Our Musician FAQs
What is the New Zealand Session Collective (NZSC) and who can join?
The NZ Session Collective is a closed live-music booking platform connecting people with New Zealand’s top session musicians and ensembles. Those actively performing in concerts, recordings, tours, events and festivals are welcome to apply.
What problem does NZSC solve for musicians?
NZSC replaces messy, inconsistent gig-finding with seamless bookings, fair rates and transparent payments—creating sustainable careers and raising industry standards.
How does the Locrian app work for musicians?
Locrian is your musician hub | update real-time availability, receive booking requests—and manage contracts and invoices, all in one place.
How do I join NZSC?
Apply | Submit our online form.
Audition | Pass pass NZSC’s Ionian® two-stage audition (interview + performance).
Onboard | Get set up on Locrian and start accepting bookings.
Are bookings guaranteed?
Bookings depend on client demand and your availability. Locrian provides visibility and opportunity—but clients choose their musicians, so booking volume varies.
Are musicians tied down to NZSC?
No—NZSC is non-exclusive—artists can take on other work freely.
Do musicians keep 100% of their pay?
Yes—no platform commission. You receive full payment (less any standard NZ withholding tax) directly via Locrian’s escrow system.
What types of events can I play for?
Private Events (including parties, Private parties (birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings), VIP and exclusive functions, general entertainment, Weddings and civil ceremonies, Fundraisers and galas)
Corporate Functions (including Corporate parties and cocktails, Conferences, seminars and workshops, Product launches and brand activations, Company milestone celebrations and awards functions, Professional networking and client entertainment events)
Studio Recordings (including Album and EP recordings, Soundtrack and scoring sessions (film, television, video games), Advertising and commercial voice‑over or jingle recordings, Radio, podcast and online audio productions)
Live Shows & Festivals (including Concerts, Theatre shows, Stage productions, Reality TV & talent shows and Festivals)
Do I have to take work?
You control your availability in Locrian—open only the days and event types you want to play. If a client books one of those slots, we simply ask that you honour that engagement, but you’re never obliged to take work outside your chosen schedule.
Who is in NZSC?
Our roster comprises auditioned session professionals performing in major concerts, recordings, stage shows, tours and sessions. Members span classical, jazz, contemporary and ethnic styles—if you meet our audition criteria, you fit the brief.
How much will I be paid?
Musicians earn a market base rate (performative) of NZD 177/hr for solo work; ensemble rates are set individually upon group onboarding. Locrian displays all rates—including any extras—before you confirm a gig.
Can I view my earning reports?
Yes—Locrian tracks every gig payment and generates real-time statements, plus quarterly and annual earnings reports you can download directly from your dashboard.
How does NZSC support musician well-being?
We prioritise your welfare with mandatory health & safety protocols for bookings, access to industry support services via trusted partners, and optional insurance packages for eligible members.
Will I receive studio royalties and credits?
Yes—where applicable, studio session work follows industry-standard royalty distributions and crediting policies, fully outlined in our Independent Contractor Agreement.
Can I connect with other NZSC musicians?
Absolutely—Locrian’s Social Hub provides a social platform to network, collaborate, share ideas and join peer-review sessions with fellow session players and ensembles.
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