The Midwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Sunday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Members of the Area were sent a reminder email today with information and a link to register. Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with other local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. ... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the dancers of Ballet Austin have won their union! Just over one month after coming forward with their campaign, the Artists have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Given the unanimous results, Ballet Austin management will recognize AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists. "Congratulations to the dancers of Ballet Austin on their incredible NLRB election win," said Sam Wheeler, AGMA's National Executive Director. "You're AGMA Artists now! This victory not only strengthens your shop but also amplifies the collective power of all AGMA dancers. You're now a part of something bigger than yourselves. Here's ... Read More -->

The new collective bargaining agreement between AGMA and Santa Fe Opera was approved by AGMA leadership on December 11, 2023, after being overwhelmingly ratified by the shop. Thank you to the negotiating committee, and congratulations on this 4-year agreement! CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS COMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS: Compensation/per diem increases:3% for first year**2% for Production Staff, who requested to redistribute their increase to bring the base pay up for newly covered Production Assistants3% in the second year3% in the third year​ 3.25% in fourth year 35% upfront payments for per performance Principal Artists upon arrival ​ Increase to contributions in lieu of health care of 3% in each year ... Read More -->

In June 2023, AGMA announced the Union's new President, Officers, and Governors. The award-winning Summer 2023 issue of AGMAzine featured interviews with President Ned Hanlon and Officers J. Austin Bitner, Brian August, Helena Brown, Antuan Byers, Eric Ferring, Andres Garcia, Katharine Goeldner, Cameo Humes, and Jennifer Wallace.  Now, as part of our AGMAzine Spotlight Series, we will be featuring these union leaders every Wednesday, starting with President Hanlon!  “As president, I will lead our fantastic group of Officers and Governors as we shape AGMA into a more flexible and proactive union, one that will be able to meet the challenges of the current arts industry head-on. We’ve been working on plans for the future.... Read More -->

AGMA is excited to share that it is almost time to hold Area Committee elections! On January 29, the self-nomination window will officially open for eligible members who wish to serve as a member of their Area Committee. AGMA Artists received an email today and will receive more information on that process on January 29. We encourage all AGMA members to consider becoming a bigger part of the Union! Area Committees are an essential part of AGMA. As you know, AGMA functions as a nationwide union, operating without a system of locals. Membership Areas serve as the framework for fostering connections among members across various locations. They also provide a pathway for extensive member involvement in our union. Simply put, stro... Read More -->

The AGMA Opera and Concert Choristers Caucus will host "Navigating Ageism and Vocal Health: A Real Talk on the Complexities of Auditioning and Career Longevity" on Monday, January 29, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT. Joining as guest speaker is Karen Brunssen, Professor of Music at the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University.  Professor Brunssen teaches voice and is Co-Chair of Music Performance. She is a frequent teacher, clinician, and adjudicator for organizations, colleges, and universities throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Her book, The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Life Span, chronicles how changes in respiration, vibration and resonance impact realistic, age-appropriate expec... Read More -->

On December 13, AGMA officially notified Ballet Austin management of its dancers’ desire to unionize. While the Company was unwilling to voluntarily recognize their artists’ union, they did agree that an NLRB election should be scheduled as quickly as possible. Today, we can announce that the Ballet Austin election will take place on January 19 at the Company’s rehearsal studios. ... Read More -->

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is pleased to announce that the singers of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale (PBOC) have won their union! Two months after signing cards, the Artists have prevailed in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) mail ballot election. Given the unanimous results, PBOC management must recognize AGMA as the exclusive bargaining representative of the Artists. "We proudly celebrate the victory of the Artists of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale,” said Sam Wheeler, AGMA’s National Executive Director. “Their triumph reflects the enduring power of collective action and the profound impact that artists can have when they join together. The addition of these exceptional s... Read More -->

The grace period for AGMA Members to submit their 2024 basic annual dues without late fees ends January 31. Invoices were sent on or around November 17. Members should submit their dues to remain an AGMA member in good standing and avoid future reinstatement fees! Members must remain in good standing to participate at all levels of the Union. This means staying up to date on all payments and installment plans. To engage in negotiations, vote on contracts, attend caucus or committee meetings, receive important emails, access MyAGMA, and vote, nominate, or run as a candidate in union elections, it is essential that members remain in good standing. TO SUBMIT DUES: Members currently in good standing may submit the... Read More -->

The Midwest Area will hold its annual membership meeting virtually – over Zoom – on Sunday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Members of the Area were sent an email today with information and a link to register. Area meetings are an opportunity for AGMA members to come together with other local members to meet, connect, and discuss common issues. ... Read More -->