Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advocating for Professional Musicians in Eugene Since 1914
We are a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to advocating for professional musicians and preserving the future of live music. Established in 1914, we operate as a chapter of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, representing nearly 100,000 musicians globally. Our mission focuses on collective bargaining to secure fair wages, improved working conditions, and equitable terms for members across diverse genres including jazz, classical, rock, and country. With jurisdiction spanning southern Oregon and parts of California, we provide critical resources such as instrument insurance, contract enforcement, and a free booking referral service.Our membership includes renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma and Willie Nelson, alongside local freelancers and educators. Governed by an elected volunteer board, we prioritize member-driven initiatives through regular meetings and transparent governance. Our strategic partnerships with national offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto amplify our capacity to influence industry standards while maintaining localized support for musicians.
Services
Membership Services
Collective Bargaining
Instrument Insurance
Contract Enforcement
Hiring Referrals
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We represent nearly 100,000 musicians through the American Federation of Musicians' network
- Specializing in collective bargaining for fair industry compensation since 1914
- Offering low-cost instrument insurance and liability coverage options
- Providing free direct musician referral services without agency fees
- Maintaining diverse genre representation from classical to contemporary rock
Services
Membership Services
We provide professional representation for musicians through American Federation of Musicians affiliation. Members gain access to contract enforcement, insurance programs, and industry wage protections. Our services include career development resources and collective bargaining support to maintain fair compensation standards across performance venues.
Instrument Insurance
Offering affordable instrument and liability insurance options for professional musicians. Coverage includes protection against damage, theft, and performance-related risks. Policies are specifically tailored for diverse musical equipment needs from orchestral instruments to modern electronic gear.
Hiring Referrals
Connecting event planners with qualified musicians through our free direct referral service. We maintain a database of over 150,000 professionals across genres including classical, jazz, rock, and world music. Clients receive direct contact with performers without agency fees.
Contract Enforcement
Providing standardized contracts and dispute resolution services for musical engagements. Our templates ensure clear terms for performance agreements, including cancellation policies and compensation structures. Members receive assistance negotiating fair terms with event organizers.
Collective Bargaining
Negotiating industry-wide compensation standards through organized labor practices. We establish minimum wage scales based on performance type, duration, and ensemble size. Our advocacy protects musicians' economic interests while maintaining professional working conditions.
People
Stephen Chong
President
Elected board leader overseeing strategic initiatives and union representation. Committed to advancing musicians' rights through collaborative governance and policy development.
Violetta Tarpinian
Vice-President
Supporting organizational operations and member engagement efforts. Focuses on expanding service accessibility and strengthening regional music industry partnerships.
Kris Klavik
Secretary-Treasurer
Managing financial operations and administrative functions. Ensures transparent fiscal management and accurate record-keeping for union activities.
Bill Belcher
Trustee
Serving on the governing board to represent member interests. Concentrates on policy implementation and long-term organizational sustainability.
Questions
What benefits does union membership provide?
Members receive contract enforcement, instrument insurance, wage scale protections, and access to our booking referral network.
Can non-union musicians use your services?
Our referral service connects clients directly with musicians regardless of union status.
How are performance wages determined?
Rates depend on ensemble size, performance duration, and venue type as outlined in our local wage scale.
Do you offer event planning assistance?
We help connect clients with appropriate musicians and provide contract templates for event coordination.
What geographic areas do you cover?
Primarily southern Oregon with partial jurisdiction in northern California regions.
How to resolve contract disputes?
Union members can request mediation assistance through our office's dispute resolution process.
