Joining Professional Associations: Is it a benefit?

Many emerging artists question whether they should join professional organizations. They question what their affiliations with these organizations will actually do for their careers. Others, assume this is the best thing for them to do. Honestly, professional associations have their benefits. They offer opportunities for emerging artists to network and get valuable industry news. However, because these affiliations are not free, it is important for artists to understand which associations will be best for them to join.

Many musicians look to join the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). According to the website RIAA "supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies". Membership is comprised of record labels that pay dues. Dues is based on company information like number of employees and annual revenues. A record company that wishes to become a member files a membership application, a signed confidentiality agreement, and a product sample to RIAA. The application is reviewed by the association in a process that can take up to 45 days. If the application is approved, the record company "will receive an approval letter and a sales declaration form, to be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). PWC will calculate your dues based on your gross revenues/market share".

Members receive trade information relating to the recording industry. There is a level of access that comes from membership. Additionally, there is a certain prestige the members have. Again, networking opportunities and resources are shared among members of these associations as well.

Personally, I think independent artists should look into other affiliations aside from RIAA. Here are a few associations that I recommend.

NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents)
IMA (Indie Managers Association)
aeaa (European Association of Artists Managers)
IAMA (International Artists Manager's Association)
A2IM (American Association of Independent Music)
AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers)
Indie Music Association