Resources

Below are resources that I have found useful throughout my career. Please feel free to use and share these as needed. If you have any resources that you think would be helpful to fellow freelancers, please contact me to add a resource to the list.

Thank you and happy gigging!

Financial and Unions

Freelance Gig Database

Developed by myself, this is a user-submitted database of gig feedback for work in the Greater-NYC area. Data includes average pay rates across genres (classical, theater, contemporary, etc.), gender, location, ensemble size, and more. The Database also includes feedback on specific ensembles that users have submitted feedback on.

the Database is comprised primarily of non-union work and is best utilized to get a sense of industry standards outside of union gigs.

American Federation of Musicians and Local 802

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is the international (USA and Canada) musicians union covering orchestral, chamber music, theater, opera, recordings, and more. Local 802 is the NYC branch of the AFM. The Union provides better protections and pay while covered under a union contract. The majority of all major “classical” instrumentalists are covered by the AFM, such as the NY Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, etc.

To see standard pay scales under a union contract, check out their contracts page.

GigCrunch

GigCrunch is a financial literacy tool designed by and for musicians. This app allows users to: 1. Calculate what you should be charging for a gig, based on your hourly rate, time invested, and expenses and 2. Check if a gig lump sum works out to a fair hourly rate, based on the same criteria.

Legal Protections and Litigation

Freelance Isn’t Free Act

Freelance workers in New York State are guaranteed the following rights and protections:

  • Written contract required for all work $800 and over

  • Payment must be made within 30 days unless otherwise specified

  • Protections against retaliation from employers

  • Right to file a complaint

New York Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a special court that allows individuals to sue for money without a lawyer. Claimants may seek monetary compensation up to $10,000. For cases outside New York City or New York State, please seek out your local Small Claims Court.

National Labor Relations Board

The NLRB is a federally operated agency created to protect employees and ensure their right to gight for better working conditions and fair representation. Available resources are wide-ranging and include organizing resources, litigation against employers and unions, secret elections, the Freedom of Information Act, and more.

Community Resources

Organizations for Diverse Artists

Below is a list of NYC-based organizations that support artists from various marginalized backgrounds. Resources vary between organizations and include mentorship programs, databases, conferences, contract resources, etc.