On Friday, American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) held a mail ballot election pursuant to its Constitution.  Global Election Services (GES) certified the election results, which were accepted and approved May 20, 2019 by AGMA's Board of Governors. The following officers were elected:  President - Raymond Menard; Treasurer - J Austin Bitner; Recording Secretary – Louis Perry; First VP - John W. Coleman;  Second VP - Elizabeth Sciblo; Third VP – Teresa Reichlen; Fourth VP – Jane Shaulis; Fifth VP – Samuel Schultz. Nineteen Governors comprised of Soloists, Choristers/Actors, Dancers, and Production Personnel were also elected throughout the country in a record setting voter turnout. President Menard, Production ... Read More -->

Dear AGMA Members: Please look out for the official AGMA voting ballot in your mailbox.  Hard copies of the ballots were sent to your last reported address on April 22, 2019 and should be arriving shortly (please note there is no option for voting electronically).  If you do not receive a ballot by May 1, 2019, please contact Global Election Services at helpdesk@voteges.com or call 1-800-864-1263 to request a replacement ballot. Members have until May 10, 2019 to request that a replacement ballot be sent to them. For any questions about the election, please login to MYAGMA at www.musicalartists.org and click on MYAGMA – 2019 National Election (or email elections@musicalartists.org).   ... Read More -->

After a careful review of the facts, one of the country’s top arbitrators has decided to reinstate Amar Ramasar and Zachary Catazaro to the New York City Ballet. Mr. Catazaro has decided not to return to City Ballet. The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) exists to ensure the rights of all our members are protected—that includes those who report harassment in the workplace as well as those who have been subject to unjust termination. This was a complicated situation. We pursued this case because it's important to us that your employer is prevented from taking extreme and potentially career-ending action based on non-criminal activity in your private life. We are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure you have ... Read More -->

Pursuant to AGMA’s 2019 National Election Policy, a complete list of candidates running for open seats on the Board of Governors - and a complete list of candidates for Officer Positions on the Board of Governors - has been published to our website. Please be advised that due to the technical difficulties previously alerted to this afternoon, AGMA leadership has elected to publish the candidate list to the public-facing portion of our website - ensuring that all members may access the information in a timely fashion, while the database issues are being resolved. As soon as the aforementioned technical problems are remedied, the page will then be relocated to its proper location within the 2019 National Election Portal of MyAGMA. UPDATE (3... Read More -->

New York, NY (March 1, 2019) – Today, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), installed its new President, John Coleman, following the resignation of James Odom from the position. President Coleman moves into his new role per the Union’s constitution which provides that the First Vice President assumes the duties of the President upon resignation. Currently, a full-time Stage Manager at Lyric Opera of Chicago, President Coleman becomes the first Stage Manager to hold the position. “AGMA has been a part of my life for 30 years as an Artist, Delegate, and Vice President. The membership can count on AGMA’s Board of Governors and Staff to vigorously represent their interests. I am honored and look forward to serving as AGMA’s... Read More -->

If you are seeking to be run for office in the upcoming AGMA election, completed petitions must be returned on or before March 1, 2019 to Elizabeth Drorbaugh at the National Office either in person, by regular mail or by email to Elections@musicalartists.org or by facsimile to 212-262-9088, and must include the signed acceptance of the candidate where indicated on the petition. Petitions received after the deadline will not be accepted, and only petitions on the official form prepared by the National Office will be accepted. In addition, fully completed Slate Declaration Forms (if applicable) are due by March 1, 2019. No member is permitted to be nominated as a candidate to more than one position during this election. All information ... Read More -->

From AGMA President James Odom Dear Colleagues, The last twelve years have been the most fulfilling of my life.  Serving as AGMA’s President has been an honor beyond my ability to express.  It has been a true privilege to meet so many of you – some in person, some virtually – as I have participated in contract negotiations and attended area meetings and served with so many in the elected leadership. However, all things come to an end.  At the regularly scheduled meeting of AGMA’s Board of Governors, I resigned my position of President of AGMA, effective March 1, 2019.  In accordance with the provisions within AGMA’s Constitution, First Vice President John Coleman will assume the office of President until the new Presi... Read More -->

Elections for the American Guild of Musical Artists National Officers and the Board of Governors will take place on May 17, 2019.  Eligible AGMA members may submit a petition for either an Officer or Governor position. Only official AGMA petition forms will be accepted. Please ensure that the petition used states “Official AGMA Election Petition” at the top of the page. Serving as an Officer or Governor is your opportunity to represent your colleagues and have a voice in conducting the business of the union. A complete set of election rules and materials have been posted on AGMA’s website. Please log in to MyAGMA, and select "2019 National Election" from under the MyAGMA menu - or if you are already logged in, you may directly ac... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) fully supports the Chicago Federation of Musicians and the Orchestra at Lyric Opera in their efforts to obtain a fair contract. As of Tuesday, October 9, the Lyric Opera Orchestra has been on strike to fight back against cuts that will diminish Lyric Opera of Chicago as one of the world’s great opera companies. AGMA members are encouraged to visit https://www.chicagolyricoperaorchestra.com for more information and updates.... Read More -->

CHICAGO (10/8/2018) – Lyric Opera of Chicago and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) announced today that they have reached a multi-year labor agreement extending through the 2020/21 season.  The Agreement is subject to the ratification of AGMA members and approval of the AGMA Board of Governors. Details are not being released to the public at this time. About AGMA: The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is a labor organization that represents the people who create and engage in America’s operatic, choral and dance performances across the world. AGMA represents approximately 7,500 opera and classical singers, ballet and modern dancers, and production personnel at all principal opera houses, ballet com... Read More -->