USDAM tariff orders adapted and completed

The result of a meticulous calculation incorporating a variety of factors, USDAM's tariff orders are regularly adjusted to keep in step with the realities of musicians and changes in their profession and society. Tariffs had already recently been increased to keep pace with the rising cost of living. A revised version of the tariff orders has just been published, valid as of 1 January.^er September of this year, with revised wording. In addition, new rates have been introduced for relatively shorter performances, as well as for sound and audiovisual recordings for ensembles of up to 12 musicians (BK and CK rates, which also apply when rehearsals and concerts are recorded or filmed). Additional information has been added to the compensation and expenses section. The pdf document containing the tariff orders can be consulted by selecting the "services" tab on the USDAM website, then clicking on "tariffs". On the same page, you'll find updated online rate calculators, useful for both musicians and organizers. It's worth pointing out that all tariff orders apply to all styles of music, not just classical.

It's important to remember the importance of setting minimum rates to prevent wage undercutting. It would never occur to anyone to underpay an engineer or teacher with a higher education diploma, when their salary is often at least double that of most self-employed professional musicians. The latter, however, possess both high-level artistic and craft skills, and have pursued a course of study at university level, often post-graduate. For this reason, the rates set by USDAM represent the minimum of fair remuneration for musical services rendered during temporary engagements, and should be taken into account by all concert and project organizers.