Now is the right time to become an American Federation of Musicians member. From ragtime to rap, from the early phonograph to today's digital recordings, the AFM has been there for its members. And now there are more benefits available to AFM members than ever before, including a multi-million dollar pension fund, excellent contract protection, instrument and travelers insurance, work referral programs and access to licensed booking agents to keep you working.
As an AFM member, you are part of a membership of more than 80,000 musicians. Experience has proven that collective activity on behalf of individuals with similar interests is the most effective way to achieve a goal. The AFM can negotiate agreements and administer contracts, procure valuable benefits and achieve legislative goals. A single musician has no such power.
The AFM has a proud history of managing change rather than being victimized by it. We find strength in adversity, and when the going gets tough, we get creative - all on your behalf.
Like the industry, the AFM is also changing and evolving, and its policies and programs will move in new directions dictated by its members. As a member, you will determine these directions through your interest and involvement. Your membership card will be your key to participation in governing your union, keeping it responsive to your needs and enabling it to serve you better. To become a member now, visit www.afm.org/join.
January 9, 2014
IM -Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) reported a $1.8 million deficit for its recently concluded fiscal year, citing a drop in donations as the cause. The orchestra had ended its previous two fiscal years with balanced budgets thanks to large, last-minute gifts.
MSO currently depends on donations to cover 70% of its budget, and management has noted that it would like to shift the breakdown to 50% donations, 30% earned revenue, and 20% investment income. One way that the orchestra is hoping to increase earned revenue is by programming more familiar, popular works.
MSO is seeking ways to cut costs, but is committed to maintaining the number of concerts performed each year. Executive Director Mark Niehaus—who was formerly the orchestra’s principal trumpet and is currently a member of Local 8 (Milwaukee, WI)—is determined not to make the musicians’ contract the focus of cost cutting. However, the musicians have been asked to reopen their contract.