How to Negotiate a Contract With a Music Manager

Quick answer: When negotiating a music manager contract, focus on four things: the length of the term (one year is standard), a clear description of their actual duties, how their expenses get reimbursed, and the management fee itself (typically 10-20%, paid only from earnings they help generate - never upfront). Keep the language plain enough that you genuinely understand every clause before you sign it.

Finding a manager who’s genuinely excited about your music is a great feeling - but the most important step in the relationship happens before you start working together: negotiating the contract. What you agree to here shapes your entire career going forward, so it’s worth doing carefully.

Start With the Basics

A contract doesn’t need dense legal language to be effective - the best ones are straightforward and mutually beneficial. Even with an experienced manager, you shouldn’t feel pressured into an unreasonably large commission. Make sure you and your manager are aligned on:

• The length of the contract
• Your manager’s expected duties
• Expense reimbursement
• The management fee

The Length of the Contract

A one-year term is the standard starting point - long enough to build real momentum, short enough that either side can walk away if the fit isn’t working. Include a clear cancellation policy with any penalties spelled out, so neither of you is guessing about your options mid-contract.

Your Manager’s Expected Duties

This section is genuinely hard to nail down completely - a lot of what a manager does extends beyond a bullet list. Still, aim for as much clarity as you reasonably can: booking shows, radio promotion, merchandising support, whatever applies to your situation. The goal isn’t a perfect list, it’s making sure you’re both picturing the same relationship.

Expenses and Reimbursement

Your manager shouldn’t be operating out of pocket, but you also shouldn’t be writing blank checks. Define what counts as a reimbursable expense (travel is the most common one), set a regular reimbursement schedule, and require receipts. Most artists overlook setting a spending cap - beyond a certain amount, your manager should need your sign-off before incurring a large expense.

The Management Fee

This is the number that matters most. The standard range is 10-20% of your earnings from deals your manager helped negotiate - record deals, performance fees, licensing, whatever they were actually involved in landing. Anything meaningfully above that deserves real scrutiny.

One rule that should be non-negotiable: never pay your manager anything upfront. Their compensation comes from a share of what they help you earn, not a fee from your own pocket before any work has happened.

Finding the Right Fit First

If you’re feeling ready to negotiate, it’s worth slowing down one more time - you’ve been managing yourself fine up to this point, and there’s no rush to sign with the first person who’s interested. For more on this stage, see what to look for when hiring a music manager and how to find a music manager for your band or solo act.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a music management contract last? A standard term is one year, which lets both sides evaluate the relationship before committing longer. Always include a clear cancellation policy so either party has a defined way out if it’s not working.

What percentage should a music manager get in a contract? Typically 10-20% of your earnings from deals they helped negotiate. Anything meaningfully higher deserves real scrutiny before you agree to it.

Should I ever pay a manager money upfront? No. A manager’s compensation should come from a share of what they help you earn, not an upfront fee from you. Any reasonable expenses they incur should be reimbursed with receipts, not paid in advance.

Whatever stage your management search is at, getting your music heard doesn’t have to wait. Submit Your Music and let’s help you build the case.