Amid growing labor unrest, musicians from the New York Philharmonic are advocating for a raise from their current annual salary of $153,504. This push for higher wages comes in the wake of successful negotiations by musicians from other major orchestras, including those in Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, who have recently secured salaries around $200,000. The situation highlights a broader trend of increasing demand for equal pay among orchestras across the country. As the gig economy continues to evolve, local performers like the acoustic duo FrankenPhil are navigating their own financial landscapes, earning an average of $400 for two-hour gigs and establishing residencies at venues to ensure a steady income. FrankenPhil's model contrasts with the traditional orchestral structure, yet both reflect the changing dynamics of the music industry. [09c082a2][3424aa81]