As a musician, there can be many benefits to joining an organisation ranging from insurance and legal advice to discounts on services. When deciding on joining an organisation, FRUK recommends you do your own research as we do not recommend one organisation over another. With this in mind, the following article is provided as information only. The words are by the ISM and are intended as a brief introduction to their organisation.
Who is the ISM? The UK’s professional body for musicians
The Incorporated Society of Musicians – or the ISM – is the UK’s professional body for musicians. We have been supporting musicians since 1882.
Currently, we support over 8,200 professional musicians across the UK and Ireland with unrivalled services and expert advice. Our members come from all musical backgrounds and genres, and from all areas of the music profession.
What are the benefits of becoming an ISM member?
- direct access to one-to-one legal advice and representation
- public liability insurance cover up to £10,000,000
- legal expenses insurance cover up to £100,000
- access to an unpaid fees service that recovers payments owed to you
- professional listings to help you promote yourself and get work
- letters after your name to enhance your status as a professional folk musician
- award-winning professional development at a discounted members’ rate
- unlimited discounted insurance on any number of musical instruments and equipment of any value
- tax support services
- opportunities to join one of our expert Special Interest Groups and make an impact on policy affecting musicians
- DBS check service and advice
- hundreds of discounts on a range of products and services, from sheet music and instrument accessories to cinema tickets and holidays
- and much more
ISM membership
Our three main types of membership are:
Full membership for £17.60 a month (Direct Debit over ten months) or £176 for the year
Graduate membership (for musicians who have graduated from a music degree in the past ten years) for £7.80 a month (Direct Debit over ten months) or £78 for the year
Student membership (for musicians who are currently studying music at degree level) for just £15 a year
How do I join?
To join the ISM, visit our website, call our membership team on 020 7221 3499 or email membership@ism.org.