class performance faculty available for both on campus and external events. 

Students are generally only available September through early May and student performances are reserved for internal university requests only.  All other requests will be referred to faculty performers for private arrangement. At least three weeks notice is required for all requests.

What Kinds of Musicians Can I Hire?

We can connect you with the following possible student performers and faculty:

  • Keyboard – piano (jazz and classical)
  • Strings – violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar (jazz and classical)
  • Voice – soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, bass (jazz and classical)
  • Woodwinds – flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone
  • Brass – trumpet, trombone, horn, euphonium, tuba
  • Percussion – various instruments (jazz and classical)
  • Harp

Some examples of approved student or faculty ensembles include:

  • String Duos, Trios and Quartets
  • Piano Trios
  • Brass Quintets (faculty only)
  • Jazz Combos
  • Washington University Chamber Choir*
  • Symphony Orchestra*
  • Jazz Big Band*
  • Wind Ensemble*

Note: We cannot guarantee that all students or ensembles listed will be available at any given time. For questions or concerns, please contact Jennifer Gartley.

*For these larger ensembles, please contact Jennifer Gartley directly to talk about performance requirements and fees, 6 months advance notice is required. 

Rates & Cancellation Policy

Student rates are $125 per student for the first hour and $75 per student for each hour to follow. Faculty rates are negotiated with the individual faculty member. If internal events are canceled after the musicians are confirmed, musicians will be compensated at 50% of their confirmed fees for the canceled engagement.

 External event cancelation policies are negotiated privately between the client and faculty member. 

Please Note

For external events: faculty accept performance engagements as freelance performers, not as employees of Washington University. We encourage both clients and musicians to put performance agreements in writing, but please be advised that Washington University does not enforce nor endorse any contract undertaken by students or faculty acting as freelance performers. The contracted student or faculty member will be your point of contact once assigned.  Use of this service is entirely at the risk of the users and the University expressly disclaims any and all liability with regards to usage of this site. Special requests, rates, and all other event details, are determined between the artist and the client. The Department of Music reserves the right to refuse requests that do not abide by University policies.