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MPTF Gigs: How To Get Your Fair Share

* For detailed information about the operation of the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Funds; visit their website at: http://www.mptf.org

The fund provides for Live Music Performances which are Free to the general Public.

It operates on a 65% -35% co-sponsorship basis between a co-sponsor and a Local Office of the American Federation of Musicians.

The rate of funding is based on an individual Local's Tariff of Fees.

•WHAT KINDS OF PERFORMANCES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING ?

Any and all manner of musical styles and groups are eligible provided the venue is FREE and OPEN to the public in general. No commercial ties, special interest fund raisers, or alcohol sales may be connected with the performance venue.

Types of performances include Park Concerts, In-School time Educational Concerts, Mall Concerts, Seniors' Residences, College Noon-Hour Programs, Special Day Public Events, etc.

Credit must be visibly displayed or orally given to the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Fund and The American Federation of Musicians' Local in which the performance takes place. The A.F.of M. is the official administrator of the fund as per the AFM and Recording Industries Labour Agreement.

•HOW DOES ONE APPLY FOR FUNDING ?

Job proposals are submitted to the Local A.F.of M. Office 45 days prior to the event. The office will attempt to determine if all funding criteria are met.

The proposal should contain the following information:

•- the time and place of the event.
•- the co-sponsor's name, address, and phone number.
•- the amount of co-sponsorship money available ( 65% of Local Scale is needed)
•- the musical group's leader's name, address, phone, and AFM membership status
•- the number of musicians involved inc. leader (all AFM members in good standing)

The Local Office contacts the co-sponsor to verify the engagement and remit an invoice for the co-funding. (prior co-funding may accompany the initial proposal.)

The proposal is submitted to the M.P.T.F. office in New York for final approval. When approval is received, the leader is sent a payroll sheet to be completed by the musicians at the engagement. This is returned to the Local Office for remission to New York.

•The musicians will receive cheques individually from New York for the amount of applicable scale minus 5% work dues.
•70% of the Locals annual allocation of funds is spent on traditional forms of music and 30% is earmarked for Contemporary Rock and related genres.

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