HMG Updates – Join the HMG

Joining the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild (AFM Local 293) provides professional musicians with crucial career support, including contract protection, fair wage negotiation, access to a pension plan, and health/instrument insurance. Members benefit from MPTF-funded paid gigs, US work permit assistance (P2 visa), and networking within a supportive community.
Major benefits of joining the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild include:
– Contract & Legal Protection: The HMG provides legally enforceable, standard contracts that protect musicians and assist with payment collections in cases of default.
– Gig Funding (MPTF): Access to Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) grants that pay members for gigs at schools, seniors’ residences, libraries, community events, festivals, etc.
– Career & Booking Services: Members get free listings on the AFM referral service, access to licensed agents, and help navigating the music industry.
– US/Cross-Border Gigs: Assistance with P2 work permits for playing in the United States, saving thousands in legal fees.
– Pension and Insurance: Access to a tailored pension plan, low-cost instrument insurance, and personal/health insurance options.
– Legislative Representation: The union works on behalf of members for copyright reform and royalties (Neighbouring Rights).
– Networking & Socials: Opportunities for social gatherings, mentorship, and inclusion in a community of professional peers.
– Special Membership Offer: New members can save on fees if joining with another person, with waived federation and local initiation fees

Join with a Peer
The Hamilton Musicians’ Guild
is the most important partner for your music career.
PLUS: If you and a colleague or bandmate join at the same time, we will waive both the Local and Federation initiation fees. Total Savings: $105 per person.

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The mission of the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild is:
  1. To unite into one organization all persons who become members. To secure for our members improved wages, hours, working conditions and other economic advantages through collective negotiations and bargaining.
  2. To engage in cultural, educational and charitable activities to further the interests of Guild members.
  3. To support the mission of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada as an affiliate.
  4. To protect and preserve the integrity of the Guild and to discharge its legal and contractual obligations.
  5. To receive, manage, invest, expend, or otherwise utilize the assets of the Guild to further and carry out its mission.

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Join Now! Send us your application:   English  or French

MPTF GIGS

We can pay you and your band to play free gigs through the MPTF program.
The Band Leader makes $ 165 for a one hour gig, and each Band Member receives $ 145.

“It pays to belong to the HMG.”

Contact the HMG office for details.