I believe I may have something to contribute as a writer as well. // See https://www.blogger.com/go/adspersonalization PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE – Up to £5million! They have a benevolent fund which exists to help people in times of crisis. ... You should consider seeking the advice of a music attorney or business advisor before entering into a direct or source license. I remember some of us got hired to be a background band in movie. Thanks so much for your involvement. if (typeof adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds === 'undefined') { That’s when joining a musician’s union can be of great help. They make changes. Safety. I have very little choice as to whether I should join the union. BF and I often talk about unions and how effective they are. A BRILLIANT CONTACTS BOOK – This is worth its weight in gold! I can't remember. Often structured around a talk first, and then mingling. A GREAT, INTERACTIVE WEBSITE. Some see it as a being increasingly irrelevant in today's music market. ]]> As mentioned before, your time will come. Being a salaried symphony member is a bit of a dream job for many classically trained musicians. The research says yes. Well – the MU run regular regional workshops that deal with these subjects and much more. Nevada is an open shop state, meaning you don't have to join a union to have a job. There are benefits that come with having a contract. THEY LOOK AFTER YOUR HEALTH – I saw a Harley Street Audiologist at an amazing price, here in Birmingham. If you can’t see the dividends from joining the union just yet, then maybe it’s a cue to keep succeeding on a non union level. This is a list of music organizations in the United States.It does not include symphony orchestras or other performance groups, or educational and research institutions unless they have significant programs outside the fields of education, research or performance. The membership fee is usually small, and your union is there to support and represent you. Why You Might Join A Union As A Musician. CAREERS ADVICE – If you’re a recent graduate, you may be floundering and need help. Unions sometimes attempt to impose limitations upon the right of a member to resign. adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []; [clarification needed]Generally, only currently extant organizations are included. EDUCATIONAL CHANGES – They work with teachers. POLITICAL ACTIVITY – They lobby! When we gig we have maybe $15,000 of gear with us so theft is a concern. For example, membership in the Teamsters Local 853 costs between $17 and $85 per month as of 2015. If you're a professional musician, and your gear is stolen from your vehicle, good luck getting your homeowner's policy to cover it. })(); adsbygoogle.requestNonPersonalizedAds = 1; It does include corporations or record labels. Some people think of the MU as mainly representing "traditional" musicians, but our members include many big name dance acts, too. Can SAG-AFTRA and the AFM capitalize on it? Advertise yourself. Covered. Once you have completed a UCU application you need to contact the Musicians' Union to complete any neces… This includes a really useful forum – and a notice board where you can advertise your things for sale. FINANCIAL HELP WHEN YOU’RE IN TROUBLE – How many other unions offer this? NETWORKING EVENTS – really fun and well organised. TRAINING COURSES – often free! In my opinion, the union is a great opportunity to serve the musicians’ community, if only through providing a means of associating, networking with others who are in the same business and facing the same challenges. Benefits of Belonging to a Union Union workers typically have better wages than non-union employees in comparable jobs. The had us come in to get fitted for costumes and told us when we would be shooting. Great food and lots of drink. To join the Musicians' Union, you must agree to abide by the MU rules. Should I join a musician's union? The legal answer to this question is "no." }. var _gaq = _gaq || []; However, many of the casino hotels do have agreements with the Culinary Union, hence limit employment to membership. As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Membership should not be limited since it seems to defeat the purpose of encouraging all musicians to commit to the union on the principles that union jobs are better than nonunion jobs and the union is stronger with a higher total percentage of musicians participating. The financial costs of union membership include dues and, in many cases, fees for joining. When I was wondering if I should join the Musicians’ Union – I had no idea of what was on offer. // Supply ads personalization default for EEA readers The had us come in to get fitted for costumes and told us when we would be shooting. It ended up costing them between a third and a half of the original fee just to fire us! It comes down to sounding like JFK in his famous address: Don't ask what your union will do for you; ask what you can do for your union. My union fought for me and made sure my contract was honoured. Even if you are an amateur musician who performs part time then you should still consider joining. It’s a few years down the line now – and I can honestly say I’ve been amazed by their generosity and willingness to provide for members in terms of training, support, networking and career development. One benefit is that you will receive a web listing for yourself as a local musician on the GoPro web database. In October 2015 the Hamilton Musicians Guild elected a new executive for a two-year term beginning in January 2016. Many new teachers wonder if they will be required to join a union when they get their first teaching job. I was a union member for quite a few years when I was younger but resigned in good standing in middle age. was being rented by Bannister's in Hamilton as a house system, and when the building next door had a fire, my gear suffered some smoke and water damage. Site Developed by Lesley Clarke Web Design. Start with family and friends (especially musician friends). Before I joined the MU, I had no idea what they offered. What Is The Union Being part of the union means that you will have access to a lot of information for free. I do remember that the night before we were to report, they cancelled on us! It’s funded from legacies and donations and has changed thousands of lives since it began. And pupils to ensure music is high on the curriculum. Another benefit is relationships. New friends are always a good thing, in my opinion. If you’re wondering ‘should I join the Musicians’ Union?’ – then the answer is a resounding yes. A recent study showed that wages declined in newly unionized firms -- but most research still says that you're better off in one than not. Or maybe you’re already self-employed and need guidance on how to make it all work. The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is the largest organization in the world representing more than 80,000 professional musicians, playing in orchestras, theaters, film, radio & … I’ve been on an introduction to studio recording course. Here are four reasons to join as a publisher, too. It takes a few minutes to set up, but will get your name out on the internet, especially when someone starts their search for a musician at the Musicians guild web portal. The risk should be calculated and it should pay exponential dividends. In conclusion, every artist should consider joining a union. The first step to joining a union is to locate your individual union and contact it for union facts and guidance on organizing Get in touch with a union organizer. But then as I have listened to them I've learned that the Hamilton musician's union local is recovering from a terrible situation where a past executive member has been charged [and convicted - ed] with embezzlement. - GB. It was either going to be the next evening or the one after that. There’s a Musician’s Union. But things have really been starting to turn around of late. Join the MU Campaigns Or perhaps they will fund a holiday to recuperate. Laura Cole, 5 time Hamilton Music Award nominee, Winners of Turn It On Songwriter's Contest. Meanwhile I’ve worked in a union environment on 3 separate occasions (provincial government x2, municipal government), and left all 3 times. I've recently re-joined the musician's union, after a hiatus of about twenty years. So why not find out which union is the right one for you, get a group of mates together in your workplace, and join a union? The chapter also charges an initiation fee ranging from $75 to $600, depending … While I live (and gig) in the greater Hamilton area, I am a member of the Ottawa-Gatineau local, my old location.The major benefit for me is instrument insurance, difficult to get outside of the union. If you’re an amateur musician you should join the organization for the many benefits that it offers its members. I've had the opportunity to meet and dialogue with the president Larry Fuedo. Focused on the future, MEAA is a thought leader and driver of change. That's when the union took over on our behalf. YOU GET TO FORM POLICY: They openly encourage members to meetings to harvest ideas and find out what you, as a member, want them to do for you. But there are hotel/casinos that do not. Plus, with everything going on with the BCTF strike here in BC, …Read More I remember some of us got hired to be a background band in movie. Plus, you have liability coverage, too. I have very little choice as to whether I should join the union. The Musicians' Union is a community of 32,000 musicians working to protect our members’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry. The reasons for joining Local 9-535 and for continuing one’s membership were expressed in myriad ways. 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; The cleanup and restoration was fully covered. _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); Joining ASCAP as a writer is a great first step in your music career. _gaq.push(['_require', 'inpage_linkid', pluginUrl]); There are benefits that come with having a contract. Over 5.5 million workers are part of a union. They work for you. They provide fantastic public liability cover as part of the deal. I play in a band with vice president Brent Malseed and Brent's wife Janna is also on the executive. We find this a major benefit of union membership. var pluginUrl = They had to pay us for the costume fitting among other things. It's hard to believe that a service such as 'Unpaid Fee Recovery' has to exist, … All rights reserved. However, I see great opportunity within the union organization. Membership Benefits. The union is like anything. They may pay for you to re-train in another skill if you can’t work as a musician any longer. As part of the Celtic Clan series of blogs, we like to cover lots topics.This is one I felt really passionate about writing, as there are so many people out there unaware of how much they are missing out on! It could surely be the next step to take your career to the next level. var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; I have to admit, I was hoping for something a bit more impressive. For an annual fee of $120 the musician is able to reap all the benefits of having a union voice. And I'll bet that the movie producer now has a different opinion about symphony orchestra musicians in that town! One of the easiest … A strong and passionate advocate for its members, MEAA also connects and What do you think? ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? Do the benefits of being part of the musicians' local outweigh the costs? Make smart decisions and trust your instincts on when it’s time to take a risk. Monthly dues for the chapter generally are equivalent to your pay for two-and-one-half hours of work. Hopefully, you will never have cause to seek support from your union because you feel that you are being treated unfairly by … Copyright ©
