Presenter Support Guide

Thank you for hosting Andy Bliss for an educational residency, clinic, or performance.

This guide exists to support clear, collaborative planning between presenters, institutions, and partners. It outlines optional partner coordination, financial clarity, and presenter support considerations that help ensure a smooth and successful experience for everyone involved.

Scope of This Guide

This document addresses three main areas of coordination:

  1. Educational partner support (optional, presenter-initiated)

  2. Financial clarity and confirmation procedures

  3. Logistical, physical, and accessibility support during the engagement

Each section is intended to reduce uncertainty, support professionalism, and ensure the focus remains on meaningful student engagement.

Planning Philosophy

Residencies and clinics are most successful when expectations are discussed early and communicated clearly.

This guide is not intended to be restrictive or prescriptive. Instead, it provides a shared framework so that presenters and Andy can plan thoughtfully, anticipate needs, and avoid last-minute surprises.

Questions are always welcome at any stage of the planning process.

Educational Partner Support

Andy Bliss maintains professional artist relationships with several percussion industry partners. In some cases, presenters choose to independently inquire whether educational support is available to complement a residency or clinic.

This support is intended to enhance student engagement and may include items such as door prizes, educational materials, or product literature. Availability varies by company, timing, and context, and support is never guaranteed.

How Partner Support Works

When presenters wish to explore partner support, the most effective process is:

  1. Presenter-initiated contact with the company

  2. Direct confirmation from the company regarding availability

  3. Coordination with Andy to align on how the support will be used

Andy is happy to provide general guidance when helpful, but partner support is coordinated directly between the presenter and the company.

Important Notes

  • Partner support is optional and should not be assumed

  • Support varies by engagement type (clinic vs. residency), lead time, and availability

  • Requests should typically be made a minimum of 6–8 weeks in advance

  • Educational support is distinct from sponsorship or marketing agreements

Any support offered is intended to supplement the residency experience, rather than define it.

Industry Partners

Andy Bliss currently maintains professional artist relationships with the following companies:

  • Yamaha

  • Zildjian Cymbals

  • D’Addario - Evans Drumheads + Sensory Percussion

  • Black Swamp Percussion

  • Meinl Percussion

  • Innovative Percussion

  • Meinl Percussion

Specific contact information is shared following booking confirmation.

Artist Fee & Financial Coordination

Andy Bliss’s artist fee is established independently of any optional educational partner support.

The presenter remains responsible for the full agreed-upon artist fee, regardless of whether third-party support is pursued or received, unless all parties explicitly confirm an alternative arrangement in advance.

This section exists to ensure clarity, prevent miscommunication, and support smooth financial coordination for everyone involved.

Standard Fee Responsibility

  • The presenter is responsible for payment of the full artist fee as outlined in the engagement agreement.

  • Educational partner support—when available—is considered supplemental and does not automatically reduce or replace the artist fee.

  • No assumptions should be made regarding third-party contributions until they are formally confirmed.

When Partner Support Is Applied Toward the Artist Fee

In some cases, a company may elect to provide direct financial support that a presenter wishes to apply toward the artist fee.

When this occurs, the following conditions apply:

  1. Written Confirmation Is Required

    Any financial contribution applied toward the artist fee must be:

    • Confirmed in writing by the company

    • Explicit about the amount, payment method, and expected timeline

  2. Confirmation Must Precede Any Fee Adjustment

    • The presenter agrees that the full artist fee remains due until confirmation is received

    • Anticipated or pending support may not be applied retroactively

  3. Payment Flow Must Be Clear

    • If a company pays Andy Bliss directly, the presenter may remit the remaining balance

    • If payment is delayed, reduced, or does not materialize, the presenter remains responsible for the full fee

Timing & Coordination

  • Partner contributions often operate on timelines independent of institutional payment systems

  • Early confirmation helps prevent last-minute complications

  • Andy is happy to coordinate communication once confirmation is in place

Why This Policy Matters

Clear financial coordination protects:

  • The presenter’s planning and budgeting process

  • The integrity of long-standing artist–partner relationships

  • The sustainability and professionalism of the residency experience

This approach ensures that all support—whether institutional or partner-based—is handled transparently and respectfully.

Questions & Communication

If there are questions about how partner support may interact with the artist fee, these should be discussed prior to finalizing agreements.

Open communication early in the process helps everyone plan confidently.

Presenter Support & Accessibility Consideration

Equipment Transport, Load-In, & Setup

As a drummer/percussionist, most of Andy’s performances, residencies, or clinics involve instrumental and technical equipment. In these instances, the following expectations apply:

  • If Andy brings equipment, the presenter’s team is responsible for:

    • Unloading upon arrival

    • Transporting equipment to the teaching or performance space

    • Full setup and placement prior to the session

  • If equipment is provided by the presenter, it should be:

    • Fully assembled and in position

    • Setup and ready to be used by the presenter

Physical Sustainability & Safety

Andy’s work frequently involves extended standing, movement between instruments, and long teaching days. To support safety and sustainability:

  • Load-in and load-out assistance is required

  • Heavy lifting by the artist should be avoided

  • Clear communication about logistics in advance is appreciated

These considerations help maintain focus on teaching and student engagement rather than equipment logistics.

Advance Coordination

If equipment transport or setup will be required, presenters are encouraged to:

  • Confirm staffing plans in advance

  • Share space layouts or photos

  • Allow sufficient access time before sessions begin

Andy is always happy to coordinate details ahead of time to ensure a smooth arrival and setup.