Professional freelance musicians in Germany launched a nationwide income survey titled “Musik zählt” (Music Counts) on October 5, 2026, to document their actual working and financial conditions. The study is organized by the independent musicians’ association Pro Musik to generate verifiable data for cultural and labor market policy discussions regarding streaming revenue, artificial intelligence licensing, and remuneration rules.
Pro Musik Launches Nationwide Study to Document Financial Reality
The online survey targets freelance musicians across all genres in Germany to capture how they sustain themselves through their work. Pro Musik designed the questionnaire to measure income levels, composition of earnings, professional expenses, and paid versus unpaid working hours. Nina Graf, chairwoman of Pro Musik, stated that musicians finally have the chance to make the difficulty of living off music visible through concrete figures.
The association aims to replace anecdotal evidence with empirical data to address policymakers and the music industry. The survey accounts for hybrid employment models, irregular earnings, and varying forms of social security protection. Participants can complete the questionnaire on the official Pro Musik website through mid-November 2026, with initial findings expected in early 2027.
Independent Research Team Leads Scientific Methodology
An independent research team led by Prof. Dr. Carsten Winter at the University of Music, Theater and Media Hannover is conducting the study. The research team developed the survey design and questionnaire in cooperation with numerous music associations and industry stakeholders to build on previous data collections and close existing research gaps. The field phase runs from October until mid-November 2026.
The methodology captures economic risks and future perspectives alongside core earnings from concerts, teaching, composition, and production. Pro Musik is supporting the rollout through social media campaigns and incentives for participants, including a one-year free association membership, Music Store vouchers, merchandise packages from KrasserStoff, and tickets for the c/o-pop Festival 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Music Counts Survey
Who is eligible to participate in the Music Counts survey?
The survey is open to professional freelance musicians of all genres operating in Germany. Participants can access the questionnaire directly through the online pages of the Pro Musik association.
When will the final results of the study be published?
The field phase runs from October to mid-November 2026. The independent research team led by Prof. Dr. Carsten Winter plans to release the initial findings in early 2027.
What incentives are available for study participants?
Participants receive a free one-year membership in the Pro Musik association. The organization is also running a prize draw featuring Music Store vouchers, merchandise from KrasserStoff, and tickets for the c/o-pop Festival 2027.