Independent Society of Musicians

The Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK and Ireland's professional body for musicians representing over 11,000 individuals across all areas of the music industry. The ISM is also a subject association for music education and is an independent non profit-making organisation. History The ISM was founded in 1882 to promote the importance of music and protect the rights of those working within music. It is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation which has almost 11,000 individual members and over 180 corporate members. It protects and supports its members by providing them with expert advice, insurance and specialist services as well as access to a community of like-minded professionals and the status that comes with being a member of a professional body. Originally called the Incorporated Society of Musicians, it changed its name in October 2022 to coincide with its 140th anniversary. Members The ISM has a membership of over 11,000 music professionals including performers, composers and songwriters, music teachers, music administrators, music technology professionals and portfolio musicians, and provides discounted membership for students and early career musicians. Notable members The ISM's current members include Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Mark Elder, Sir James Galway, Dame Felicity Lott, Judith Weir CBE, Betty Roe OBE, Julian Lloyd Webber, Andy Boyd, Paul Harris, Gerald Finley, and Craig Ogden.