A survey launched by the Musicians’ Union (MU) invites orchestral players to share information about educational, learning and participation work they deliver with their orchestra.
The aim is to acquire knowledge of the types of contract being used for this work, as well as the fees currently paid; this knowledge will contribute towards future negotiations regarding contracts and fees in association with the Association of British Orchestras (ABO).
The ABO/MU agreement specifies minimum rates of pay and terms and conditions for players.
The survey covers the following types of work:
- Leading workshops
- Individual or small group teaching
- Performances in education settings
- Music for dementia projects
- Assisting with workshop delivery
- Playing as part of a workshop led by somebody else
- Performing to people in hospitals, prisons or other off-platform settings
- Any other work that you might be asked to do by an orchestra which sees you engage with people in a musical way away from the stage
After the survey has closed, a focus group will explore the results further.
MU Orchestras Support Official Sam Dunkley said: ‘We know how much work musicians do for our orchestras in education, learning and participation contexts. There are countless projects with musicians delivering important, highly skilled work.
‘We want to better understand the terms under which freelance musicians are engaged for this work so that we can negotiate with ABO some best practice guidelines and minimum standards that will protect musicians and give orchestras a clear sense of what is expected by professional musicians working in varied settings.’
Take the survey here; the deadline is Friday 27 June.
