Behavioral Health Resources
Links to resources to support our members facing depression, addiction, or emotional issues.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Local 427-721 members negotiate exclusive Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in several areas, such as The Florida Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra and other employment. These agreements provide professional wages, improved working conditions and employer-paid pension contributions.
Contract Guarantee
Filed contracts for freelance work are guaranteed the Minimum Wage Scale in the event of the purchaser’s default. This amount would be reimbursed to the Local if subsequently collected legally.
Emergency Assistance
Financial assistance is available for musicians who have suffered major losses as a result of hurricanes or natural disasters.
Entertainment Community Fund
Musicians affected by natural disasters and public health crises, such as COVID, can contact Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) for information on additional emergency financial assistance and other resources.
GoPro Web Hosting
GoPro Hosting is a service provided by the AFM, exclusively for AFM Members and Locals.
We offer feature-packed web hosting, starting at $19.00 a year, and bandwidth is always unlimited. You can simplify your life and register your domain name with us as well; everything is billed and managed from the same company.
Most importantly, as you’re dealing with the AFM, you can be sure that we’re looking out for you, unlike many fly-by-night web hosting companies out to make a quick buck.
AFM GoPro Hosting uniquely suits AFM members’ web hosting needs.
Find out more at: GoProHosting.com
Job Referrals
The Musicians’ Referral Service connects available musicians with talent buyers in the area (booking agents, fathers-of-the-bride, restaurant/hotel managers, etc.).
It’s easy for Local 427-721 members to participate in the Musicians’ Referral Service. Bandleaders or solo players simply complete the Group Musical Profile and submit with any promotional materials. That lets us know exactly what musical services you have to offer and your availability. Then when a call comes in, we can provide referrals for the perfect band/soloist for any special event.
Local 427-721 also has an Instructors database and offers referrals for private teachers to interested parties. For members accepting private students, simply complete the Instructors Profile and return to the office to be added to the database. Rates for private instruction are set by the instructors.
Lester Petrillo Memorial Fund for Disabled Musicians
The AFM’s Lester Petrillo Fund was established to assist members-in-good standing who become ill or disabled and cannot accept work. The following COVID-specific circumstances would qualify for assistance:
- An AFM member is diagnosed with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- An AFM member tests positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and must quarantine
Members and local officers may download the Lester Petrillo Fund application here. Completed applications, along with supportive medical documentation, should be submitted by members to their local unions, which will then submit them to the Federation.
Music Performance Trust Fund Grants
Local 427-721 works with members who want to apply for Music Performance Trust Fund grants and scholarships. MPTF grants pay musicians the Wage Scales for admission-free live music performances that are presented in parks and public spaces available to all. Scholarships are available to students and children of at least one parent who is a union member.
Musicians Foundation
Musicians Foundation provides financial assistance to professional musicians and their families in times of need, crisis, and transition. Musicians Foundation is committed to the singular mission of providing critical and life-changing financial assistance to professionals in the music industry. Visit the Musicians Foundation website for more information.
Newsletter Subscriptions
Included in a Local 427-721 membership is a free subscription to The Score, the Local’s publication. In addition to all the official business transpiring at the Local, you’ll also find interesting articles and commentary written by members of the Local. There are also e-newsletter versions that are emailed periodically to the membership when breaking news or events happen.
Every month, AFM members receive the highly respected music industry publication, the International Musician. This newspaper covers the players, the issues and the innovations of the international music scene, as well as Federation news and commentary.
Pension Plan
For all covered jobs, employers make pension contributions on the members’ behalf to the American Federation of Musicians and Employers Pension Fund (AFM-EPF) Single engagements as well as those under collective bargaining agreements can have contributions made to the Fund. Once vested, participants can collect their pension at age 65!
Travel Information
Union Plus
Musicians participating in certain Union Plus programs who have been impacted by natural disasters may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program. Please visit the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund here to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.