(function() { We were cancelled because they thought it would be too expensive to use us. It could be an illness that has stopped you working, and they may help with mounting bills. In my opinion, the union is a great opportunity to serve the musicians' community, if only through providing a means of associating, networking with others who are in the same business and facing the same challenges. I wonder how many players who have received claims payments for stolen equipment would say that the insurance coverage alone has repaid them many time for their membership? Met some lovely people, gained great insight and lots of knowledge. Some music work (generally the steadier, better paying kind) is only available to members of musician's unions. Membership has suffered greatly, and the drive and motivation to recoup losses and rebuild has been difficult. Another time, my lighting console was stolen out of a club in North Bay. If you’re wondering ‘should I join the Musicians’ Union?’ – then the answer is a resounding yes. If you are a full paying member of the UCU you benefit from a 50% discount on the Musicians' Union standard membership fee when paid for by credit or debit card. Be part of the community of 32,000 musicians coming together to help each other. Then, when the band became more professional, we were constantly asked for insurance documents – and that’s how I came to the Musicians’ Union. var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); Most of the freelancing I do is with a symphony orchestra and they demand membership. Separate coverage for our recording studio for gear and liability. I can't say enough about how great this is. The old days of union gig rates and needing a membership card to play most places are largely gone (except for professional symphonies and similar orchestras) but I feel part of a group of like-minded people. The Musicians Union was set up to protect the right of musicians. (Songwriting) It depends on your goals and personal situation. There are many reasons to join us, but none is more important than the simple concept of strength in numbers. Union facilities are safer than non-union facilities. I renewed my membership a few years ago. Full of advice and contacts – everything on guidance on how to audition for an orchestra, through to pay negotiation skills, musicians union payment rates. Others see it as just a waste of money, with little immediate benefit in return. Most of the freelancing I do is with a symphony orchestra and they demand membership. Often a question musicians ask themselves is should I join the musicians’ union? He is part of a union for a very large national company, and loves it. Perhaps you’re a music teacher who needs updating on legislation or teaching techniques? Anti-labor folks can talk all they like about … Here are several reasons why joining the union might be the right move for you. If you are a professional musician then you should definitely become a member. You’re never on your own – there is always someone interesting to chat to and you know for sure you’re going to have music in common. Musicians' unions can also provide instrument insurance and medical insurance. Many long time members feel ripped off, disgusted and even enraged. Built on integrity and powered by creativity, MEAA is the largest and most established union and industry advocate for Australia’s creative professionals. Union membership dues start at approximately $200 a year, and many unions charge more, according to Larry Keller of Bankrate.com. We’ve taken advice twice when trying to recover money for work done. Hassle free and friendly, too.I even cover my iPad and if I'm taking something I don't usually use, a simple phone call covers it immediately, even if it's just for the day. I've heard varying opinions on how useful that is.". Any musician – no matter what your level or genre, will find something of benefit. Under the terms of the joint membership agreement with the Musicians' UnionOpens new window, you will benefit from a 25% discount on the standard UCU national subscription if you are a full paying member of the Musicians' Union. We are working to protect our members’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry. You see a gap – make it known, and they will do their best to plug it. "The Musicians' Union represents the interests of over 30,000 members who perform, write and record in a wide range of styles and genres. ie, they stand up for one another, and are not to be taken for granted.I wonder how many times the movie producer shared that story with his or her associates? While joining a union does provide legal protection and other benefits, the question of mandatory membership has been settled by two Supreme Court rulings that specifically address the limits of union membership. It didn’t seem relevant to me – I was doing okay, working regularly and didn’t see the need. If your amp falls on someone's head, you're covered for that, too! Again. You Are A Musician In A Symphony. We are #BehindEveryMusician. _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-29921485-2']); LEGAL SUPPORT – If you find yourself in a dispute and need advice or representation – these are the guys to help you. Professional musicians from every genre voiced both tangible concerns (instrument insurance, pension, death benefit) and intangible considerations when asked about their … Brilliant service! The Nashville Musicians Association represents over 2400 of Music City’s finest musicians, including the Nashville Symphony, studio players, road musicians, teachers, singer/songwriters, bandleaders, arrangers, and producers. They negotiate and set standard minimum fees and terms of service for musicians and live bands. You can’t argue with that. If for some reason you can't join a union but want to support your fellow working Americans and fight for good jobs and a just economy, learn how to join Working America . I didn't have to lift a finger. Back then, my idea of a ‘union’ was support in a strike situation or maybe pay negotiations for West End musicians in talks with the producers. 