We hope to connect the issues presented in these classes and discussions with real world solutions such as seeking employer tax contributions, using contracts and payroll programs, and engaging in effective political advocacy. The curriculum has been designed to teach a beginning musicians about unions and the AFM and to advance an independent musicians towards membership.
A few of our most productive conversations were centered around the potential role we can play as educators, not musically but as self employed individuals and small business owners. These topics are always relevant to someone just starting out and we are one of the few groups a young musician may hear from who can actually offer practical tools and advice. We have tried to speak beyond “one should do this..” and offer “why one should..”
We also hope that by developing this program collaboratively, it will find success regardless of the region or territory. While we understand how every region is different, we also understand the power we hold when we learn from each other.