All DePaul musicians have passed rigorous entrance auditions in order to join our programs. The Gig Connection service hosts our upper classmen undergraduates (juniors and seniors), graduate level students (master and certificate degree candidates) and alumni (up to five years after graduation). Each ensemble and soloist is recommended by one of our top-tier faculty members and approved by the Gig Manager.

The recommended hourly rate for the Gig Connection platform is $125-150 per musician. However, DePaul musician(s) may set their own pay rates and negotiate with the client on all aspects of the gig. We strongly believe this process is an important aspect of career training.

For a typical, one-hour gig for a trio or quartet, you can expect to pay $125-150 per hour, per musician.​​ This rate is also dependent on other variables, such as event location, amount of performance time, and specific repertoire selections/arrangements.

Our musicians maintain the right to decline a gig if an offer amount is believed to be inappropriate. 

Because the DePaul School of Music provides a conservatory-style music education, The Gig Connection focuses on genres studied within the institution - mainly jazz/Black American Music and classical music. If you have a request outside of those genres, please select “Other” on the request form, write the style you are looking for, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. All non-classical and non-jazz requests will be posted at the discretion of the Gig Manager.

​​Of course! Our musicians can help suggest the perfect selections for weddings, holiday parties, corporate events, or whatever your event may be.

Because giving back to DePaul and surrounding communities fulfills an important aspect of the University’s Vincentian mission, DePaul School of Music supports our students if they choose to volunteer their time and talent for charitable causes. While the primary goal of the Gig Connection is to connect students with professional, compensated opportunities, those students interested in volunteer work will be notified of such opportunities per the discretion of the Gig Manager. ​​​

When submitting your musician request form, indicate your need for an audio specialist in the "Any Additional Information We Should Know?" section.

String Duo

2 violins; violin, cello; violin, viola

String Trio

Violin, viola, cello

String Quartet

2 violins, viola, cello

Woodwind Trio
Flute, oboe, bassoon
Flute, clarinet, bassoon
Oboe, clarinet, bassoon

Mixed String/Woodwind Trio
Flute, Violin, Cello

Woodwind Quintet
Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn

Brass Trio
Trumpet
French horn
Trombone

Trombone Quartet

3 tenor trombones, bass trombone

Brass Quintet

2 trumpets
French horn
Trombone
Tuba

Vocal Ensemble (number of singers vary, please inquire for details) 

In jazz vernacular, ‘horn’ refers to woodwinds (primarily saxophone, and occasionally flute or clarinet), trumpet and trombone. Not sure which horn to pick? Feel free to ask us for help.

Jazz Trios
Piano, bass, drums
Guitar, bass, drums
1 horn, bass, drums
piano, guitar, bass

Jazz Quartets
1 horn, piano, bass, drums
1 horn, guitar, bass, drums
2 horns, bass, drums
2 horns, guitar, bass
2 horns, piano, bass​

Jazz Quintets
2 horns, guitar, bass, drums
2 horns, piano, bass, drums​

Woodwinds
Flute

Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Saxophone

Brass
French Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Tuba

Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass

Voice
Soprano
Mezzo-soprano
Alto
Tenor
Bass

Piano

Guitar

Percussion

Harp