Professional organizations are communities of people in the same industry who come together to advance their field through shared knowledge and experience. They offer networking opportunities and access to informational resources and discounts for members. For someone entering the entertainment industry, relevant organizations include the Audio Engineer Society and Music Producers Guild. Both provide learning materials, potential collaborations, and discounts on equipment or software for various membership levels ranging from free to $150 annually.

1. Professional Organizations
James O’Hara

2. What is a Professional Organization?
Professional Organizations are
communities of people, all
working in the same industry, who
come together to apply their
experience and knowledge to the
advancement, and improvement
of their craft.

3. Cool, but what’s the point?
Not only do professional organizations offer a wealth of networking
opportunities, but they also often allow for hundreds of informational texts,
subscriptions, and discounts to their members.

4. Wow! What professional organizations would
benefit my career? Well, as you’re soon to be in the ever
changing entertainment industry,
here’s a couple I’ve looked into!
➢ Audio Engineer Society
➢ Music Producers Guild

5. Audio Engineer Society (A.E.S.)
Perks:
➢ Open source learning
resources
➢ Discounts on professional
audio equipment
➢ Exposure via “find an audio
Engineer feature”

6. Audio Engineer Society, cont.
Yearly Fees:
➢ Student: $50
➢ Associate: $125
➢ Sustaining: FREE (must be
member in good standing for
25 years)

7. Music Producers Guild
Perks:
➢ Connect with professional
members with experience and
reputations.
➢ Substantial discounts on
professional audio
equipment/software
➢ Access to magazine subscriptions,
as well as online catalogs/texts.

8. Music Producers Guild, cont.
Yearly Fees:
➢ Basic: Free!
➢ Associate: $65*
➢ Full member: $140*
*Given prices are rough translations
based on US to European currency
exchange rates.

9. Okay, cool, so what now?
➢ Go out and get involved in these professional networks!
➢ It’s an excellent way to continue to hone your skills, and network with
other like minded individuals in the industry.
➢ Plus, you may even get some nice discounts.