Federal financial assistance provided to musicians affected by the pandemic has been insufficient in replacing lost incomes for many musicians, particularly those who were primarily freelance prior to the pandemic. A large majority of these musicians deemed the original round of stimulus checks and the $600 a week unemployment benefits to be the most positively impactful sources of federal assistance. This survey was disseminated during the month of August 2020, and all of the survey responses were completed within that month. August 2020 was the first month after the onset of the pandemic that the weekly $600 in unemployment benefits were not provided to Americans, which took a large toll on musicians who relied on it to replace lost income. 

Bipartisan cooperation on a stimulus package is absolutely necessary for these musicians, and the needs and concerns of musicians and other arts workers must be considered in the formation of this legislature. Many musicians receive their income from a variety of sources, including teaching, membership in an orchestra or ensemble, and gigs. The complete shutdown of freelance work has stripped many musicians of a major source of their income, but it has been incredibly difficult for them to regain that income through federal or state sources of assistance, because freelance income does not only come from one source or one organization. Furthermore, the impossibility of normal, live audiences has taken a substantial toll on orchestras and ensembles, limiting the salaries of musicians in some of these ensembles, and teachers have faced reductions in teaching opportunities without the element of face-to-face lessons.

The complicated and bureaucratic nature of the unemployment benefit has taken a significant toll on the livelihood of musicians, particularly freelance musicians. Applying for these programs and benefits requires the possession of specific documentation that gig workers often cannot supply to the nature of their freelance work. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, established under the CARES Act, was designed to address this disparity, and allow workers who would not qualify for unemployment insurance, such as self-employed musicians or gig workers, to receive financial aid. This program is set to end in December after 39 weeks of assistance, likely placing financial strain on musicians who must plan for the loss of this assistance in two months. Moreover, some states have been issuing overpayment notices to recipients of aid from PUA, due to unanticipated error either on the recipient’s end or the state’s (Fields, 2020). These complications pose immense challenges to struggling musicians and impede the effectiveness of such forms of assistance.

Musicians and other arts workers have a unique dedication and passion for their field. They pursue music because of its incredible ability to connect, to console, and to communicate. Music is not a career that can be pursued out of greed and self-interest, and therefore, no musicians are actually de-incentivized from seeking employment or returning to work as a result of financial assistance. Musicians miss the opportunities they had to perform and engage with audiences, orchestras and ensemble miss the art of playing together, and private lesson teachers miss the ability to bond with their students in face to face settings. Moreover, arts organizations and groups are essential to the health of urban areas. Arts and music contribute significantly to the culture and appeal of an area, drawing in tourists and regular concertgoers. Supporting musicians, ensembles, and music organizations in an investment in the long-term stability of other businesses as well. Until these musicians can once again share their art form with the world, we must support them financially, providing them the aid they deserve. The beauty and richness of classical music will not be able to survive without this support.

Citations:

Fields, Samantha. “States Are Telling Some People to Pay Back Unemployment Benefits.” Marketplace, National Public Radio, 8 Oct. 2020, http://www.marketplace.org/2020/10/07/states-telling-some-people-to-pay-back-unemployment-benefits/. 

Acknowledgements:

Jen Guzman and Sarah Hatler – Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Audrey Wozniak – Mentor

Rhea Edelman – Private Violin Teacher

Julie Blackstock – School Orchestra Director

Dr. Irina Panovska – UT Dallas Economics Professor

Chelsea Holmes – Business Council for the Arts