MEMBER FAQs
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A: The DMA is a professional labor organization which comprises over 660 professional musicians throughout Colorado, southern & central Wyoming, and eastern Utah.
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A: When the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) was formed in 1897, it was resolved that “any musician who receives pay for his musical services, shall be considered a professional musician.”
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A: Through the combined efforts and resources of our DMA Members and the American Federation of Musicians, we continuously strive to improve wages and working conditions.
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A: The DMA is a democratic institution. The DMA membership elects officers to manage the daily affairs of the DMA, and elects a Board of Directors to provide oversight to the officers. When there are changes to our Bylaws, they are subject to a vote by the DMA Membership.
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A: The original AFM charter for the DMA is from 1897; the DMA has been serving the musicians of Denver (and Colorado) for 119 years.
Fun fact: There is an earlier incarnation of the DMA from 1890 called the Musical Protective Association of Denver; and recently we found extant directories for the Protective Association dating back to the early 1890’s! -
A: 1) Your membership in the DMA allows you to be a part of the process that establishes wages, standards, etc., for musicians in our region.
2) Your DMA membership grants you direct access to the vast network of over 70,000 professional musicians all over North America. You also have access to the resources, benefits and services offered through the AFM and the DMA.
3) If you are a member of the DMA and you file a union contract, you are guaranteed payment according to our scale of wages for an event, even if the client does not pay. The DMA will follow through with our legal resources to recover the payment.
4) If you work under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), you are required to belong to the Local per the union security clause.
I've realized that so many of the best musicians in town are not members of the organization...and we need you...we need your voice, your ideas, your commitment to improve the state of all musicians. Like Pete Seeger said, "Participation, that's what's gonna change the world!"
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
The Musical Protective Association of Denver, Local 20, was chartered by the AFM in 1897. Today, the 600+ 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 positions professional musicians in the foreground of the cultural landscape.
BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY
The Denver Musicians Association is working hard every day educating those who hire musicians about what a performance is worth, and finding ways to raise the bar, raise our rates, and raise awareness about the value of what we do. We need you.
DEVELOPMENT
The Denver Musicians Association is committed to providing a wide range of support to both our members and potential members. We offer frequent seminars in the many facets of the music industry.
AUDITION & EMPLOYMENT
The Denver Musicians Association is the go to place if you are looking for employment in the music industry. You will find a listing of upcoming auditions, and opportunities in other facets of our profession.
EVENT DISCOUNTS
Members of the DMA enjoy special discounts to opportunities ranging from Colorado Symphony performances to Denver Nuggets games.
MUSICIAN and ENSEMBLE DIRECTORY
Explore our comprehensive list of professional, experienced musicians and the groups they play in. No matter what kind of music you are looking for, you're certain to find the best here.
DENTAL CARE
We offer a competitive dental plan to members and their families. Monthly premiums start at just $13.