Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

2021 Orchestra Compensation Reports: Music Directors

Wed, Jun 6, 2021
Much like their executive counterparts, Music Directors saw a large artificial decrease in average compensation thanks to several high paying positions being filled for only part of the season. Nonetheless, even a down season, it’s good to be the king, maestro, music director. The Information In order to provide information that is as accurate as possible,

2021 Orchestra Compensation Reports: Executives

Tue, Jun 6, 2021
When it comes to executive compensation, last year’s artificially low average change (-11.62%) was offset by an equally artificial increase (19.74%). Having said that, the two-season average falls right in line with historic norms to continue the upward trend. The Information In order to provide information that is as accurate as possible, info from the 2018/19 season

2021 Orchestra Compensation Reports: Introduction

Mon, Jun 6, 2021
If you had to summarize this year’s compensation report trends in a single word, it might be “whipsaw.” Last year’s reports saw anomalies in averages thanks to several high paying positions going unfilled or occupied by someone for a partial season. As a result, we saw more artificially lower averages than normal. Now that most

Colorado Springs Discord Continues

Thu, Jun 6, 2021
The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra (CSPO) labor dispute continues with little change from where they were months ago. What this means is while other orchestras are tooling back up for performance activity and moving ahead, the CSPO continues to shrink in their rearview mirror. While both sides in the dispute remain in arbitration, there is

Juilliard Students to Admin: We’re Not Gonna Take It

Wed, Jun 6, 2021
Getting a music degree from a name brand conservatory or school of music is mind-numbingly expensive. Investing in this type of career carries more risk now than I can remember and given the amount of debt students absorb chasing those degrees, it wasn’t unusual to see them do the comparative math and opt to take