The American Guild of Organists is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, the AGO sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The Guild currently serves 20,000 members in more than 340 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. Membership is open to all and includes working professionals— organists, choral conductors, teachers, organ builders, technicians, and suppliers to the field—as well as students, clergy, amateur musicians, and dedicated supporters. An important benefit of Guild membership is the vast communications network that facilitates personal contact with colleagues locally and nationally. THE AMERICAN ORGANIST Magazine keeps members up to date with the profession by providing both scholarly and practical features, timely news of the Guild and its constituents, and a listing of employment opportunities nationwide. National and chapter Web sites, programs, meetings, and conventions give members unparalleled access to educational opportunities and professional colleagues.

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EDUCATION

THE Guild's commitment to the future of organ and choral music is evident in its PipeWorks curricula for elementary school children and its highly successful Pipe Organ Encounters summer programs for teens (POE) and adults (POE+).Regional and national competitions for young organists attract the most talented players. Performance competitions include the AGO/Quimby Regional Competitions for Young Organists, the National Young Artists Competition in Organ Performance, and the National Competition in Organ Improvisation. A comprehensive series of certification examinations sets standards for five professional credentials that Guild members may obtain.

OUTREACH

PROJECTS and programs such as the video, Pulling Out All the Stops, and the World’s Largest Organ Recital were created to raise public awareness about the organ, organ repertoire, and the organ playing profession. Similarly, Pipes Spectacular! — World's Largest Organ Concert continued this tradition by celebrating the glory of the King of Instruments in more than 240 venues throughout the U.S. and abroad.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

THE Guild strives to improve the nonmusical aspects of the working life of organists and choral conductors through its programs in professional development: cooperating with national denominational officials to influence policies regarding employment; working with seminaries to broaden the musical education of clergy and the theological education of musicians; and developing publications and materials to assist individual members. Chapter professional development committees provide practical assistance through local employment and compensation guidelines and placement services. The AGO's Code of Ethics, Code of Professional Standards, Model Contract Provisions, and Grievance Procedures provide guidelines for professional conduct, employment, and conflict resolution.

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP is primarily through local chapters that hold regular meetings featuring performances, master classes, and workshops on a variety of topics. Many chapters also offer monthly newsletters, scholarship programs, musician placement services, and substitute referrals to employing institutions. Independent membership provides full access to national benefits without chapter affiliation.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MEMBERS of the AGO enjoy a wealth of benefits and services under the guidance of the National Officers; Councillors for Education, Professional Development, Competitions and Conventions, and Finance and Development; Regional Councillors; and all other volunteer leaders of the Guild.

  • Educational Activities

    • National and Regional Convention

    • Chapter events: performances, workshops, meetings, and seminar

    • Competitions in organ performance, organ  improvisation, and organ and choral composition

    • Pipe Organ Encounters for teens and adults

    • PipeWorks for elementary school children

  • Certification
    Comprehensive series of examinations for professional certification provides respected credentials for members and standards of excellence recognized by churches, synagogues, schools, and other employers

    • Service Playing Certificate (SPC)

    • Colleague (CAGO)

    • Choir Master (CHM)

    • Associate (AAGO)

    • Fellow (FAGO)

  • Professional

    • THE AMERICAN ORGANIST Magazine

    • Chapter newsletters and membership directories

    • Educational CDs DVDs, audio and video cassettes, books, monographs, and pamphlets

  • Professional Development

    • Salary and compensation guidelines

    • Model provisions for employment contracts

    • Chapter placement services; National job postings

    • Assistance with denominational relations

    • Support for musical education of clergy

    • Management and planning for church musicians

  • Other Benefits

    • Discount on AGO convention registration fees, educational resources and auto rentals.

    • Eligibility for a no-annual-fee AGO credit card

    • Liability insurance for chapter events

    • Eligibility for competitively-priced, high-quality insurance plans, including:

      Disability Income Plan
      Customized Major Medical
      Short-Term Medical Plan
      Educators Professional Liability Insurance
      Catastrophe Major Medical Insurance Plan
      Group Hospital Money Program
      Group Term Life Insurance
      Cancer Care Protection Plan
      Long-Term Care Plan
       (Domestic partners are eligible for all plans except cancer care.)

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  • Internet Web site — www.agohq.org

    • Job postings, contact information for chapter and national leaders, policy and program updates

    • Educational resources and signature items available on-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    • Links to more than 150 organ-related Web sites

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THE AMERICAN ORGANIST

ALL MEMBERS receive a subscription to THE AMERICAN ORGANIST Magazine, the most widely read journal devoted to organ and choral music in the world. Published monthly by the AGO, its articles cover historic and contemporary instruments; musicological studies; practical aspects of sacred music; reviews of new music, books, and recordings; listings of professional resources and events; professional news; positions available; and advertising. Other Guild publications address topics such as performance practice, organ construction, and work and compensation.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

ALL INDIVIDUALS interested in the organ and choral music fields are invited to join the American Guild of Organists. To become a member, simply complete the membership form and return it with your payment.

Voting Membership is available to all organists, choral conductors, and other individuals who support the mission of the Guild. Regular membership includes a one-year subscription to THEAMERICANORGANIST Magazine, participation in chapter and national activities, eligibility for certification examinations, and access to all member benefits. Special Membership is available at reduced rates to those age 65 or older, the disabled, and full-time students. Dual membership is available for those who wish to belong to more than one local chapter. Independent membership provides all national benefits without chapter affiliation.

Non-Voting Membership is available for individual and institutional subscribers to THE  AMERICAN ORGANIST Magazine. No chapter affiliation, voting privileges, or other benefits are included. Subscription begins with the second monthly issue following receipt of payment. Chapter Friends support their local chapter, receive chapter newsletters, and may participate in chapter events. Chapters determine the rate for this category, which does not include voting privileges or national membership benefits.

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With Chapter Affiliation:
Regular voting member $92
Special voting member (65 and over, under 21, or disabled) $67
Student voting member (full-time, with valid school ID) $37
Partner voting member (only one TAO per household)
 *You must be affiliated with a Regular, Special, or Student voting member at the same household.		 $67
Dual voting member (paid to second chapter)
* You must have a Regular, Special, or Student voting membership with a primary chapter in order to be a Dual member at a secondary chapter.		 $36
Student dual member (paid to second chapter)
 * You must have a Student voting membership with a primary chapter in order to be a Student dual member at a secondary chapter.		 $15
Non-voting - Chapter Friend (for Non-Organists only) 37