The 2018 Union Plus Scholarship — Start Your Application Today! Last year, 106 union members, their spouses and dependent children were awarded $150,000 in Union Plus Scholarship, ranging from $500 to $4,000, The Union Plus Scholarship Program awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need and commitment to organized labor's values. Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school or a recognized technical or trade school. The application deadline for the 2018 Union Plus Scholarship is January 31, 2018. Register at the scholarship application site and start your online application today. You can return as ma... Read More -->
MyAGMA
AGMA Office Closing & New Applications
AGMA offices will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd through January 1, 2018. Enjoy the holidays and have a Happy New Year! For artists interested in joining AGMA before January 1st, 2018, you may still join at the lower initiation fee of $500.00 if you send in your completed application (available on our website here) by email to membership@musicalartists.org, fax to 212-262-9088, or by regular mail and it is received on or before December 31st, 2017 (or postmarked by 12/31/17). In order to apply the lower initiation fee, you will need to include payment with your application, or make your payment no later than January 31, 2018. Please note, the 2018 basic dues are $100.00 and payable with your application but no later ... Read More -->
AGMA Opposes New Tax Bill
AGMA is opposed to the tax bill currently before Congress. The tax revisions, if approved, will negatively affect a large majority of our membership in the form of higher taxes. This tax bill will eliminate the deduction of ordinary and necessary unreimbursed business expenses, which means many members will no longer be able to deduct expenses such as management fees, travel, voice lessons, or your union dues. We are asking you to act fast and let Congress know how this bill will hurt you and your colleagues (the vote is imminent so act now). For more information see this article in the The Hollywood Reporter which stated that an analysis of the bill "showed that the middle-class is expected to suffer hefty increases under the new... Read More -->
Harassment Allegations against Peter Martins, Ballet Master in Chief of New York City Ballet
AGMA is deeply concerned about emerging press reports alleging harassment by Peter Martins, long-time Ballet Master in Chief of New York City Ballet. We fully support the investigation initiated by City Ballet in conjunction with the School of American Ballet and ask that any individuals with knowledge of the claims come forward so that investigators have all relevant facts. AGMA represents dancers, choreographers and stage managers at New York City Ballet. Our collective bargaining agreement, as well as federal and state law, prevents all forms of discrimination. AGMA provides a confidential reporting method relating to all forms of harassment, including sexual harassment. For more information go to: www.musicalartists.org.... Read More -->
AGMA’s Statement on Allegations Against James Levine, Metropolitan Opera Music Director Emeritus
We are appalled by the recent reports of sexual abuse allegations against James Levine, the Metropolitan Opera’s Music Director Emeritus. Last night, the Metropolitan Opera (“Met”) suspended Mr. Levine pending an immediate, internal investigation. We support the Met’s recent actions. As the union representing choristers, soloists, stage managers, directors, dancers, choreographers and staff performers, we seek to protect our members from all forms of harassment and discrimination. The Met has a legal duty to provide a safe workplace and take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment. This duty includes conducting prompt and diligent investigations in response to credible complaints of misconduct with appropriate actions wh... Read More -->
Best Time to Join AGMA is Now
We are the labor union that represents the men and women who create America’s operatic, choral and dance heritage. Because performing artists live to perform, they are vulnerable to employer exploitation, unfair and unsafe conditions, and illegal discrimination. They can find the protection they need by joining AGMA – the American Guild of Musical Artists. Without forceful advocacy of their interests, artists can be subjected to abuse, low pay, poor working conditions, inadequate benefits, and no job security. Join AGMA Now - Initiation fees increase as of January 1, 2018 (from $500 to $1000). Membership in the American Guild of Musical Artists has countless benefits and advantages. Not only does it provide you with access... Read More -->
Thanksgiving
In observance of Thanksgiving, AGMA offices will close today at 3:00pm and will reopen on Monday, November 27th. Enjoy the holiday and be safe everyone!... Read More -->
Veterans Day
In observance of Veterans Day, AGMA offices will be closed tomorrow Friday, November 10th and will reopen on Monday, November 13th. To our veterans, we thank you for your service!... Read More -->
Message from Deborah Allton-Maher, Associate Executive Director
Dear AGMA Members: Considering the recent exposure in the press of the illegal and insidious harassment by those who occupy positions of power against those who are most vulnerable, I feel compelled to reach out personally to all of our members with reassurance and support and to urge anyone who has experienced this trauma to utilize the reporting method that AGMA has provided. All you need to do is to call me or email me to report any behavior that has made you uncomfortable, fearful or if you feel threatened in any way. All reports are kept strictly in confidence, no names are used. If we receive multiple reports against an individual we notify the employer(s) of the offending person to either conduct an investigation, or to take pr... Read More -->
Vincent La Selva, Founder of New York Grand Opera, Dies at 88
It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news that Maestro Vincent La Selva passed away on October 9th in Cleveland, Ohio. There will be a service for him at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 10 AM on Tuesday, October 17th and all are welcome. As the founder of New York Grand Opera, Maestro La Selva brought many summers of glorious opera performances in Central Park, free to everyone. He is much beloved by generations of opera singers, orchestral musicians, conductors and opera fans alike and will be deeply missed. For more information, please read his obituary in the New York Times... Read More -->