namVe

The National Association of musicians, vocalist and entertainers is a very important organization in the music industry.  It offers a comprehensive benefits program to aid those of us working independently.  It provides such benefits as:  Prescription Drugs, Financial Counseling, Health Care Counseling, Roadside Assistance, Dental and Vision Programs, Artist Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Care, Accidental Coverage, Life Coverage, and an Internet Shopping Mall.  These are invaluable benefits.  The average musician, vocalist or entertainer works independently and does not have these benefits, nor are they able to afford them on their own.  I know numerous uninsured musicians and vocalist that could really benefit from taking advantage of being a member of this organization.  Healthcare costs are astronomical and almost unaffordable on your own.  This organization shows the benefits of being part of a large network.  They are able to offer these benefits because of the numbers they offer to various companies.  They are able to negotiate lower costs for their members.

Every independent musician should have artist insurance. This insures classical instruments and equipment, studio liability, tour coverage and liability, special events, and musical instruments and equipment.  The lack of these benefits could destroy a musician. Just imagine playing independently and there is a power surge that destroys your $3,500 Motif XF8.  The average musician lives paycheck to paycheck in this economy and would not have the money saved to purchase another keyboard or could afford to wait until it was repaired.  I actually know a musician that had the misfortune of this experience.  He has not been able to have it repaired yet.  Fortunately he does have another keyboard, but an instrument of this caliber lets other musicians know that you are knowledgeable of a good instrument, and you care enough to invest in a good instrument.  I guess it shows a certain status as a musician.

NAMVE also is an advocate for issues in the music industry, such as budget cuts for Art Programs and Funding, Health Care, Social Security, and Medicare. These are all issues that will have a huge impact on our industry and it is important to have a voice.  Musicians, vocalist, and entertainers have the same concerns and face the same issues as other working Americans.  However, it is even more crucial because if you work independently, you are not paying into Social Security and not eligible for Medicare, unless you have an eligible spouse or another type of job on the side. 

The average musician, vocalist and entertainer do not have steady work.  They are working diligently to sell themselves to have more bookings.  They may travel from city to city, or state-to-state, and some even travel out of the country, completely on their own.  This organization can provide invaluable assistance and has inspired me to create a local organization to help the people I know.

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