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Paying the Orchestra

Wed, 26 Dec 2007, 05:49 pm
funklizard88828 posts in thread
Just wondering what opinions are out there in regard to the payment (or lack of) for orchestra/band members involved in semi-professional, amateur and community productions of works of music theatre? In particular I am interested in whether others think there is cause for distinction to be made between different levels of instrumental ability (particularly within a single production - ie. student or 'formally untrained' musicians being paid differently [or not at all] in comparison to professional musicians brought in to 'boost ranks' or cover more difficult parts - as for example happens in school productions)? And whether distinction can be made by instrument? (as in my experience finding reliable string, harp, oboe, bassoon and 'woodwind' [multi-instrumental] players is quite difficult without serious funding). If one member of the orchestra is paid, do all the musicians deserve to be paid? If the Music Director is paid, should the musicians also be paid? All relevant thoughts, anecdotes, experiences, and opinions are welcome.

So, are rock musicians who

Fri, 11 Jan 2008, 02:02 pm
Walter Plinge
So, are rock musicians who get paid a great deal for their work and concerts, even if they aren't technically good, professional musicians? Being technically proficient is not the key signifier for a professional musician. Making a living out of playing and writing music makes a professional musician. If you are talking solely orchestral work then yes usually these players have a music degree behind them but not always, you touch on a very very grey area but you only interpret it as black and white.

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