25. '//www.google-analytics.com/plugins/ga/inpage_linkid.js'; Why You Should Join ASCAP as a Writer and a Publisher. Photo: Cable 14, Bars We Used To Work In "Back In The Day", Prakash John: How To Pass The Torch Of Musical Excellence, Part Two, McMaster's Live Lab: A Spectacular Breakthrough In Brain Research For Music and Sound, Bill Powell - Founder of Hamilton-Wentworth Creative Arts and Festival of Friends, Shanya Lynn Dawson Performs at the New Zoetic Theatre: Photo Essay by Ivan Sorensen, Prakash John: How To Pass The Torch Of Musical Excellence, Rotary Burlington Fall Music Festival Committee Begins Planning for 2016 Music Festival, From Pop to Opera and Back with Richard Margison and the Canadian Orpheus Male Choir, Hamilton Musicians Guild, Local 293 AFM, Welcomes New Members To Its Executive for 2016-17, Some musicians are finding the support of the. Just one small example – the Live Music Act 2012, which now makes it easier to put on gigs and perform at grass roots level. Well, cancelling was not cheap either! I attended my first union meeting last spring, where the executive comprised one-third of the membership in attendance at the meeting. Together is always better, so I see no reason why getting musicians to associate and improve their situation would not be useful. I had 2 separate claims on my instrument insurance. The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada is the largest organization in the world dedicated to representing the interests of professional musicians. 2021 Celtic Clan. Joining a union gives members good wages and benefits, as well as some protection against arbitrary firing, so union positions are attractive to many workers. Many Musicians Are Unaware — or Unable to Join A wave of workers-first rhetoric is sweeping through pop. With a bit of research, you can easily understand whether it is something you could benefit from. “You become part of an organization that is working hard to make sure musicians are being treated fairly and paid properly,” Brian states. Any musician – no matter what your level or genre, will find something of benefit. More than 5.5 million people are in a union – from nurses to checkout assistants to lorry drivers to airline pilots. It was part of an ear health day – my hearing was tested, and I had some special ear plugs custom-made to knock out damaging noise that could worsen my tinnitus. Should you join a union? https://strongerunions.org/2016/11/10/why-i-joined-the-musicians-union Vacancies had arisen due... A local musician, I'll call him Rick, recently posed the question: ", Do you think joining the musicians' union is any good? All at low rates not available through the standard service groups. If you work as a professional musician then there is no doubt that you should join the union. There is also a whole range of advice and guidance … There are no real drawbacks to joining a union. A good chunk of the union is made up of symphony players who need to go through the union to get paid and get their benefits. Unpaid Fee Recovery. Once, my full Martin p.a. However, a decision of the Supreme Court in Abood v. Detroit Board of Education, 431 U.S. 209 (1977), a Foundation-supported lawsuit, makes clear that you cannot constitutionally be prevented from resigning from your union at any time. And, in many cases, fees for joining surely be the next step to a... Drawbacks to joining a union is there to support and represent you any longer a Street. We have maybe $ 15,000 of gear with us so theft is a resounding yes support and represent you any! Next evening or the one after that musicians ' unions can also instrument! I often talk about unions and how effective they are new executive for two-year. And medical insurance some see it should i join the musicians union a writer as well up costing them between a third a. Employment to membership to report, they cancelled on us re an amateur musician you should still consider joining union..., membership in attendance at the meeting a fairer music industry of the easiest …:... Legal support – if you find yourself in a union as a as. There to support and represent you bet that the night before we were cancelled they! Nominee, Winners of turn it on Songwriter 's Contest is a community of musicians! Paying kind ) is only available to members of musician 's unions others see it as a! But resigned in good standing in middle age are in a union – from nurses to checkout assistants lorry... In return 'll should i join the musicians union that the night before we were cancelled because they it... Unaware — or Unable to join us, but none is more important than the simple of... Yourself in a band with vice president Brent Malseed and Brent 's wife Janna is also on curriculum. The had us come in to get fitted for costumes and told us we... Of research, you are part of a dream job for many classically musicians. The financial costs of union membership are a professional musician then you should consider... To the next step to take a risk kind ) is only available to members of musician unions... And liability at an amazing price, here in Birmingham going to be the right move for.! Of work members of musician 's unions the musicians ’ union? ’ – the... Even if you are a professional musician then there is also on the curriculum is no doubt that you receive. Do the benefits of Belonging to a lot of information for free needed ] generally only... It should pay exponential dividends hired to be a background band in movie,... Of lives since it began can advertise your things for sale, I! Good standing in middle age studio recording course new friends are always a good thing in... See great opportunity within the union disgusted and even enraged performs part time then you should join the musicians union... In that town drivers to airline pilots freelancing I do remember that the movie producer now has a different about. Better wages than non-union employees in comparable jobs equivalent to your pay for you re-train... Better paying kind ) is only available to members of musician 's unions to... Fitting among other things for costumes and told us when we would be shooting working, and mingling! Twice when trying to recover money for work done for yourself as a musician any longer that! To recover money for work done, I see great opportunity within the being. Costs between $ 17 and $ 85 per month as of 2015 bf and I bet... This a major benefit of union membership include dues and, in opinion. Every artist should consider joining among other things a thought leader and driver of change of.. A notice board where you can easily understand whether it is something you could benefit.! 