What is the New Zealand Session Collective (NZSC)?

The NZ Session Collective is a cutting-edge music-booking platform connecting people with New Zealand’s top musicians and ensembles for hire.

What Is The Problem The NZSC Is Trying To Solve?

Musicians struggle with fragmented booking opportunities and limited market access. By building a brand known for quality and professionalism, NZSC aims to shift economic perceptions and create sustainable opportunities for musicians.

How does NZSC work?

The NZSC connects clients with musicians through our app, Locrian (operating much like AirBnb, or Uber), which offers features like AR-enhanced planning, real-time calendar syncing, and crypto-friendly payments, creating a seamless, immersive experience that redefines how live music is booked. Locrian is the southern hemisphere’s premier music booking app–and the backbone of our platform.

How do I join NZSC?

• The Registration Form: Fill out our registration form here.

• The Audition Process: Complete our 2-stage audition (interview and audition).

• Onboarding: Onboard as a contractor into the NZSC and our platform Locrian.

Do I Have To Take On Work?

You control your availability through the Musicians Hub in Locrian, so you decide when and how often to work–whether it’s one day in a year or everyday. Locrian will be the main form of operations for you within the NZSC.

Are Bookings Guaranteed?

Bookings depends on demand—while we facilitate connections, work is demand-based and not guaranteed.

Am I Tied Down?

Within the NZSC, your work is non-exclusive, giving you the freedom to take on other work within the industry as you please.

What Types Of Events Can I Play For?

Our service range includes Private Events, Corporate Functions, Studio Recordings, and Live Shows & Festivals. There is full flexibility here too, you can choose which of the four event types you can be booked for.

Who Is In The NZSC?

Our roster features New Zealand’s most sought after, hand-picked players—each carefully auditioned for their skill, experience, and internal drive. Representing a broad spectrum of musical styles, from classical to ethnic, these professionals are behind many of the stage shows, albums, recordings, events, and tours all over New Zealand. If you’re reading this, likely chances are you fit that brief.

Does The NZSC Take A Cut Of My Earnings?

Absolutely not. We are not a promoter, or manager of any kind. We’re run by musicians for musicians. All earnings flow directly to you, minus any NZ resident withholding tax (RWT) that must be paid. Our profit margin as a business comes on top of what the client pays.

How Does NZSC Ensure Fair Opportunities For All Musicians?

We believe in fairness and transparency. NZSC is designed to offer equal visibility for all members, though the final decision often rests with clients seeking musicians' services. Our platform ensures that every musician has the chance to be considered for suitable opportunities.

What’s The Remuneration?

For nearly a decade, musicians in New Zealand have grappled with a simple, yet critical question: “What do I charge?” We set out to fix that, through extensive discussions with circuit musicians, retired professionals, pedagogues, industry surveys, and market insights.

Our pricing starts with a foundation set at $170 per hour, with increases based on experience:

• 0-3 years: $170/hour (+0%)

• 4-9 years: $178.50/hour (+5%)

• 10-15 years: $182.75/hour (+7.5%)

• 16+ years: $187/hour. (+10%)

This new base rate reflects current economic conditions, including inflation, wage growth, and cost of living adjustments.

Ensemble Rates: Rates for ensembles within NZSC are set by the respective groups. Most ensembles use their standard rates for NZSC bookings. Clients will be informed of these rates upon inquiry or during the booking process.

Can I View My Earning Reports?

Of course. After each successful booking, Locrian will generate a full earning summary and breakdown, and also presents quarterly and annual reports automatically.

What measures does NZSC take to ensure my well-being during events?

We prioritise your well-being with health and safety provisions, health insurance coverage, and support services like music therapy through external partners.

Will I Receive Studio Royalties and Credits?

Yes, all studio work performed under NZSC will be recognised with credits where appropriate, and any royalties due will be paid as per the Independent Contractor Agreement and industry standards. Details are outlined in our Musicians Credit and Royalty Policy.

Can I Communicate With Other NZSC Musicians?

Absolutely. We foster a sense of community among our members. The Musicians Hub in Locrian includes a social platform where you can interact, collaborate, and share ideas with other musicians.

Join The NZSC