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.
February 1, 2014
IM -According to an end of year report from classical event finder and reviewer Bachtrack, AFM members were among some of the hardest working classical artists worldwide. Among the top 10 busiest conductors was Michael Tilson Thomas of Locals 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and 9-535 (Boston, MA), ranked eighth. Sadly, the report found only one of the 100 busiest conductors this year was a woman. Marin Alsop of Local 802 (New York City) was number 70. Not a single one of the top 100 most performed composers was a woman this year. Among contemporary composers, John Williams of Locals 47 and 9-535 was ranked third most performed. Joshua Bell of Local 47 tied with Christian Tetzlaff of Germany for busiest violinist. Among the busiest orchestras worldwide, San Francisco Symphony (Local 6), New York Philharmonic Orchestra (Local 802), and Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Local 10-208) took the top three spots. The Philadelphia Orchestra (Local 77) was ranked number six and Boston Symphony Orchestra (9-535) was number eight.