Standing up for Respect, Dignity,
and a Decent Wage

by Frank Amoss

President of AFM Local 7
Orange County, CA

There can be no doubt that it is in the interest of every member of the American Federation of Musicians for the Union to be in the best shape possible. Strength and unity come to mind as ideal attributes for such an organization. It was one hundred years ago that the A. F. of M. was born out of the need for an entity through which musicians could unify and develop strength. At that time, conditions of musical employment were deplorable, and those who embraced the profession were regarded as rogues. A unifying force dedicated to the betterment of the conditions of music performance was recognized as a friend, and soon there was virtually no such thing as a non-union musician.

For the many years that live music was an essential ingredient for most types of entertainment, musicians enjoyed the benefits of standing together and agreeing on minimum performance standards. This unification was assurance that the value of a live music performance would be preserved. The changes in entertainment media have rendered the musician expendable. Entertainment consumers can enjoy a “Broadway” musical, dance troupe, sporting event or a ballroom dance without employing the services of live musicians. These sources of entertainment can even be enjoyed without leaving one’s home, utilizing today’s home entertainment centers.

With the advent of music reproduction systems that verge on virtual reality, the value of a live musical performance has been drastically discounted - so much so that musicians, non-union and union alike, have suffered a loss of self worth. All too often, today’s musician is forced to choose between accepting the insult of being replaced mechanically or the injury of receiving a paltry wage for his/her talents. The decision is usually for the latter.

Given the lack of unity among musicians in the casual/free lance business, there is no incentive to deny one’s self the pleasure of making music - no matter how little the financial gain. It can be virtually assured that the profferer of employment will uncover one’s colleagues who accept the conditions, no matter how miserly. The musician who stands up for respect, dignity and a decent wage is denied the satisfaction of knowing the performance in question will be negatively affected by his/her decision.

The deterioration of the value of our product cannot be effectively addressed or remedied by the Union’s use of police tactics. Charging members with violation of Union bylaws mostly has the effect of alienating those who see themselves as being harassed while doing whatever they deem necessary to stay afloat in a profession of constantly diminishing returns. The purchaser of musical services has no interest in solidifying our profession. The more competition and disunity among ourselves, the better for whomever seeks our services. No matter what the degree of our artistic ability, “they” are Management, “we” are Labor.

Our tendency to give them more than they can afford contributes to our devaluation. There is no denying that it is less desirable to present a musical performance of which we are proud when it must be limited by economic restraints. This eagerness to have our work brought before an audience in its full glory often results in being willing prey for those in the marked for musical bargains. Our art is our product. To discount our product is to discount ourselves. When applied to the self, discount and disrespect are synonymous.

Management’s goal is to obtain the most product for the least consideration. Recently, a bandleader complained to a representative of the Union that the operator of a ballroom was a cheapskate and would not “come up with any money”. The question is, why should the owner/operator pay another dime when he had the services of a sixteen piece band for less than one half of union scale? We can depend on no one other than ourselves to be concerned about the health, or lack thereof, of the music business. The short sighted attitude of accepting any opportunity to perform, no matter what the conditions, has had the effect of devaluating a live musical performance in the eyes of the general public.

When the services of a professional musician can be obtained for as little as one third of the purported area standards, serious doubt is cast upon the validity of these standards and the organization that stands behind them. It follows that those of us who accept such sub-standard payment for professional musical services are not paragons of self worth. We are observed being concerned with only the short term gain and having little or no regard for the damage to the unity which has been one hundred years in the making. To seek respect from those who observe this behavior is to deny responsibility for our actions.

The credibility of a musical performance must be re-established. Members of the American Federation of Musicians are not jesters who are eager to play for their supper. By voluntarily joining the Union we proclaim to be a brotherhood of professionals. One of the purposes for which we unite is to enhance the respect for what we do. This is not accomplished when we announce to a purchaser of musical services that, since the offer does not meet A. F. of M. standards, the service will be provided without informing the Union. The Union recognizes that a performance may have value to the performer(s) other than monetary remuneration. In many instances the possibility exists that a negotiation can be accomplished that will satisfy all concerned.

Providing such a negotiation is a service of the Union in which it is experienced and able to represent the best interests of the musicians. The Union has no interest in preventing a musical performance and will explore every possibility to turn a proposed performance into a reality.

It would be folly to expect every member of the American Federation of Musicians to, all at once, “just say no” to work opportunities that don’t conform to the letter of the bylaws, rules and regulations. It is imperative, however, that we increase the percentage. This is a plea for every member to advocate the A. F. of M. as a guiding force dedicated to preserving the respect and integrity of the music profession. This ancient and noble profession to which we turn for satisfaction and nourishment needs our help. With a modicum of effort and awareness we can halt the deterioration of the value of a musical performance.

Only we can influence the perception of what we are and what we do. Only we have the ability to affect the working conditions which are steadily approaching those of one hundred years ago. Speak up for the Union. You are it!

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