Officer Columns

Right to Work Folly

May 1, 2015

The move to alter the laws to make all states “right to work” states is gaining momentum. State legislatures overloaded with conservative elected officials who have strong ties to the innocuously named American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) are hell-bent on doing away with unions.

OCSM/CFM Unity Conference to Be Held in August

May 1, 2015

In my March 2014 article in the International Musician I pointed out that 2014 marked the 40th anniversary of the meetings that led to the formation of the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians (OCSM). OCSM’s first stand-alone meeting was held in Edmonton a year later, in 1975, and OCSM’s inaugural conference was held in Toronto the year after that

Canadian Boycott of Crown Cans

May 1, 2015

Members of United Steel Workers Local 9176 have been forced on strike for close to 18 months at Crown Holdings in Toronto, Ontario. Crown is one of the largest beverage and food can manufacturers in the world. Originally known as Crown, Cork & Seal, the company is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and operates approximately 149 […]

International Musician Print Edition Is Valued

May 1, 2015

One of the first things I did in 2005, as the incoming AFM Secretary-Treasurer was to take inventory of the responsibilities of the position.

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.