Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2008-08-16 18:28
Here is a link to ICSOM that shows all but a couple of their members' current union agreements:
http://www.icsom.org/settlement.html
Note that season lengths range from 10 weeks for the Grant Park Orchestra to 52 weeks for most of the majors. Average weekly salaries are generally above $850-$900 though the Virginia Symphony was considerably lower.
For ballpark comparisons, I think there are two ways to view this information. On the one hand, if you are budgeting to determine how you are going to meet your living expenses, the annual total is, IMO, the relevant number. On the other hand, if you are evaluating an orchestra on how generously it pays for services rendered, a weekly rate (based on the number of weeks in the actual season -- not 52 weeks as Glenn is inclined to use) is, again IMO, the relevant number. Orchestras with less than 50 - 52 week seasons offer their members (whether they want it or not) more free time. How the members choose to fill that time (private lessons, part-time faculty positions at local colleges/universities/conservatories, installing commodes [a particular interest of Gene Kavadlo, principal clarinetist of the Charlotte Symphony!], time with family and friends) determines their degree of financial and personal fulfillment.
Note that the number of these positions is extremely limited.
College teaching positions tend to fall into two categories: (1) non-tenure track, usually part-time teaching positions that are generally very low-paying but can provide some supplemental income, (2) full-time tenure track positions. The latter often require a Ph.D. I don't know how many of the latter positions are available but I suspect, at least with regard to instrumental instruction, the number of full-time positions is relatively small -- limited to schools with very large music programs. If one can direct music ensembles or teach classes in music appreciation, theory, jazz studies, electronics lab or world music, the chances of landing a full-time position increase considerably. (A least if the schools I'm familiar with are any indication.) Searching for "Assistant Professor Music" (without the quotes) at this site:
http://swz.salary.com/
will give you a feel for current college/university salaries. The median appears to be around $50,000 but the data includes experienced faculty as well as rookies. My guess would be that a new Ph.D. from a good university
could probably expect a starting salary around $45,000. Remember, though, that this is normally for a 9-month contract and the number doesn't include the value of benefits, which can be significant.
For information regarding K-12 teaching salaries, look at:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm
Finally, trying to figure out your expected earnings from a music career by looking at a 9-to-5 salary will probably be misleading. Most of the successful musicians I know don't rely on a single source of income. If they have a "regular" teaching position or performance gig, they supplement their income by playing freelance gigs (shows, weddings, bar mitzvahs, bars) giving lessons, writing teaching materials, doing repair work, making mouthpieces, etc., etc., etc. (I don't personally know anyone currently installing commodes, though. )
Best regards,
jnk
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