Local chamber orchestra concert series

Audience members buying tickets, local sponsors and businesses, venues that book you, and grant or donor supporters.

Ticket sales, sponsorships, performance fees from venues and community events, and donations. Income arrives in lumps around each concert rather than monthly, and musicians are paid per project from the income raised. Averaged over a year, expect modest income per month.

• Musical leadership or conducting experience
• Budgeting and project planning
• Marketing and local networking

• Concert income can be uneven and comes mostly in the weeks around each concert, so budget each program before paying musicians
• Check whether forming a nonprofit (501(c)(3)) or staying as an LLC suits your plans, and ask a local advisor
• Public domain or licensed sheet music: check rights and rental costs for any modern pieces
• Event liability insurance and venue requirements, and your city's rules on ticketed events
• Check if local musicians' union agreements (AFM) affect pay in your area

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your venues, the size of the ensemble and any sheet music you need to rent or buy. Budget each program before paying musicians.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $1,500, depending on ticket sales, sponsors and donors. Income comes mostly in the weeks around each concert and can be uneven. Plan for at least 10 hours a week.

Check whether forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or staying as an LLC suits your plans, and ask a local advisor. Also check event liability insurance, venue requirements, city rules on ticketed events, music rights, and whether AFM agreements affect pay locally.