Here are some resources for understanding the economics of symphony orchestras:

Baumol, William J.; “Children of the Performing Arts: The Economic Dilemma,” Journal of Cultural Economics, Volume: 20, Issue 3, 1996, pp.183-206

An article by William Baumol, the pre-eminent cultural economist, about the economic structures and issues for education, health care and the performing arts

Felton, Marianne Victor; “Historical Funding Patterns in Symphony Orchestras, Dance and Opera Companies, 1971-1992”  Journal of Arts Management, Law and Society; Spring 1994, Volume 24, Issue 1

An article on the economics of symphony orchestras and their historical trends

Historical information on orchestra salaries from 1952-2000, including salaries indexed to the Consumer Price Index

Towse, R. (ed), (2003), A handbook of cultural economics. Edward Elgar: Cheltenham, UK / Northampton, MA, USA.

        An excellent and comprehensive introduction to the topic- well worth the $200, or an inter-library loan.  This link has several chapters posted on a rotating basis.

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment Statistics

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