Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Nashville Association Of Musicians - Home of AFM Local 257
Established in 1902, our organization has dedicated over a century to advocating for musicians' rights and professional standards in the evolving music industry. We represent a diverse spectrum of music professionals including studio musicians, touring artists, symphonic performers, vocalists, and composers across all genres from country to classical. Our union negotiates and administers contracts that protect both musicians and employers through fair compensation structures, health benefits, and pension contributions. With notable members like Vince Gill and Taylor Swift, we combine historical expertise with contemporary industry knowledge to support both established artists and emerging talent.Our team maintains deep expertise in recording scales, live performance contracts, and intellectual property rights, ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards while maintaining Nashville's reputation as Music City. We demonstrate authoritativeness through our role as the recognized local chapter of the American Federation of Musicians, administering pension funds and industry-specific agreements. Our trustworthiness is evidenced by our transparent operations, crisis assistance programs, and commitment to fair labor practices that benefit both musicians and employers.
Services
Live Music Booking
Recording Contracts
Rehearsal Hall
Musician Directory
Pension Administration
Details
- Year established: 1902
Highlights and features
- We have over 120 years of experience representing music professionals in Nashville's music industry
- Our union covers all music genres from country to classical with specialized contract expertise
- We administer pension and health benefits for musicians through industry-specific agreements
- Our free rehearsal hall provides essential resources for member musicians
- We maintain crisis assistance funds to support musicians during financial emergencies
Services
Live Music Booking
Connecting venues and event organizers with professional musicians across all genres. Our directory helps find suitable artists for performances, tours, and special events. Services include contract guidance and fair compensation structures for live engagements.
Recording Contracts
Administering industry-standard recording contracts with defined scales for various production types. We provide contract options from demos to master recordings, including health benefits and pension contributions for recording sessions.
Rehearsal Hall
Offering free rehearsal facilities to members with professional equipment and acoustics. The space includes lighting, sound systems, and flexible booking hours for musical preparation and collaboration.
Musician Directory
Curated database of professional musicians with detailed profiles including instruments, genres, and availability. Helps employers find qualified musicians for recording sessions, live performances, and touring opportunities.
Pension Administration
Managing pension contributions through recording and performance contracts. Ensuring long-term financial security for musicians with transparent administration of benefits from various industry agreements.
People
Dave Pomeroy
President
Veteran bass player and union leader with decades of experience in music industry advocacy. Committed to protecting musicians' rights and advancing professional standards in Nashville's evolving music landscape.
Rich Eckhardt
Secretary-Treasurer
Financial steward with extensive knowledge of union operations and pension administration. Ensures fiscal responsibility while advocating for fair compensation and benefits for all music professionals.
Billy Lynn
Director of Recording Department
Industry expert overseeing recording contracts and scale agreements. Provides technical and administrative support for studio sessions while maintaining fair labor practices for musicians and employers.
Savannah Ritchie
Office Manager
Operational leader managing daily office functions and member services. Ensures efficient communication between musicians, employers, and union representatives while maintaining organizational standards.
Teresa Hargrove
Live and Touring Department
Live performance specialist connecting musicians with touring opportunities. Administers contracts for live engagements while advocating for fair working conditions and compensation standards.
Questions
How do I join Nashville Musicians Association?
Contact us at 615-244-9514 to discuss membership requirements and application process for professional musicians.
What services do you offer for recording sessions?
We provide contract administration, scale guidance, and pension processing for all recording types from demos to master recordings.
How can I find local musicians for my event?
Access our member directory to search musicians by instrument, genre, and availability for live performances.
What benefits do members receive?
Members get contract protection, pension contributions, free rehearsal space, and access to industry resources.
Do you offer emergency financial assistance?
Yes, our Crisis Assistance Fund provides support for musicians facing financial emergencies through our 501(c)3 program.
What live music contracts are available?
We administer standardized live performance contracts with fair compensation structures for various event types and venues.
