As a professional musician who is married to a health care worker (in the nursing homes no less), my answer to this is quite simple: YES! Our household exercised caution early on and took the guidance of the CDC very seriously. I knew it was essential to adjust my gigging contract for the health and safety of myself, my unborn child, and my husband (and in turn the many patients he saw on a daily basis).
I added to my contract the requirement of a six-foot-square space around my harp at all times while I performed. I stated that I would be wearing a mask during the entire event (and would stand firm if a bride asked me to unmask for photos). I encouraged all information for the event be relayed before I arrived so it reduced the need to speak to anyone in person when I was present. I instated a higher non-refundable deposit so that if the gig canceled due to pandemic-related activities, I was at the very least making money for saving the date and turning other clients away.
—Elizabeth Louise
My contract is sporting two new clauses:
1. “While the performer understands the need to reschedule during a mandated pandemic due to health reasons, all rescheduling will incur a $35 fee,” and 2. “Performer is vaccinated against the COVID-19 Virus.” The first clause has saved me frustration and wasted time from desperate couples forgetting to communicate or booking me before they’ve secured any details. It’s a big enough fee that people remember to communicate clearly, but not so big as to cause financial ruin (I have a heart). Not a single one of my clients has complained. In fact, sometimes I get a Venmo payment for $35 first and know exactly what the next phone call is about.
The second clause just saves awkward conversations like the one where the client wanted me to be on the balcony if I wasn’t vaccinated. (Bless her for including me)! You’ll notice I haven’t provided any personal protection clauses for myself. I feel confident in my ability to advocate for myself while on the job (no, you may not lick my harp) but the contract is a great place to put that information if you feel it would be out of your comfort zone on the spot in person.
—Janelle Lake
I have not updated my performance contract with regard to COVID and don’t plan to. While my contract specifies accommodations that keep the harp safe (from accidents and the elements at outdoor events) I cannot fathom how I can require others to get vaccinated, wear a mask if they are not vaccinated or stay six feet away from me.
Instead I assume responsibility for protecting myself as best I can by being vaccinated, positioning the harp more than 6 feet away from clients and their guests (as I did even before COVID) and following CDC guidelines for masking. I do all this quietly and without mention in my contact. Because I live in a temperate climate, most of my jobs are outside. Since I understand COVID to be an “inside aerosol disease” I feel more confident in my approach than harpists in colder areas performing indoors. Since COVID, instead of a handshake, I now greet people palms together in front of my heart in the “Namaste” position. In this way, I hope they will feel seen and acknowledged without the requirement to touch. •
