Who can join the ISM?

We are the only organisation that supports and represents professionals from all areas of the music industry. Examples of people who can become ISM members include performers (instrumentalists, vocalists, DJs etc), composers, songwriters, independent artists, educators, music managers, record label representatives, audio engineers, orchestral administrators and choral directors.

Everyone has a different route into the music profession. That’s why we offer various ways that you can join the ISM and demonstrate that you are working at a professional level. Please select one of the following routes to membership when you apply to join online or over the phone.

Qualified route

If you have studied a music-related subject at level four (HNC) or above simply enter the name of your qualification, the institution you studied at and the year you graduated when you apply online.

Finished your course within the last 10 years?

If you gained your first qualification at level four or above within the last 10 years, you can save 70% on the price of membership by joining at our specially discounted early career rate of just £52 which applies for four years.

Current music student?

If you are studying a music-related course (full or part-time) at level four or above, you can save 90% on the price of membership by joining us a student member for just £17.

Studying a different subject?

If you are studying a non music-related course at level four or above and are involved with music outside your course (for example you regularly perform in your university orchestra or a band, or you teach music), it’s likely you can still join. You can apply online at any time. We'll ask you for a short biography about your extra curricular musical activities. Alternatively, apply over the phone by calling 020 7221 3499, Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Not studied music but have qualifications at level four or above?

If you gained your first qualification at level four or above in a non music-related subject (ie BA History) within the last 10 years and are now working as a music professional, you can save 70% on the price of membership by joining at our specially discounted early career rate which applies for four years. To join, apply online at any time. We'll ask you for a short biography about your work within the music sector. Alternatively, just call our membership team for an informal discussion about your career. Call us on 020 7221 3499, Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Membership Officer approval route

If you gained your experience outside of formal study, it's likely you'll be able join us via this route.

Fewer than 10 years' professional experience?

If you have been working within the music profession for fewer than 10 years, you can join at our specially discounted early career rate of just £52 which applies for four years of membership. We'll ask you for a short biography about your work within the music sector. Alternatively, just call our membership team for an informal discussion about your career. Call us on 020 7221 3499, Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm.

More than 10 years’ professional experience?

If you have more than 10 years’ experience as a music professional, you can join as a full rate member. We'll ask you for a short biography about your work within the music sector. Alternatively, just call our membership team for an informal discussion about your career. Call us on 020 7221 3499, Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Reference route

You can ask two of your professional colleagues to provide references to support your application. One of your referees should be a current ISM member. Simply provide us with their contact details when you apply.

Fast-track route

You can join the ISM through the fast-track route if you satisfy one or more of the criteria below. Please provide the name of the relevant ensemble, funding body, award, artist management company, young or emerging artist scheme, record label, higher education institution or publisher when you apply.

• You are booked or employed to play for an orchestra or are part of a professional freelance group or ensemble, musical theatre company or opera group on our fast-track list
• You are booked by any choir or chorus on our fast-track list
• You are currently represented by a management company who is a member of IAMA (International Artist Managers’ Association)
• You have a recording contract with a label which is a member of AIM (The Association of Independent Music) or the BPI (British Phonographic Industry)
• You are music teaching staff at a higher education institution which offers a degree or equivalent with music as a significant component or who works in a specialist music school
• Your compositions are published by a company which is a member of the MPA (Music Publishers Association)
• You are or have been part of a young or emerging artist scheme on our fast-track list
• You have won or been nominated for a recognised award on our fast-track list
• You have won funding from a major arts funding body on our fast-track list