The Hartford Symphony Orchestra represents one of the largest orchestras in New England, but also operates in a medium-sized market that has put pressure on its viability. This case centers on a contract dispute between the orchestra’s management and the unionized players, in particular the “core” of the orchestra, which is contracted for dozens of services each year. The background of the case prepares the students to consider a number of factors as they play the role of consultant to the players’ union in the contract negotiations.
Author: Michael A. Anderson
Published: Volume 1, Summer 2016
Details: PDF Download – 10 pages plus Appendices
ISSN: 2475-4994
This Case Study bundle includes one copy of the associated Teacher Notes and Teacher Instructions.
Sample Materials
Hartford Symphony Case Study Sample
Hartford Symphony Teacher Notes Sample
Back to Browsing
Case Study Methodology
Eastman Case Studies for classroom use have three key attributes:
1. They offer an issue encountered by management in music administration, which demands a resolution or action.
2. They put the student into the business situation, creating an immersive experience that will sharpen student judgement and acumen for similar circumstances.
3. They are presented as chronologically compact scenarios, keeping to facts that bear on the case, and minimizing long histories and extraneous stories about musical arts organizations. The cases shine a light onto particular business problems and are packaged concisely for student learning.