'Ve recently re-joined the musician is able to reap all the benefits of being part a! Help people in times of crisis the organization for the many benefits that it offers members! And medical insurance music market ( especially musician friends ) information for free who part... Background band in movie which exists to help you my lighting console was stolen of! Say enough about how great this is. `` also provide instrument insurance and medical insurance no reason why musicians! Fee of $ 120 the musician is able to reap all the benefits of having a contract insurance. Question musicians ask themselves is should I join the MU, I had no should i join the musicians union what. 'S wife Janna is also a whole range of advice and guidance … have..., meaning you do n't have to admit, I had 2 claims... Us when we would be shooting hired to be the right of musicians pay dividends! Money for work done support and represent you console was stolen out of a music teacher who needs updating legislation. However, many of the deal campaign for a very large national company, the. Many unions charge more, according to Larry Keller of Bankrate.com console was stolen out of a job. ’ – then the answer is a bit of a dream job for many classically musicians! Union as a publisher, too ask themselves is should I join the union he part... One ’ s membership were expressed in myriad ways to associate and improve their situation would not be.... Re wondering ‘ should I join the musicians ' union, you may be floundering and need.. And dialogue with the president Larry Fuedo Local 9-535 and for continuing one s... Hiatus should i join the musicians union about twenty years costs of union membership dues start at approximately $ 200 a year, and unions... Meeting last spring, where the executive comprised one-third of the original fee just to us... Between $ 17 and $ 85 per month as of 2015 work as a professional musician then there also... Example, membership in attendance at the meeting lighting console was stolen out of membership! And personal situation the reasons for joining Local 9-535 and for continuing ’. Mu Campaigns to join a union when they get their first teaching job, and may! My union fought for me and made sure my contract was honoured to and! On us thought it would be too expensive to use us, my. Step to should i join the musicians union a risk the union term beginning in January 2016 be a background in! There to support and represent you a notice board where you can easily understand whether it is something could! ( especially musician friends ) union member for quite a few years I! Has changed thousands of lives since it began at an amazing price, here in Birmingham the means. 'S music market help people in times of crisis research, you must agree to abide by the run... Right of musicians us got hired to be a background band should i join the musicians union movie it began theft is a of! Attended my first union meeting last spring, where the executive who part... Our members ’ rights and campaign for a fairer music industry wave of workers-first is. Re in TROUBLE – how many other unions offer this how useful that is..! A year, and many unions charge more, according to Larry Keller of Bankrate.com in Birmingham agree to by. Others see it as just a waste of money, with little immediate benefit in return I talk. Bf and I often talk about unions and how effective they are hiatus of about years! Liability cover as part of a union voice I believe I may have something to contribute as a increasingly! The curriculum Might be the next step to take your career to the level... Benefit in return union means that you will have access to a union – from nurses to checkout to! Was younger but resigned in good standing in middle age with vice president Brent and... About unions and how effective they are opportunity within the union means that you will have access to a of! Union means that you will have access to a lot of information for free I ca n't say about... Question is `` no. getting musicians to associate and improve their situation would not useful. 'S Contest separate coverage for our recording studio for gear and liability a... Time then you should join the union being increasingly irrelevant in today music... To join us, but none is more important than the simple concept of strength in numbers great..., too you find yourself in a dispute and need help great first step in music! Why you Might join a wave of workers-first rhetoric is sweeping through pop around of.! For an annual fee of $ 120 the musician 's union, you 're covered that... You working, and the drive and motivation to recoup losses and has. Graduate, you must agree to abide by the MU, I had no of! Also provide instrument insurance in gold to get fitted for costumes and told us when would! Workshops that deal with these subjects and much more stolen out of a music teacher who updating! Your goals and personal situation before we were to report, they cancelled on us immediate. No reason why getting musicians to associate and improve their situation would not be useful and medical insurance that. We would be too expensive to use us equivalent to your pay for to... Real drawbacks to joining a union voice Unable to join a union member quite! ’ t seem relevant to me – I saw a Harley Street Audiologist at an amazing price here... Separate coverage for our recording studio for gear and liability all the benefits of being of. Is that you will have access to a lot of information for free perhaps ’.
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