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Professional Musicians Union in San Francisco
We are a dedicated labor union representing professional musicians across diverse genres, committed to advancing the rights and welfare of our members. Founded on principles of dignity, fair compensation, and collective solidarity, we advocate for musicians in pop, rock, country, jazz, classical, and folk music through contract negotiations, emergency relief programs, and professional development opportunities. Our organization empowers musicians by providing access to union representation, wage scale protections, rehearsal facilities, and a democratic platform to shape industry standards. With decades of experience serving Northern California and beyond, we prioritize member engagement through workshops, educational resources, and community-building initiatives.Our team of seasoned musicians and administrators brings specialized expertise in labor relations, organizational development, and advocacy to ensure musicians thrive in their careers. As part of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, we uphold rigorous standards of professionalism while maintaining a trusted reputation for integrity and service excellence. We demonstrate authority through our extensive network of local chapters, transparent governance practices, and unwavering commitment to social and economic justice for all music professionals.
Services
Membership Dues
Emergency Relief
Rehearsal Hall Booking
Contract Negotiation
Wage Scale Protection
Professional Development
Union Representation
Community Building
Advocacy Programs
Educational Resources
Highlights and features
- We offer 120+ years of experience advocating for musicians' rights
- Our union provides industry-standard wage protections and contract enforcement
- We maintain a dedicated emergency relief fund for crisis situations
- Our team includes active professional musicians with industry expertise
- We offer rehearsal hall rentals with state-of-the-art facilities
Services
Membership Dues
We provide structured membership dues that grant access to comprehensive union benefits including contract enforcement, emergency relief funds, and professional development resources. Our dues structure supports collective bargaining efforts and maintains industry-standard wage protections for musicians across all genres. Members receive exclusive access to rehearsal facilities, legal representation, and networking opportunities through our extensive local and international union network.
Emergency Relief
Our emergency financial assistance program offers critical support to musicians facing unexpected hardships including natural disasters, medical emergencies, and career disruptions. Through the Wildfire Relief Fund and other initiatives, we provide immediate financial aid while connecting affected members with long-term recovery resources and community support networks.
Rehearsal Hall Booking
We offer professional rehearsal facilities available for hourly rentals with state-of-the-art acoustics and soundproofing. Our spaces accommodate ensembles of all sizes while providing technical support and equipment rentals. This service ensures musicians have reliable access to practice environments that meet industry standards for professional development and performance preparation.
Contract Negotiation
Our experienced negotiators advocate for fair compensation and working conditions through collective bargaining agreements. We enforce industry wage scales, protect intellectual property rights, and ensure compliance with labor standards across all music sectors. This service includes legal representation for contract disputes and workplace grievances.
Professional Development
We provide educational workshops, leadership training, and skill-building programs to advance musicians' careers. Our initiatives include organizing training, business management seminars, and networking events that connect emerging artists with established professionals in the music industry.
People
Kale Cumings
President
A graduate of Wheaton College and Northwestern University, Kale Cumings brings extensive orchestral experience as an active freelance musician and performer with major Bay Area ensembles.
Forrest Byram
Vice President
A Northern California tuba specialist with decades of experience performing with major symphonies and opera companies, Forrest Byram holds graduate degrees from Northwestern University.
Beth Zare
Secretary-Treasurer
With a USC music degree and extensive orchestral experience including principal horn positions in Mexico City and the Bay Area, Beth Zare has held leadership roles in multiple music unions since 2005.
Mario Guarneri
Board of Directors
A distinguished trumpeter with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and recording artist, Mario Guarneri has developed innovative brass pedagogy tools and teaches at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Meredith Brown
Trustee
Principal horn player with multiple Northern California symphonies, Meredith Brown holds advanced degrees from Peabody Conservatory and San Francisco Conservatory with extensive musical theater experience.
Questions
What benefits do union members receive?
Members gain access to contract enforcement, wage protections, emergency relief funds, rehearsal facilities, and professional development programs through collective bargaining agreements.
How can I join the union?
Visit our website to complete the membership application and submit required documentation demonstrating professional music experience across any genre.
What emergency services are available?
We provide financial assistance for natural disasters, medical emergencies, and career disruptions through specialized relief funds and community support networks.
Do you offer rehearsal space rentals?
Yes, we maintain professional rehearsal facilities available for hourly rentals with technical support and equipment available for all ensemble sizes.
How are dues calculated?
Dues are structured to provide full access to union benefits including contract enforcement, emergency relief, and professional development resources while supporting collective bargaining efforts.
What advocacy services do you provide?
We negotiate industry-standard contracts, enforce labor rights, and represent musicians in workplace disputes while advocating for policy changes benefiting music professionals.
