MEAA Musicians
The MEAA musicians section represents Australia’s professional musicians. This includes SOMA (Symphony Orchestra Musician Association), Musicians Australia (for freelance musicians) and TOMA (Theatre Orchestra Musicians Association).
The MEAA musicians section aims to protect and develop the pay, conditions and professional interest of its members.
MEAA campaigns on workplace health and safety, superannuation, building a sustainable industry, building industry-wide standards for minimum rates as well as promoting the cultural and economic significance of music and musicians in our culture.
James Steendam was elected Federal President of MEAA Musicians in March 2026. James is a Sydney-based freelance violinist and violist with two decades of work across Australia’s major orchestras, including Opera Australia Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. He is a long‑standing member of the musical‑theatre community, notably on the Australian and international tours of Hamilton. He revitalised the Theatre Orchestra Musicians Association within MEAA and has been a strong national advocate for freelance musicians. In 2025, he represented MEAA at the 23rd FIM Congress in Geneva, forging a world‑first alliance of musical‑theatre unions with the BMU (UK) and AFM (US), elevating Australia’s global advocacy.
MEAA Musicians National Committee
- James Steendam Musicians Federal President
- Rod Davies Musicians Vice-President
- Alexander Poirier NSW President
- Nicola Bell NSW Vice-President
- Monica Sottile Victoria President
- Nia Hadenfeldt Queensland President
- Lachlan Bramble SA/NT President
- Helen Tuckey WA President
- Tim Hollo All Other Branches (AT/NT. Tas & ACT) Board Member
Existing members: sign in for member-only content.
Why I’m a member…
“Being a member of MEAA means I’m connected to like-minded people who care about contributing to a fair and effective work environment.” Tania Hardy Smith is a member of Orchestra Victoria.
“Being a MEAA member gives us all a voice in improving our workplace, and access to excellent professional and legal advice when needed.” Cameron Brook is a member of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
