Updated April 19, 2023
A disc jockey (DJ) services contract is a legal document between a client and a DJ for an event that is paid on a per-gig or per-hour ($/hr) basis. Depending on the disc jockey, the music that is played may be original by the artist or songs that are requested by the client or the attendees at the event. At the time of making an agreement, the client will commonly pay a deposit to the disc jockey that is non-refundable if the event is canceled.
Table of Contents |
What is a DJ Contract?
A disc jockey (DJ) contract is used to hire entertainment to play music and entertain guests. The term “disc jockey” or “DJ” is a wide-ranging term used to describe a person that plays popular songs or an artist that creates their own unique original music. The amount paid to the disc jockey is entirely dependent on the popularity of the individual as well as the event. This agreement may be used for any type of events such as a wedding, bar, nightclub, or related occasion.
Types of Events & Venues
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Clubs
- Corporate Events
- Radio
- Restaurants
- Reunions
- Weddings
How Much Does a DJ Cost?
This ultimately depends on the event, the equipment required, and the number (#) of hours. According to Thumbtack, a DJ is paid $600 to $750 per gig.
What’s Included in a DJ Contract?
The following items should be included in a DJ contract:
- DJ’s Name – If a specific person is requested;
- Event Date & Time;
- Rate ($) – Either on an Hourly ($/hr) or per event basis;
- Termination – Terms under a cancelation by either party; and
- Duties of Each Party – List whether the client or the disc jockey is responsible for providing the speakers, electricity, and any other requirements for the music to be played.
How to Write
Download: Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx) or Open Document Text (.odt)
1 – Access This Template To Set Up And Issue A DJ Service Contract
The contract, available through the buttons (PDF., Word, and ODT) on this page, will enable you to issue a service agreement between a Disc Jockey and his or her Client. It is recommended that you prepare this paperwork on screen with a compatible program however if your computer lacks such software, you can print the PDF version directly from your browser.
2 – Clearly Identify Each Party Signing This Agreement
When it is time to solidify a Client with paperwork, access this file to fill it out with the requested information. Begin by entering the current calendar date when this contract should be considered active utilizing the preformatted blank spaces labeled “Effective Date” in the first article of this contract (titled “I. The Parties”). 
Now, supply the full name of the Client on the line after the term “…By And Between.” 
Continue reporting on this entity by entering the building number, street name, and (if applicable) suite number of the Client’s address on the next available space. 
The city and state of the Client’s address must also be reported. The next two empty lines have been reserved for this information. 
The name of the Disc Jockey or DJ Company should be presented on the first space after the Client address you reported. 
The remaining areas in this statement require the official business address of the Disc Jockey or DJ Company. 
3 – Discuss The Specifics Of The Event And Expected Payment
Article “II. The Event” will allow us to quickly solidify the location, date, and time of the venue where the DJ services will be required by the Client. Locate the blank space labeled “Venue” then list where the DJ must appear. This can be listed as the name of the physical space (i.e. a bar name) or the name of a family (i.e. Smith Household). 
Next, produce the street address where the DJ will work on the “Venue Address” line. This must be an address one can locate on a map. 
The calendar date when the DJ must appear at the venue address should be provided on the lines following the label “Event Date.” 
Now, list the exact time the DJ must work at the venue on the preformatted spaces labeled “Time.” Make sure to indicate if the time you are reporting is either “A.M.” or “P.M.” by marking the appropriate checkbox. 
We must report the minimum amount of time the (in hours) the Disc Jockey is expected to work on the last blank space of this section. 
Naturally, in addition to the location and time of this job, we will need to document the amount of money the Client has agreed to pay for the DJ or DJ Company to work the event described above. This task will be handled in “III. Payment” by reporting “Total Fee ($) For Services” the Client will pay the DJ on the first blank line. 
Oftentimes, a “Non-Refundable Deposit” will be set in place. This will assure the DJ that should anything interfere with the completion of this contract, that the Company (or DJ) will still retain a certain amount of money to cover some of the losses. Supply the amount the Client must pay, with no expectation of a refund, on the second blank line. This amount is usually required well before the event at the time this contract is signed or a short time after. 
The third blank space has been reserved so you may report the “Balance Due On Date Of Event.” Typically, this is the dollar amount that remains to be paid after the Client has submitted his or her non-refundable deposit. 
The statement at the end of this article will have an empty line within it. Fill in the amount of money per hour the Client will pay the DJ if the event goes beyond the agreed upon time frame. 
In “IV Duties Of The Client,” furnish the number of days before the event that the Client must make sure all the necessary space requirements for the DJ are met. 
4 – Some Necessary Legal Issues Must Be Reviewed, Determined, And Documented
At times, the arrangements made by the Client or the DJ may not go through. In “V. Termination,” we will define how these parties may cancel the arrangements made above. Locate the empty line in “A.) Termination By Client,” then record how many days’ notice the Client must give the DJ before the official termination of this contract. 
We will deliver similar information in the second item, “B.) Termination By Disc Jockey.” Record how many days’ notice before termination the Client must be given if the DJ terminates this contract. 
Both the Client and the DJ should read articles “VI. Disputes” through “VIII. Binding Arrangement.” Important disclosures of information that will apply to the signature parties will be presented here and will apply to the DJ and Client upon the execution of this paperwork. 
Record the state where the DJ and Client will be held accountable to this contract on the blank line in “IX. Governing Law.” This is the state where the court system that enforces these provisions exists. 
5. Any Additional DJ/Client Issues Must Be Included In This Contract
Article “X. Additional Terms & Conditions” supplies a distinct area where we may list any additional obligations that should be placed on the Client, DJ, or both as a result of this agreement but not mentioned thus far. If you need additional room, you can add more lines using your software or you may cite an additional document with the provisions that should be included. If there are no “Additional Terms & Conditions” to document, it is recommended that you enter the word “None.”
6 – The Disc Jockey And The Client Must Execute This Contract By Signing It
Now, below the article labeled “XI. Entire Agreement,” the Client must formally agree to the provisions of this work contract by signing his or her full name on the “Client Signature” line. 
A blank space has been supplied underneath the signature line so the Client may print his or her name. 
The current calendar date when the Client submits his or her signature must be reported on the blank space labeled “Date,” by the Client, immediately after he or she has signed and printed his or her name.
The next signature area is devoted to the Disc Jockey or a representative of your Disc Jockey Company. The DJ must sign his or her name on the space labeled “Disc Jockey Signature” line, 
Next, the Disc Jockey must print his or her directly below his or her signature. 
Once the Disc Jockey has provided the above items to the signature area, he or she must enter the current calendar date on the remaining blank space. 