Drew McManus on the Orchestra business | est. 2003

2008 Compensation Report: ROPA Executive Directors

Wed, Jun 6, 2008
Although the average Regional Orchestra Players Association (ROPA) executive director earned more than ever before during the 2005/06 season, the percent increase in average compensation slowed to its lowest point in the past seven years… WHERE THE NUMBERS COME FROM In order to provide information that is as accurate as possible, data from the 2005/06

2008 Compensation Report: ICSOM Music Directors

Tue, Jun 6, 2008
Although the average percent increase for music director compensation in the 2005/06 season was approximately half of figure from the previous season, the Top 10 earners experienced a slightly larger drop than their peers. Regardless, ICSOM music directors remain firmly fixed atop of the orchestral compensation pyramid… WHERE THE NUMBERS COME FROM In order to

2008 Compensation Report: ICSOM Executive Directors

Mon, Jun 6, 2008
All in all, the 2005/06 season was good for ICSOM executives and orchestra musicians alike. Of particular note, the glass ceiling for women executives in this field is barely more than a socio-economic afterthought as women continue to comprise an increasing percentage of overall executive positions, including 40 percent of the Top 10 highest paid

Welcome Chicago Tribune Readers…

Sun, Jun 6, 2008
…thank you for taking a moment to stop by and I hope you enjoy your time here. The 2008 Orchestra Compensation Reports mentioned in the article by Charles Storch are scheduled for publication between Monday, June 2nd and Friday, June 6th (with a bonus "subscribers only" article on Saturday, June 7th). If the Orchestra Compensation

Compensation Reports Featured In Today’s Chicago Tribune.

Sun, Jun 6, 2008
The Chicago Tribune published an article by Charles Storch today which previews information from next week’s orchestra Compensation Reports. Charles uses the topic to take a closer look at the local Chicago scene and he comes up with some observations that absolutely worth your time to read. Click here to read the article.

Conventions, Compensation, And Blogging

Fri, May 5, 2008
For those with plans to attend the National Performing Arts Convention in Denver next week, make a note to attend The Online Salon Movement, Thursday, June 12, 2008; 4:30-5:45pm, in Room 303 at the Colorado Convention Center where my fellow panelists and I will engage in an inclusive discussion about how the "blogosphere" continues to

Cleveland and Cincinnati Musicians Speak Out On Columbus

Thu, May 5, 2008
One of the most common email topics I receive regarding the Columbus affair is from readers wondering what the orchestra musicians in nearby Cleveland and Cincinnati think about what is transpiring. Unfortunately, I could only respond by saying that beyond personal (and private) communications I’ve had with some of those musicians there has been no

Out Of The Circle Of Trust (kinda)

Wed, May 5, 2008
Earlier this week, I posted an article about the new print-on-demand store I opened up at LuLu.com. As a result of some previous experience with LuLu.com I determined they were a better fit for my publishing needs than my previous on-demand provider, CafePress.com. Since then I’ve encountered one aspect of LuLu.com’s service than I am

Why Do They Keep Opening Their Mouths?

Tue, May 5, 2008
I finally had a moment to listen to the WOSU Open Line with Fred Andrle interview with Columbus Symphony Orchestra (CSO) Board President Robert "Buzz" Trafford and Executive Director Tony Beadle and I have to say that it never ceases to surprise me how quickly executive leaders can get in over their head. Here are

Happy Memorial Day, 2008

Mon, May 5, 2008
Whether you’re home all day enjoying the holiday with family and friends or your orchestra is putting on a performance today, try to take a few moments to remember the reason for the holiday. Furthermore, take a moment to remember that the single largest employer of full-time professional musicians is the United States Armed Forces.
Previous Next