Musicians Union in NYC

on1ne · #1 06-07-2009, 02:20 PM

Just curious if anyone here is a member.
I'm not in a regularly gigging band. I usually get one shot or short term gigs to play in clubs in Manhattan and the boroughs. I've never heard so much as a peep from the club owners about being or not being a member. Is there any advantage to joining? Does it open the doors to better gigs? Or is it only something you join when you start finding gigs require it.

Hoover · #2 06-08-2009, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by on1ne

Or is it only something you join when you start finding gigs require it.

Bingo

illmusician · #3 06-08-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

Bingo

+1
I have no NYC union experience, but like you said join it when you need to. There are advantages and disadvantages to being "known" as being one or not. Theaters are the stricter venues that only use union, but not all theaters are union. Its not very common to not get a gig because your union, like over the amount of pay you require. But legal protection guaranteeing you are paid is a nice benefit from joining. The union it self is the only one that barks at you for doing non union gigs cause they get zero money out of it, thats all.