NOTE: We hold a Member Orientation session on the first Tuesday of each month, at 1:00 in the HMG office. It would be great to see you there.
Your music is the heartbeat of our cities, and you shouldn’t have to navigate the industry alone. Whether you are playing your first local gig, producing tracks in your bedroom, or preparing for your first tour, the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild is here to back you up. We are a community of music creators and performers dedicated to ensuring that the next generation of local talent gets paid fairly, stays protected with legal contracts, and gains access to the tools needed to build a sustainable career. From emergency instrument insurance to exclusive gig funding and global touring assistance, we handle the business side of music so you can focus on making it. Join us today, and let’s amplify your future together.
Joining with your fellow musicians provides you with mentoring, career support, contract protection, fair wage negotiation, access to a pension plan, and health/instrument insurance, and much more. Guild members benefit from paid gigs through the Music Performance Trust Fund, deep discounts on applying for US work permits (P2 visa), and networking within a supportive community of experienced musicians.
Major benefits of joining the Hamilton Musicians’ Guild include:
– Contract & Legal Protection: The HMG provides legally enforceable, standard contracts that protect musicians and assist with payment collections in cases of default.
– Gig Funding (MPTF): Access to Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) grants that pay members for gigs at area festivals, community events, schools, seniors’ residences, libraries, etc.
– Career & Booking Services: Members get free listings on the local and international AFM referral service, access to licensed agents, and help navigating the music industry.
– US/Cross-Border Gigs: Assistance with P2 work permits for playing in the United States, saving thousands in legal fees.
– Pension and Insurance: Access to a tailored pension plan, low-cost instrument insurance, and personal/health insurance options.
– Legislative Representation: The union works on behalf of members for copyright reform and royalties (Neighbouring Rights).
– Networking & Socials: Opportunities for social gatherings, mentorship, and inclusion in a community of professional peers.
– Special Membership Offer: If two or more members of your band join up, each person saves $ 105 on fees
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- To unite into one organization all persons who become members. To secure for our members improved wages, hours, working conditions and other economic advantages through collective negotiations and bargaining.
- To engage in cultural, educational and charitable activities to further the interests of Guild members.
- To support the mission of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada as an affiliate.
- To protect and preserve the integrity of the Guild and to discharge its legal and contractual obligations.
- To receive, manage, invest, expend, or otherwise utilize the assets of the Guild to further and carry out its mission.
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Join Now! Send us your application: English or French
MPTF GIGS
“It pays to belong to the HMG.”