The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the labor union of the finest singers, dancers, staging staff, and faculty, staff and instructors in opera, ballet/concert dance, and concert choral performance in the United States.
While performing artists thrive on their passion for expression, their skills and creativity do not automatically ensure financial stability or protection from harassment, discrimination, and exploitation. Without the collective voice of a union, and the robust advocacy and legal support that comes with it, artists can face significant challenges, including unfair labor practices. AGMA forms a critical safeguard for artists, allowing them to fight for their rights and negotiate better working conditions and other critical protections.
AGMA was founded in the spring of 1936, born from a conference between notable artists Lawrence Tibbett, Jascha Heifetz, and Alma Gluck. It was established in an effort to protect opera singers who were being forced into unfair contracts without benefits or protections. Its early supporters and advisors included eminent figures such as Richard Bonnelli, Frank Chapman, Richard Crooks, Kirsten Flagstad, George Gershwin, Frank La Forge, John McCormack, Lauritz Melchior, James Melton, Lily Pons, Andres Segovia, Gladys Swarthout, Deems Taylor, Fred Waring, Paul Whiteman, and Efrem Zimbalist, among others.
Initially an independent union, AGMA received a charter from the Associated Actors and Artistes of America (the "4As") in August 1937, expanding its coverage to include grand opera, concert, and recital fields. AGMA quickly launched a nationwide campaign to organize artists. By the fall of 1937, it had secured its first negotiated agreement with the Southern California Symphony Association, officially recognizing AGMA as the exclusive bargaining agent for soloists and choristers, as well as ballet dancers. By the end of 1937, AGMA had also begun negotiations with major institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera Association, the Chicago Opera Company, and the Philadelphia Civic Grand Opera Company.
Today, AGMA has a direct charter from the AFL–CIO and is affiliated with the AFL–CIO Branch of Associated Actors and Artistes of America and the Department for Professional Employees (DPE). AGMA is also a part of the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG). The Union, led by the AGMA Board of Governors and supported by AGMA’s professional staff, negotiates and enforces over 75+ collective bargaining agreements throughout the country, and continues to set industry standards, even for non-unionized companies.
The legacy of AGMA continues, with thousands of artist members standing together as a pivotal force in protecting and advancing the interests of performing artists across the United States.