Definition:
Whether in the medical or non-medical fields, a “locum tenens agreement” is an agreement between two parties that allows one party to fulfill a temporary contract. The meaning of the word “locum” comes from the Latin word for “a place”, and the word “tenens” literally means “holding”. Therefore, “locum tenens” means “holding a place”. In practice, the locum tenens agreement is used to fill a vacancy for a few hours, days, months or longer.
Parties to a locum tenens agreement:
In the medical field, locum tenens are considered substitutes for vacationing doctors or those temporarily leaving their practice for other reasons such as maternity leave. But less known by the general public is the use of locum tenens agreements in the non-medical field: Musicians need extras, too! Just speak to any good Los Angeles casting director for extras, and you will hear lots of stories of musicians working as extras while earning an MFA degree or even just auditioning for gigs. If these performing artists were to sign temporary agreements with studios and casting directors to provide extra acting in the meantime, it would be a perfect metaphor for the life of a musician, always holding a place somewhere special.
Advantages of locum tenens
Raising the bar: Locum tenens provides benefits and security to the overall stability of those who need it. In this day and age, especially those who are experiencing it can tell you, music has been lowering the bar for them even on a contractual basis, it seems. And that shouldn’t be any further from the truth if you ask this writer – offering today’s contractual work only 75% of musicians’ true value ($75/hr), compared to classic guitarists’ projected 100%, has been backwards. Having a standard value for musicians and film composers gives them leverage at the next gig: A locum tenens agreement can put in place a model for sustainability and longevity. Thus, raising the bar.
Accountability: With musicians having to sign contracts today, in order to score a gig, he or she has to be reliable to the company or studio. A locum tenens agreement also enforces reliability. And while we all may have been guilty of being late on occasion, being a “contactor musician” is to be late to your own funeral. Accountability is important.
Implicit promises to the same: The locum tenens agreement is binding even if not in writing. And herein lays the caveat of having one in the first place. Things should be done in writing, so that everyone is on board in terms of the conditions of the gig, and so that future disputes may be avoided.
Like our featured artist Pop ‘stache, many musicians can work best when they are temporary, and always holding a place somewhere special. That’s what makes them extras in other productions, and locum tenens in these days and ages of capricious musicianship.
