Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

Musician Issues

The Difference Between Per-Service and Salary-Based Musicians

Thu, Jun 6, 2020
Following yesterday’s article that referenced per-service and salary-based musician employment, a number of readers reached out asking about the difference. To that end, I’m certainly guilty of assuming too much from time to time and this is decidedly one of those issues that can be very confusing if you aren’t already familiar with the distinction.

Upcoming Stress Tests For Musician Governance

Wed, Jun 6, 2020
“Never let a good crisis go to waste” is one of those quotes that comes as a razor-sharp double-edged sword. It’s been crossing my mind as of late with regard to some of the larger challenges orchestra musicians are likely to face in Covid era negotiations. First off, there are going to be no shortage

#TubaFTW

Tue, Apr 4, 2020
We are awash in a sea of self-produced content, and that’s a good thing. At the same time, there’s no denying that musicians who aren’t accustomed to this format are discovering that getting a quality audio track takes more than having a good microphone. And I certainly shouldn’t say this is a lesson only musicians

The Risks And Rewards Of Exposure

Wed, Apr 4, 2020
Just a quick post today pointing out a terrific piece from Joe Patti on the topic of artists being asked to provide services for exposure to support pandemic efforts. Unlike most conversations on this topic, Patti’s article isn’t espousing one notion over another, rather, he takes the time to provide specific instances over the last

AFM-EPF Drops the Hammer

Thu, Jan 1, 2020
Adaptistration People 173
While it comes as no surprise, the recent announcement from the American Federation of Musicians and Employers’ Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) heralding massive cuts to member benefits is sure to bring more than its fair share of angst among AFM members who are part of the plan. While the plan has to be approved by the
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