Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Musicians Union Advocacy
We are a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to advocating for musicians and ensuring the future of live music. Established in 1914, we operate as a chapter of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, representing nearly 100,000 professional musicians across genres. Our mission focuses on uniting and organizing musicians to secure improved wages, working conditions, and economic advantages through collective bargaining. We serve southern Oregon and parts of California, offering membership benefits that include advocacy, networking opportunities, and access to hiring resources.Our board of directors meets monthly to address member concerns, and we host general membership meetings to foster community engagement. With a legacy spanning over a century, we remain committed to supporting musicians through evolving industry challenges while maintaining equitable standards for fair dealings among members.
Services
Membership Services
Booking Assistance
Hiring Resources
Collective Bargaining
Community Engagement
Musician Directory
Advocacy Support
Industry Networking
Contract Negotiation
Professional Development
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We advocate for improved wages and working conditions through collective bargaining
- Our jurisdiction covers southern Oregon and parts of California
- We represent musicians across 10+ music genres including jazz and classical
- Monthly board meetings ensure transparent decision-making processes
- Over 100 years of experience supporting professional musicians
Services
Membership Services
We provide professional representation for musicians through collective bargaining agreements. Our services include contract negotiation support, wage protection, and working condition advocacy. Members gain access to industry resources, networking opportunities, and legal protections that ensure fair compensation and professional standards across all music genres.
Booking Assistance
Our free booking service connects venues with qualified musicians across multiple genres. We maintain an extensive directory of professional performers and provide verification services to ensure quality standards. This service benefits both artists seeking performance opportunities and event organizers requiring reliable musical talent for various occasions.
Hiring Resources
We offer comprehensive hiring information for venues and event planners seeking professional musicians. Our resources include contract templates, wage guidelines, and compliance requirements that ensure proper compensation and legal adherence. These tools help maintain industry standards while protecting both employers and performing artists.
People
Stephen Chong
President
Stephen Chong leads our organization as President, overseeing strategic initiatives and representing members in collective bargaining negotiations. With extensive experience in music industry advocacy, he ensures our organization maintains strong industry partnerships while advancing musicians' rights.
Violetta Tarpinian
Vice-President
Violetta Tarpinian serves as Vice-President, supporting policy development and member engagement efforts. Her background in music education and industry relations helps strengthen our community connections while addressing evolving challenges facing professional musicians in diverse performance sectors.
Kris Klavik
Secretary-Treasurer
Kris Klavik manages financial operations as Secretary-Treasurer, maintaining fiscal transparency and accountability. With expertise in nonprofit financial management, they ensure proper allocation of resources to support member services while maintaining compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Questions
How do I join Local 689 AFM?
Visit our membership page to learn about joining requirements and benefits. Our process includes submitting an application and meeting professional musician qualifications to access union protections and services.
What areas do you serve?
We cover most of southern Oregon and small areas of northern California. Our jurisdiction details are defined in Section Two of our local bylaws for specific geographic boundaries.
What services do you offer musicians?
We provide collective bargaining support, contract negotiation assistance, hiring resources, and industry networking opportunities. Our services benefit professional musicians across multiple genres through advocacy and professional development programs.
How can I find local musicians?
Use our free booking service and musician directory to locate qualified performers. Our resources connect venues with professional artists while ensuring proper compensation standards through union guidelines.
When are your office hours?
Our office operates Monday-Thursday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We recommend contacting us during these hours for membership inquiries, hiring assistance, or other organizational matters.
