Introduction

Our standing as a professional organisation depends upon the quality and integrity of the members, their relationship with the outside world and their pursuit of the highest professional standards.

This Code of Ethics is designed to assist you, as a member of the ISM Performers & Composers Section, in your professional conduct.
 

You and the ISM

You should be loyal to the Society, respect individual interests, attitudes and rights, and should not publicly criticise fellow performers and composers.

Membership of the ISM implies responsibility and loyalty: the Society exists to serve and speak for the music profession as a whole as well as for its individual members.  Recommendations, complaints and other matters of general concern should therefore be referred through the Society’s Council, Officers, the Chief Executive or the Secretary of the Performers & Composers Section Committee, rather than be publicly expressed by individual members.
 

You and the Public

The conduct of any one member of the Society reflects upon the profession as a whole.  Avoid any activity or enterprise that may bring the profession into disrepute.

Always be conscious of the need to act with appropriate respect and loyalty to the profession.  Maintain the highest standards of conduct and presentation befitting the professional musician on and off the platform.

Unless speaking on behalf of the ISM or the Performers & Composers Section, make it clear that the opinions you are expressing are your own and not those of the Society.
 

You and Promoters

You should act with integrity at all times, communicating clearly your performing requirements at the outset and not misrepresenting your activities in any manner whatsoever.

Your acceptance of an engagement or commission is a business contract.  You should therefore ensure that the terms of the contract are expressed in a written agreement, preferably the ISM standard Contract.

It is your responsibility to present yourself for an engagement and perform the stated programme unless there are unimpeachable reasons for not doing so.

You should endeavour to honour every engagement.  You should not seek release from a contract in order to accept a more lucrative engagement or one which carries greater status.

Failure to present yourself for an engagement or perform the stated programme may constitute a breach of contract.  You have been engaged for your particular abilities and the promoter has the discretion to enforce the contract.

In the event of unavoidable cancellation you should offer an alternative date to the promoter, based on the original terms of the agreement, or provide a suitable deputy acceptable to the promoter.
 

Your Business Arrangements

You are responsible for your own career and should retain ultimate control over all aspects of it.

Personal representation by agents, managers and publishers should be undertaken by written agreement, determining the terms of representation, review procedures, any advances/ commission/retainer/royalties payable and the method and agreed time of remuneration.  Contracts should be signed personally unless the responsibility to do so has been assigned in writing to your personal representative.

When seeking representation by a publisher, always submit a legible photocopy of the score, marked with your name, the date and copyright symbol ©. Assignment of works must be by written agreement.

You should not allow your performance to be recorded or broadcast without your prior written consent.

Your relations with other organisations within the music industry should always be cordial.
 

Your Fees

Fees for an engagement or commission are a matter for negotiation between the artist and the client.  However, accepting unrealistically low fees can undermine your standing and that of professional colleagues. You are advised to obtain written notification of the agreed fees and what is covered by them, including any VAT.  Fees are normally quoted exclusive of travel expenses and subsistence.  If an inclusive fee is negotiated, it is advisable for the component parts to be identified and apportioned. Agency commission is normally payable on the basic fee only. The ISM publishes a survey of fees and general guidance that may assist self-employed musicians.
 

Your Publicity

Advertising should only relate to services offered. Publicity should not be dishonest, misleading or contrary to your own professional knowledge. Sources should be quoted in abstracts of press notices.  Sponsorship should be sought in a professional manner on mutually beneficial terms.
 

You and the Amateur Musician

You should recognise the importance of amateur music making in contributing to a vigorous musical environment. You should seek to develop opportunities for amateurs to benefit from your experience as a professional artist. However, you should impress upon amateur musicians, in particular students, that you, as a professional musician, earn your living through music and expect to be paid accordingly. You should discourage remuneration in the form of enhanced expenses as this may erode employment opportunities and lead to an underestimation of the professional musician’s true worth.
 

Violation of Code of Ethics

Should you become aware of any violation of the Code of Ethics, you should communicate with the Chief Executive or the Secretary of the Performers & Composers Section Committee. The complaint will be referred to the Performers & Composers Section Committee or to the Council for immediate attention.

The obligations of Members (and Associate Members) of the ISM are described in Articles 19, 20 and 21. Article 16.4 describes the discretionary powers of the Council when the conduct of any Member (or Associate Member) is deemed to be discreditable to the Society.

The Performers & Composers Section Committee reserves the right to recommend to the Council that the name of a member of the Section be removed from the Register of Performers & Composers should that person by found to have violated the Code of Ethics, although that person may remain a member of the Section and/or Society.

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