Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Voice in the Music Industry | Musicians' Association of Metropolitan Baltimore
The Musicians' Association of Metropolitan Baltimore has been a steadfast advocate for professional musicians since its founding in 1903. As Local 40-543 of the American Federation of Musicians, we represent musicians across Central Maryland, the Upper Chesapeake region, and Maryland's Eastern Shore. Our organization specializes in negotiating collective bargaining agreements with major employers such as the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Center Stage, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for our members.We provide critical support through scholarship programs like the Music Performance Trust Fund, which has awarded over 550 scholarships to music students. Our team of experienced professionals and elected leadership maintains office hours for member services and offers emergency contact options for urgent matters. Through decades of advocacy, we protect musicians' rights in diverse workplaces ranging from symphony stages to recording studios, while actively promoting legislation that safeguards the music industry's future.
Services
Collective Bargaining
Contract Negotiations
Music Scholarships
Legal Protections
Membership Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1903
Highlights and features
- We have over 120 years of experience advocating for musicians' rights in Central Maryland
- We negotiate collective bargaining agreements with 7 major regional employers
- Our Music Performance Trust Fund has awarded over $550,000 in music scholarships
- We provide emergency contact support for urgent member needs
- We offer comprehensive dues payment options with flexible payment schedules
Services
Collective Bargaining
We negotiate and maintain collective bargaining agreements with regional employers including symphony orchestras and theater companies. Our experienced representatives secure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for musicians. Recent agreements include 7-12% wage increases over three-year terms with major institutions like the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra.
Music Scholarships
Our Music Performance Trust Fund administers two scholarship programs for music students. The Music Family Scholarship awards $1,000 to 75 applicants with family AFM connections, while the Musics Future Scholarship provides $2,500 to 30 music degree students. Applications require personal essays and academic documentation.
Membership Advocacy
We provide ongoing support for over 1,000 professional musicians through dues management, contract enforcement, and legal protections. Our services cover diverse performance settings including live venues, recording studios, and touring productions. Members receive guidance on employment rights and industry standards.
Contract Enforcement
We ensure compliance with negotiated agreements through monitoring and dispute resolution. Our representatives handle pension contributions, wage enforcement, and workplace safety issues. Recent contracts include 12.5-14% pension contributions and premium payments for specialized instrument performances.
Emergency Support
We offer emergency contact options for urgent member needs outside regular office hours. The Secretary-Treasurer provides direct phone and email support for critical issues requiring immediate attention. This service ensures continuous member protection during performance-related emergencies.
People
Mary Plaine
President
Mary Plaine leads our organization with over 25 years of experience in music labor relations. She previously served as Secretary-Treasurer and has represented musicians in major contract negotiations with regional orchestras and theater companies.
Luis Engelke
Vice President
Luis Engelke serves as Vice President with expertise in collective bargaining agreements. He chairs the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Players' Committee and has negotiated multiple three-year contracts securing significant wage increases for musicians.
Marta Bradley
Secretary-Treasurer
Marta Bradley manages our financial operations and serves as primary contact for dues administration. With 15 years in union finance, she oversees membership records and ensures compliance with all fiscal obligations.
Christopher Chlumsky
Director-at-Large
Christopher Chlumsky contributes to board decisions with his extensive performance experience. He has served on multiple negotiation committees and advocates for expanded work opportunities for local musicians in diverse performance settings.
Lisa Steltenpohl
Director-at-Large
Lisa Steltenpohl brings expertise in music education and community outreach. She works to expand scholarship programs and improve access to professional development resources for emerging musicians in our jurisdiction.
Questions
How do I become a member of Local 40-543?
Musicians working under our collective bargaining agreements must join within 30 days of employment. Complete the application process through our website or contact our office for membership requirements and dues information.
What benefits do members receive?
Members receive contract enforcement protection, pension administration, legal representation, and access to scholarship programs. We also provide career development resources and industry advocacy services.
How are dues calculated?
Annual dues are $170 for Regular Members, $76 for Life Members, and $70 for Inactive Life Members. Quarterly payment options are available with service fees applying to online transactions.
What employers have contracts with Local 40-543?
We maintain agreements with seven major employers including the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Center Stage, and the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. These contracts cover wages, benefits, and working conditions.
How can I apply for music scholarships?
Applications for Music Performance Trust Fund scholarships are available online. The Music Family Scholarship requires AFM family connections, while the Musics Future Scholarship targets music degree students with specific academic requirements.
What emergency services are available?
For urgent matters outside office hours, contact Secretary-Treasurer Mary Plaine directly at 443-604-4985. This service provides immediate assistance for critical performance-related issues requiring union intervention.
