VOLUNTARY EVENT MUSIC RATING PROGRAMS

To better achieve a creative mix of music that satisfies my clients preferences, I've incorporated a system much like the present "Rating" system utilized in the motion picture industry.

I have no issue with adding any artists creative works into my mix, however, I'm very aware at times some music is just not appropriate and my client has the right to censor the play list. It should not be my position to say what is and is not appropriate for your event giving you total control.

Times have changed and requesting no Chicken Dance is now second to the request to avoid playing songs offensive to specific groups. Once you have booked my service you will find in your paperwork a section dedicated to "Rating" your event.

Read below to familiarize yourself with the Voluntary Event Music Rating Program then select the appropriate Music Rating for your event.

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The "Voluntary Event Music Rating Program" was established not to censor music, but give my clients control of the lyrical content there guests are exposed. Rating your event gives the acceptable ceiling in musical dialogue and in no way means ALL music played will meet the maximum acceptance level.

Q...What Does The Music Rating Symbols Mean?

GENERAL LISTENING: Appropriate for all ages, social and ethnic groups. This signifies that the music to be played contains nothing the majority of parents would consider offensive for even their youngest children to hear. Explicit vulgar and obscene language are absent; snippets of musical dialogue may go beyond polite conversation but does not go beyond the common everyday expressions.

MONITORED LISTENING: Some musical dialogue may not be suitable for all ages, social and ethnic groups.. This signifies that the music may contain material some guests might not like to expose their children to - music played can clearly contain dialogue used in public that is considered none offensive to adults, yet questionable to young children. Explicit vulgar and obscene language are absent; snippets of musical dialogue goes beyond polite conversation but does not go beyond the common everyday expressions.

CAUTIONED LISTENING: Some musical dialogue may not be suitable for all ages, social and ethnic groups. Much like movies that are rated as being inappropriate for pre-teens, yet grandparents would tolerate. Rough or persistent violent musical dialogue is absent; sexually-oriented musical dialogue is generally absent; some musical dialogue on drugs may be heard; use of the harsher sexually derived words may be heard.

RESTRICTED LISTENING: Some musical dialogue is not suitable for all ages, social and ethnic groups. This rating signifies it's acceptable to play requests that contain some adult material. Some Artists use of language, musical dialogue theme, may reflect violence, sex or its portrayal of drug use.

NO PERSON 17 AND UNDER: This rating reflects no one 17 and under will be in attendance at your event. This rating signifies an open adult form to musical content allowing any creative request within the established musical program. The musical dialogue may contain accumulation of sexually-oriented language and dialogue of excessive violence. The NP-17 rating does not, however, signify that the music played will exceed limitations of you the client.

Q...When Did The Music Rating Program Start?
The Program started on July 15, 1998.

Q...What Is The Purpose Of The Music Rating Program?
It is not to censor any specific artist or style of music. The Music Rating Program was established to ensure a dedicated method, enabling clients the judgment on music they want or do not played during an event.

Q...Is There Flexibility To The Music Rating Program?
Absolutely Yes; it's not uncommon for an event host to rate an event GL, then place a song on the request list with questionable musical dialogue. The Music Rating Program is a tool I use as guidance when a guest makes a song request and in my musical programming.

Q...Can I Multi-Rate My Event?
Yes; if you would like your event rated GL during the earlier dance sets, then assign CL rating for later dance sets. This allows individuals who may be offend an opportunity to enjoy the event and have knowledge the later dance sets possibly will include questionable music dialogue.

Q...What About Songs I Don't Want Played?
The Event Music Rating System works in conjunction with your DO-NOT-PLAY-LIST. It's not uncommon for a client to ask that a specific song that fits within the parameters of your selected Event Rating not be played. These DO-NOT-PLAY songs fall under the rating not listed, they are rates THIS-SONG-IS-NOT-TO-BE-PLAYED-UNDER-ANY CIRCUMSTANCE rating.

Q...What Criteria Is Used In The Music Rating Program?
Basically a simple method; musical dialogue, theme, language, addition of implied violence, sex and drug use, explicit emphasis on degrading individuals or groups based on ethnic, religion, political affiliations or national origin are considered in the decision-making process. No special emphasis is placed on these elements; each is considered with equal value. The minimum standard is dialogue of polite everyday conversation an average person would use in the presence of a three year old child.

Q...Is The Music Rating Program Law?
No, this is only a guideline for better understanding your musical requests and limitations.

Q...Can You Assist Me In Rating My Event?
Yes, No one knows your invited guests or venue better then you. However, as an experienced Professional Disc Jockey, I have my thumb on the trends of the industry that you may be unaware of.

Q...Do All Events Have To Have A Music Rating?
No, this is purely a voluntary decision made by my clients. The overwhelming majority of artist creating questionable musical dialogue is making it more and more difficult to know what is considered offensive from group to group. This self-applied rating just makes better sense.

Q...Who Enforces The Rating At The Event?
As your Professional Master of Ceremonies and Disc Jockey, I will. During the day of your event many individuals will approach me making song requests based on their personal taste that may fall outside the requested Event Rating, my established procedure is to politely and professionally explain the song is not appropriate for the event. The best approach is to be honest and direct. This will help avoid my client being pestered all night for inappropriate music to be played. VIEW SAMPLE OF REQUEST LIST WITH REQUIRED INFORMATION

SCHOOL DANCES: I have incorporated a procedure for school and youth events to prevent issues. GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND ADVISORS

OTHER DISC JOCKEYS MAY OBTAIN WRITTEN PERMISSION TO USE iJAM Productions Inc. EVENT MUSIC RATING SYSTEM. UNAUTHORIZED USAGE IS SUBJECT TO TERMS LISTED BELOW.

If you have not reserved my service contact me today or check my availability at anytime by clicking this image to get your event started today!