<p>DD has her first job with the opera chorus. She has to decide if she wants to join AGMA. We have no idea whether or not this is a good idea. She has a show by show contract with one show so far. She intends to go back to school in 1-2 years for her Masters. Anyone have experience with this decision? What things should be considered?</p>
<p>From what my D has been told, it pays to read up to weigh the benefits against the “non-benefits” (because the word, “risk” doesn’t really apply here). AGMA isn’t as restrictive as Actors Equity, where, once you’re a member, you can’t perform in non-union houses, but there are costs involved for initiation dues(around $80, I think) and then one pays 2% of gross pay (even the choristers) to the union. They have a reputation of being small but mighty and take good care of their members; they also offer a credit union,some health benefit plans and other nice and useful benefits/discounts. I know that some companies hold “AGMA-only” auditions, but one is allowed to sing in other venues.
Usually,one doesn’t join until the “emerging professional” level, but I don’t believe that membership would impact someone negatively in the future when they go back to school. Just to make sure, why not have your D ask one the profs she knew from school and get her/his opinion? Her school has a great grad program so someone there should be able to offer some guidance.
If the company she is going to sing with is a union company- and she gets positive feedback when she talks to her old voice teacher or a prof- then I can’t see any reason for not becoming a member and a lot of reasons why she should.
She’s doing great and I know you’re proud of her!</p>
<p>I would vote yes.
Our DS joined the AFM (American Federation of Musicians) when he was about 17.
There was an open enrollment period where they waived the initiation fee I think so he took advantage of that.</p>
<p>He’s now looking for a teaching position and also has a performance masters.
There are jobs he cannot qualify for if not in the union. The annual dues are small and then % of earnings.<br>
Later this month, he will play in the pit orchestra along side his Dad for the run of a summer production in a local park. That will make my mother’s heart proud to see.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your DD.</p>
<p>The main consideration is what restrictions, if any, the union imposes on playing non-union gigs. I have known people that work around such restrictions by joining a chapter of a union that is some distance from where they live and regularly perform, and others who used a different name for their union vs. non-union gigs. If those kinds of restrictions can be worked out, joining is usually beneficial.</p>
<p>Fortunately the AGMA has no such restrictions. She has the choice because the state she is in is a right to work state. She is going to talk to others who are there and see what they say is any benefit for her at her stage in career. It is pretty expensive for her, $500 when you reach your first $2000 and then a nominal annual fee at her level. Thanks for all of the info.</p>