UAE National Orchestra- 2x tenor 1xBass

V
Vegasbound
Posts: 1328
Joined: Jul 06, 2019

by Vegasbound »

T
tbdana
Posts: 1928
Joined: Apr 08, 2023

by tbdana »

Is there any way to know what this pays?
L
LeTromboniste
Posts: 1634
Joined: Apr 11, 2018

by LeTromboniste »

[quote="tbdana"]Is there any way to know what this pays?[/quote]

I don't know the specifics for that particular orchestra, but I know a couple people who have played for some time in similar orchestras, and they can be fairly lucrative contracts, especially because in some cases the salary is tax-free, and they usually include very comprehensive benefit packages to attract western musicians. Oftentimes housing is provided, or they give a housing allowance on top of salary, and sometimes travel allowances to let people take breaks and go home. If the pay is US$60K, but it's not taxed and you have no housing costs, it's a pretty sweet deal. But then many people get tired of the isolation and lack of fulfilling artistic outlet after a few years.

When I was a modern trombone undergrad student, and single, my plan was to try to go for a job like this in Asia, the Middle East or South America, stay for a few years to pile up some savings, and use the position as a springboard to go for jobs in North America or Europe afterwards.