Members of the American Guild of Organists are bound by the Code of Ethics and guided by the Code of Professional Standards. Members of the American Guild of Organists dedicate themselves to the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and competence. The following principles are guidelines for the conduct of members in fulfilling their obligations as professional musicians.

Approved by the National Council on October 23, 1933 and amended through April 16, 2007

Preamble
The purpose of the American Guild of Organists is to promote the organ in its historic and evolving roles, to encourage excellence in the performance of organ and choral music, and to provide a forum for mutual support, inspiration, education, and certification of Guild members. Voting members are entitled to enjoy the privileges and are expected to accept the responsibilities of membership in the Guild. Members shall be considered equally for Guild offices and participation in Guild activities. These are the rules that shall be considered binding upon all voting members in good standing.

1. Members shall promote good working relationships within the American Guild of Organists and shall respect the employment of colleagues. Members shall address differences between themselves and other members by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.



2. Members shall not seek or appear to be seeking employment for themselves, a student, or a colleague, in a position held by someone else. Members shall apply for employment only for a position which the employer, with the knowledge of the incumbent musician, has officially and publicly declared vacant by announcement of the vacancy.



3. In cases pending under the Procedures or in cases where the National Council has determined that a position has been made vacant by wrongful termination of a member of the American Guild of Organists, members shall not seek or accept regular or permanent employment for themselves, a student, or colleague at that Institution until the National Council is satisfied that differences between the Guild and the Institution have been resolved. Interim services may be provided for a period of 90 days.



4. Members shall obtain the approval of the incumbent musician before accepting an engagement for a wedding, funeral or other service requested by a third party. In such cases, the incumbent should receive her/her customary fee and the third part is expected to provide it. It is the responsibility of the guest member to inform the third part of this rule. Members are advised to protect themselves as incumbents in this regard by negotiating employment contract which secure these fees and which provide some responsibility, oversight and control as to choice of music, etc.



5. Members shall conduct professional activities with truthfulness, honesty and integrity, and shall maintain sensitivity in matters of a personal or confidential nature.



6. Members shall not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Approved by the National Council July 2, 2000 and amended April 16, 2007

Skills

1. Members develop and maintain skills in performance, improvisation, service playing, conducting, arranging, and composing commensurate with their duties.



2. Members stay abreast of current developments in liturgy, hymnody, performance practice, and musicology through continuing education.



3. Members become knowledgeable in the liturgy and worship traditions of the institutions they serve.



4. Members acquire business, administrative and interpersonal skills to perform their duties.

Employment Matters

1. Members agree to employment only after reaching a clear understanding of the position, the employer’s expectations, and the lines of accountability.



2. Members request written contracts that protect employee and employer.



3. Members maintain courteous and respectful relationships with other staff members and members of their congregations, making an effort to resolve potential conflicts as soon as they become evident.



4. Members address differences with employing institutions through appropriate channels, including, but not limited to, their contract, the institution’s personnel policies manual, and the Guild’s Procedures for Dealing with Complaints about Termination.

Respect for Colleagues

1. Members supervise other musicians in a professional and courteous manner.



2. Members respect the intellectual property rights of composers, authors and publishers by complying with the Copyright Law and licensing requirements regarding reproduction, recording, distribution, broadcasting and performing rights.



3. Members address differences with other members of the American Guild of Organists by following the procedures outlined in the Discipline.



4. Members do not use AGO affiliation or membership information publicly (except for biographical purposes) to endorse, for commercial advantage, the financial and business goals or the products and services of others, or to further any political goals.



5. Members do not discriminate against others on the basis of race, national origin, age, religious affiliation, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (including, but not limited to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

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