The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) joins our sibling unions in New York City in standing with the union musician-teachers of the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) Precollege Division in their fight for a fair contract.
It is essential to emphasize that these educators are part of the Precollege Division. This means they dedicate themselves to providing exceptional instruction to young students ranging from five to 18 years of age, helping to lay the foundation for the future of the performing arts.
AGMA recognizes that the Precollege Division faculty’s fight for fair wages, sustainable working conditions, and respect is a generational battle that impacts not just them, but the arts community as a whole. If we do not fight for sustainable career pathways for educators and performing artists, the long-term health of our industry—both in New York City and beyond—is at risk. Cultivating new talent begins with supporting the educators who make it all possible.
AGMA stands in solidarity with the ARTS-MSM Precollege Faculty Union, and we urge our members to write to MSM President James Gandre at jgandre@msmnyc.edu and insist that their demands for a fair and equitable contract be met.