Our Story: Forged in the Pit, Built for the Future.
The Musicians Guild International (MGI) wasn’t conceived in a boardroom. It was born from a lifetime inside the practice room, on the stage, and in the recording studio. It is the direct result of one musician’s journey through the heights of the industry and the realization that the old systems are failing the very artists they claim to protect.
Our Founder: A Career of Credibility
Guy Edrington is a professional French hornist through and through. His career, launching from his early days in the Musicians Union in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a cross-border testament to the diverse and demanding life of a modern musician, spanning the orchestral, theatrical, and studio landscapes of the United States and Canada.
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As a French Horn Artist for Conn-Selmer, he represents the highest standard of craftsmanship.
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As a studio and remote session player, he navigates the modern digital landscape.
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As an educator, listed on faculty at Carleton University, he is committed to passing on the craft.
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As a collaborator and leader, he is the founder of the Ottawa Chamber Players and the Maple Leaf Horn Quartet, whose performances have been broadcast across North America.
- As a first-call freelance player, he has held the principal horn chair with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (touring the United States, Canada and Europe) and for two years in the acclaimed production of Les Misérables at Toronto’s famous Royal Alexandra Theatre as principal horn.
His horn has resonated with major ensemble in Canada, including the Thunder Bay Symphony as principal horn for 7 years, Toronto Symphony, the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet, and countless others, alongside principal roles in dozens of major musical theatre productions from Sweeney Todd to The Little Mermaid.
The Turning Point: Why We Needed a Change
For years, Guy was a member of the traditional musicians’ union. But from the orchestra pits of New Orleans to the concert halls of Canada, a clear truth emerged: the existing model is outdated, expensive, and politically biased.
These organizations often prioritize political agendas over the practical needs of their members, telling musicians what to think instead of fighting for their work. They are not built for the gig economy, the digital session musician, or the portfolio career that defines a professional’s life in 2025.
The MGI Mission: A New Foundation for Musicians
This is why Guy Edrington created The Musicians Guild International.
MGI is built on a fundamentally different principle: unwavering neutrality. We believe a professional organization should serve its members’ careers, not a political party. We will never tell you how to vote. We will only work to ensure you can build a sustainable life making music.
We are a guild in the truest sense: a community of craftspeople united to support each other’s work, advocate for fair treatment, and share the resources needed to thrive in the modern age.
Join us. Let’s build a future that supports the musician, not the bureaucracy.