The new Membership System - October, 2009
For several months, the board of the directors of the Music Producers Guild has been debating the role of the MPG and its future for the membership. In the past year we have seen major developemnts, including the launch of the MPG Awards and the new web site, which now functions as a hub for all things MPG. We have also seen major changes in the operation of the UK music industry, and these changes have affected producers and engineers in remarkable ways. It would be negligent if the MPG were to ignore the effects of these changes.
The discussions, which are representative of the lively and heated debates which take place at most MPG board meetings, have also centred on the organisation of the membership subscription system. The board agrees that we need to re-structure the membership system so that it more accurately reflects the nature of the membership, the majority of whom are working professionals. However, the MPG must also represent those who are still developing their careers.
As you may know, the income of the MPG comprises solely of member subscriptions. It was decided long ago that the MPG would not invite advertising, and that the integrity of the MPG would not be compromised by financially rewarding associations with commercial businesses of any kind. All the directors on the board of the MPG are volunteers, and give their time freely without the expectation of any reward.
As a result, finances are tight, and the board is mindful of the need to use resources efficiently. The subscription fees, which have not been subject to an increase for many years, will also be re-structured.
The new system comprises two membership categories:
1. Full Membership: this is most appropriate to those whose principal professional activity is an involvement in the production of recorded music for commercial release. Full Members are required to demonstrate their professional status by providing commercial credits (details to follow) and the higher subscription fee provides them with access to several substantial privileges:
• access to Full Member-only sections of the MPG web site, including "Professional Benefits" (legal advice, accountancy, equipment rental)
• entry in the Members Directory, which is accessed regularly by artists, managers and record companies looking for producers and engineers to work on recording projects
• free entry to all MPG events (except the MPG Awards)
• substantial discounts on tickets to the MPG Awards
• free invitation to events organised by the APRS and AES (UK)
• 50% discount on Individual Membership of the APRS (details to follow)
• voting privileges in the MPG Awards shortlist selection process
2. Associate Membership: this level of membership is provided for those whose activities are no less professional, but might not be their principal activity. It provides a more limited selection of privileges for a more affordable subscription fee.
Associate Members are also be able to purchase two add-on options; entry in the Members Directory and/or an MPG Events "season ticket", which provides free entry to MPG events (which will otherwise be chargeable per event). There is a modest charge per year for these add-on options.
The Music Producers Guild Annual Awards:
In order to maintain the legitimacy and integrity of the MPG Awards, the shortlists of which are selected by MPG Full Members, it is hoped that as many current members as are eligible will become Full Members, and ensure that award winners continue to be rewarded by their professional peers.
How will the new membership system work?
On Monday, October 19th, 2009, the change to the new system was activated. In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, all current members became temporary Associate Members on this date.
An immediate upgrade path to Full Membership is available, and all those who qualify (see details below) are invited to upgrade. The directors of the MPG would urge all eligible members to upgrade as soon as possible, and a very generous upgrade path has been provided for a limited time.
All eligible members who have renewed their membership (or joined the MPG) during the past 6 months are able to upgrade to Full Membership free of charge. Members who renewed (or joined) prior to the past 6 months are charged a nominal £25.
If you believe that you are eligible for Full Membership, please upgrade immediately by clicking here, listing details of your professional credits.
If you do not yet qualify for Full Membership, you are eligible for a refund credit depending on the number of days since your last renewal or joining date (this does not apply to current Student Members). In order to receive this credit, you must respond by clicking here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: if you do not reply before your renewal date, you will not receive the free discount credits. Any member wishing to upgrade to Full Membership will then be charged the full subscription fee.
Furthermore, these discounts will be available only until November 30th, 2009. Thereafter, the full membership subscription charges will apply.
It sounds complicated, but we believe that it represents a fair method of encouraging eligible members to upgrade, without penalising those who do not yet qualify.
The legitimacy and integrity of the Music Producers Guild Awards depends upon the greatest possible number of voting members in the MPG, since the winners must be seen to rewarded by their professional peers.
We hope you will understand and appreciate these improvements, and accept the increase in subscription fees, at least for Full Members. There has not been an increase for several years, and it will enable the board to provide an even more valuable service in the future.
Further details........
Membership Revision:
In future, you will be able to revise the terms of your membership at any time. If eligible, you may upgrade from Associate Membership to Full Membership. You may also extend your membership in order to obtain generous subscription discounts (details below) or, if you are an Associate Member, take advantage of the add-on options.
APRS members:
Individual members of the APRS are able to claim a 50% discount on Full Membership of the MPG (subject to the eligibility requirements below). Note that, if you are a current MPG member, and have already taken advantage of the 50% discount on APRS Individual Membership, you will not be eligible for the 50% MPG discount (and vice versa).
Full Membership eligibility:
To qualify for Full Membership of the MPG, you must have:
6 credits for production, engineering, mixing or mastering on commercially released tracks, either on single or multiple CDs, vinyl or cassette albums, EPs and singles, or DVDs. These tracks must have been commercially available via traditional outlets, i.e. record shops or mail order. Personal sales, i.e. directly by the artist at live venues, do not qualify.
or:
12 credits for production, engineering, mixing or mastering on commercially released tracks or two full-length CD releases that are available via digital download from recognised online music retail sites. Sales from personal websites do not qualify. Tracks solely available free from other websites, e.g. a MySpace page, do not qualify.
Annual Subscription fees
Full Membership:
1 year membership: £120
2 year membership: £215
3 year membership: £305
Associate Membership:
1 year membership: £55
2 year membership: £99
3 year membership: £140
(these rates are approximately equivalent to 10% & 15% discounts)
If you join for the longer periods, you are also buying protection from future subscription rate increases, should they occur within your existing membership period.
Associate Member add-on options:
Entry in the Member Directory £25 per year
MPG Event Season Ticket £25 per year
(please note: MPG subscription fees are tax-deductable)
How to check your membership renewal date:
Log in to your account at the MPG website (www.mpg.org.uk) by clicking on the link at the top right hand corner of the page.
On the right hand side of the page, under "My Tools", you will see a link: "my dashboard". Click on this link and you will be able to check your renewal date.
If you have any further questions, please contact the MPG at backroom@mpg.org.uk
The MPG board of directors (click here to see who they are) Oct '09
