Music production contract template

This agreement is made on [Date] between [Your Name / Business Name] (the "Contractor") and [Client Name / Company] (the "Client").

The Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee of the Client.

The Producer will [produce, mix, and master] [number] track(s) for [Artist / Client], to the direction agreed against reference tracks, delivering masters in [WAV 24-bit], plus stems and instrumental versions for each track, by [date].

Vocal recording sessions, distribution, and marketing are not included unless listed here: [list].

Each track includes demo-stage feedback on the arrangement and [2] mix revision rounds from consolidated, timestamped notes. Arrangement changes after the arrangement is approved are new work, quoted first.

Mastering is included once per approved mix; re-masters after changes elsewhere in a release are billed at [Amount].

The total fee for the work is [Amount]. A non-refundable deposit of [Amount or %] is due before work begins, and the balance is due [on delivery / per the schedule below].

Invoices are payable within [14] days. Late payments may incur a fee of [1.5%] per month on the outstanding balance.

Any expenses (stock assets, plugins, printing, travel) are billed to the Client at cost and agreed in advance.

Work outside the scope described above is not included. If the Client requests additional work, the Contractor will provide a written estimate, and that work begins once the Client approves it in writing.

The Client will provide all content, access, feedback, and approvals needed to complete the work, in a timely manner.

If the project is delayed by more than [30] days due to a lack of Client response or materials, the Contractor may pause the project and invoice for work completed to date.

Rights are as follows: [Option A: this is work for hire, and all rights in the delivered recordings transfer to the Client on final payment] [Option B: the Client owns the recordings; the Producer retains [X%] of master royalties and a producer credit, per the split sheet attached].

Each party warrants that material it supplies (vocals, samples, interpolations, loops) is original or cleared, and is responsible for claims arising from its own material. Uncleared samples are not knowingly used.

Credit as [credit line] [is required in releases and metadata / is appreciated but not required]. The Producer may reference the work in a portfolio after public release.

Each party will keep the other's confidential information private and use it only to carry out this agreement.

The Contractor may show the finished work in a portfolio or case study unless the Client asks in writing to keep it private.

Either party may end this agreement with [14] days written notice. If the Client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and the Client pays for all work completed up to the cancellation date.

If the Contractor cancels, any pre-paid amount for work not yet delivered is refunded.

The Contractor's total liability under this agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Client. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential losses.

The work is provided without warranties beyond those stated here.

The Contractor controls how and when the work is done, uses their own tools, and is responsible for their own taxes and insurance. Nothing here creates an employment, partnership, or agency relationship.

This agreement is governed by the laws of [Your State / Country]. Any dispute will be handled in the courts of that location.

Contractor: ______________________________ Date: ____________

Client: __________________________________ Date: ____________