Small orchestra ensemble for events

Couples, event planners, corporate hosts, venues, hotels and nonprofits that want live music.

A flat fee per performance, set by group size and length, with add-ons for ceremony plus reception sets, extra rehearsals or amplification. Fees are split with the musicians.

• Strong ensemble playing and a wide repertoire
• Organizing musicians and schedules
• Responding to inquiries and selling your group

• General liability insurance, which many venues require as proof of coverage
• Check with your city or county about any business license, and set up your LLC or sole proprietorship with the state
• Written contracts with deposits and cancellation terms for every booking
• Music licensing for copyrighted pieces: check whether the venue's licenses cover your performance
• Pay musicians as independent contractors only after checking IRS and state rules for how to classify them

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on your setup, how you market the group and the insurance you choose. Treat this as an estimate and check what your first venues will expect from you.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many bookings you win and the size of your group. Use written contracts with deposits and cancellation terms for every booking. Plan for at least 6 hours a week.

Check general liability insurance, which many venues require as proof of coverage, and ask your city or county about any business license. Also check whether the venue's music licenses cover your performance, and IRS and state rules before classifying musicians as contractors.