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DENVER MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION
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DENVER MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1890 as the Musical Protective Association of Denver, Local 20 was chartered by the American Federation of Musicians in 1897. Today, the professional musicians of Local 20-623 live and work in parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah.
Through the combined efforts and resources of our members, the Denver Musicians Association is committed to raising industry standards and positioning professional musicians in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
JOIN A COMMUNITY OF THE FINEST PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION.
WE ARE DENVER MUSICIANS ASSOCIATION.
We are the Denver Musicians Association. We represent the finest musicians in Rocky Mountain region and are part of the American Federation of Musicians.
By joining us you’ll have access to:
• Professional Instrument Insurance| Available for our members through the AFM
• Dental Insurance| Great dental insurance for you and your entire family
• Pension Plan| AFM & Employer’s Pension Plan
• Emergency Relief Funds | Help when you most need it
• Legislative Representation| Defending and protecting your interests
• Residual Payments & Royalties | Making sure you’re properly paid for all of your work
• Mentorship & Guidance | Assisting you however possible to help meet your goals
HIRE A MUSICIAN
We proudly represent the finest musicians
in the Rocky Mountain region.
FIND A TEACHER/MUSICIAN SERVICES
Our members are devoted teachers
recognized for high quality instruction.
Musician Services include Accompanists, Arrangers, Contractors, Composers, Sound Engineers, etc.
FEATURED MUSICIANS
Charles Burrell
STYLES: Classical, Jazz
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Recently Passed at the age of 104
Charles Burrell (October 4, 1920 – June 17, 2025) was an American classical and jazz bass player most prominently known for being the first African American to be a member of a major American symphony (the Denver Symphony Orchestra, now known as the Colorado Symphony). For this accomplishment, he is often referred to as "the Jackie Robinson of Classical Music.
Purnell Steen
STYLES: Jazz
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: Pianist Purnell Steen died on November 18 at age 84
Steen started playing piano at Zion Baptist Church and still performed regularly at Dazzle and other iconic Denver music venues. He was a titan of Denver music who was also a leader in the civil rights movement. Steen was also inspired by his cousin Charlie Burrell who recently passed away. When Steen was 8, he watched as Burrell desegregated into the Denver Symphony.
Steen attended Denver’s East High School and CU Boulder. He still played regularly with the Five Points Ambassadors band and also performed as Purnell Steen and Le Jazz Machine
