Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Musician Representation in Albuquerque
Founded in 1915 as The Musicians Protective Union, we have served as the premier advocate for professional musicians across New Mexico and parts of Texas. As Local 618 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), we represent over 200 symphony, jazz, rock, country, Latin, and theater musicians, ensuring fair wages, legal protections, and industry-standard contracts. Our organization provides critical benefits including pension fund contributions, instrument insurance, immigration assistance, and access to international booking networks.We negotiate collective bargaining agreements with major entertainment industries, protect members recorded works, and offer dispute resolution services for payment defaults. With a legacy spanning more than a century, we remain committed to advancing musicians rights through legislative advocacy, educational resources, and comprehensive support programs tailored to both emerging and established artists.
Services
Legal Contracts
Pension Contributions
Instrument Insurance
Booking Services
Immigration Assistance
Dispute Resolution
Legislative Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1915
Highlights and features
- We advocate for musicians' rights in the workplace through legally binding contracts.
- We provide access to pension funds and instrument insurance programs.
- Our international booking network connects members with global performance opportunities.
- We offer immigration assistance for cross-border performances in the US and Canada.
- We negotiate collective bargaining agreements with major entertainment industries.
Services
Legal Contracts
We provide standardized AFM contracts for individual and touring engagements, ensuring fair wages and working conditions. Our contracts include dispute resolution clauses and are legally enforceable. Members receive guidance on proper contract filing and payment collection.
Pension Contributions
Employers contribute up to 15% of wages to members pension funds for work covered under AFM agreements. We facilitate enrollment and provide documentation for pension tracking and future benefits.
Instrument Insurance
Our all-risk insurance covers instruments and equipment against theft, damage, and natural disasters up to replacement value. This includes protection during performances, transport, and storage for full-time or freelance musicians.
Booking Services
We connect members with live music opportunities through local event planners and an international online referral network. This includes festivals, weddings, corporate events, and venue performances across multiple music genres.
Immigration Assistance
We assist with US-Canada work visa applications for international performances, providing compliant documentation and legal guidance for single engagements or touring schedules.
Questions
What benefits do Local 618 members receive?
Members gain legal contracts, pension contributions, instrument insurance, booking services, and immigration assistance for international performances.
How can I join the Musicians Association of Albuquerque?
Apply online or submit a printed application with initiation fees ($20 local, $65 federation) and annual dues starting at $105.
Does Local 618 help with contract disputes?
Yes, we resolve payment defaults administratively and pay scale wages if necessary, pursuing legal action when required.
What geographic areas does Local 618 cover?
We serve all of New Mexico and select Texas counties including El Paso, Hudspeth, and Brewster.
Can the AFM assist with international performances?
Yes, we provide immigration support for US-Canada cross-border gigs with specialized visa documentation.
