Officer Columns, President's Message

The Pandora – Naxos Deal: Fairness for Professional Musicians?

May 1, 2015

Below is an opinion article I authored in response to a recent deal between Naxos and Pandora, which apparently bypasses direct payment to members of performance rights royalties for digital radio through SoundExchange and via the AFM and SAG-AFTRA Fund

Are You Leaving Money On the Table?

May 1, 2015

There are many challenges to maintaining your career as a professional musician. We live in a technology-driven world that has dramatically changed the way music is distributed, marketed, and sold.

99 Problems with the Music Industry

March 25, 2015

I recently ran across an article by Paul Resnicoff, entitled “99 Problems with the Music Industry,” and while written some months ago, it has an interesting perspective on the current state of affairs

Preparing for the 2016 AFM Convention: Make Sure You Are Represented

March 25, 2015

The 2016 AFM Convention is less than a year and a half away. That may seem a long way off, but in reality, it will be upon us sooner than we think. Now is the time locals should begin preparing and making plans to attend the convention.

The Year Leading up to TMA’s 20th Anniversary Conference

March 25, 2015

Theatre Musicians Association (TMA) has been quite busy in the past year. I can think of no better way to demonstrate this than by writing about what the Executive Board and volunteer committees have been up to in the TMA’s year review.

Could the Working America Concept Work for Musicians?

March 25, 2015

One of the fastest growing organizations in the country is Working America (www.workingamerica.org). It mobilizes working people 365 days a year, contacting them at home to talk about jobs, health care, politics, and items that working families confront daily.

MPTF Launches MusicianFest Partnership with National Council on Aging

March 25, 2015

MusicianFest will stage up to 500 free performances at senior centers in an effort to bring the positive impact of music into the lives of older adults

New Director, New Communications Plan, and News Briefs

March 25, 2015

As our new Communications Director, Rose will develop, implement, and manage a new Federation strategic communications plan through social media, press and public relations, and internal messaging

New Business Model = Same Demons

February 25, 2015

Citing the unfair split of revenues and lack of artistic control, today’s musicians shun the ubiquitous control of yore by the “majors,” and desperately attempt to validate their music by declaring themselves an “indie.”

Successor Symphonic Media and Film Agreements Finalized

February 25, 2015

The Federation concluded negotiations for a successor Integrated Media Agreement (IMA) and also for successor Motion Picture and Television Film Agreements (Film Agreement) in late December 2014 and early January 2015, respectively.