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ISM
Jul 3, 2006 20:41:50 GMT
Post by princessmoose on Jul 3, 2006 20:41:50 GMT
The Incorporated Society of Musicians - is it worth joining this? I can't really make sense of their website at moment, what are the pros and cons to joining?
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ISM
Jul 3, 2006 21:40:53 GMT
Post by annc on Jul 3, 2006 21:40:53 GMT
Annual fee is tax deductable. Includes £2m public liability insurance and insurance in case of Inland Revenue investigation. Advice on tax matters. They help if you have trouble with employers, or have trouble collecting fees. There's a nice crowd of local members who meet regularly for events - concerts, lunches, parties. It's good to mix (I think the phrase is network) with other musicians in your area. If you are also on their Professional Private Teachers register you can get corporate advertising in Yellow Pages cut price. For me the latter is the best advantage. Virtually all my students come from these enquiries. Another serendipity I've found is that other musicians, rightly or wrongly, see you as a serious musician. If they don't know you, the fact that you are a member means you must be OK. Oh, and discounts off insurance, music, etc.
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ISM
Jul 4, 2006 7:21:54 GMT
Post by possom on Jul 4, 2006 7:21:54 GMT
I have been thinking about this for a while now, the trouble is that I have no members at all that I know personally who live near me and you have to get recommendations to join. Abit like the masons I think ;D My old piano teacher was a member but then left and moved to Norway
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ISM
Jul 4, 2006 7:53:05 GMT
Post by annc on Jul 4, 2006 7:53:05 GMT
Have you been to any of the concerts organised on TOP? I don't think they have to live near you. Maybe if you contacted the local secretary or chairman (maybe on website, or you could give HQ a ring), they might have some suggestions. It's a pain I know. I know a lot of them now from going to events, but when I joined I was lucky. My piano teacher and my singing accompanist were members.
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ISM
Jul 4, 2006 8:03:07 GMT
Post by possom on Jul 4, 2006 8:03:07 GMT
Thanks ann. When I get my building work finished i'll dig out the application forms again and give them a ring
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