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 1, 2016
2015 Office of Government Relations Review and Look Ahead for 2016 — After years of negotiating and lobbying, the AFM, in partnership with the airline carry-on coalition, marked the implementation of a final rule from the Department of Transportation regarding musical instruments as carry-on and checked baggage.
Read MoreNovember 5, 2015
The American film and television industry took center stage on Capitol Hill, October 8, when the US House of Representatives Creative Rights Caucus, co-chaired by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and Representative Doug Collins (R-GA), in cooperation with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), led by former Senator Chris Dodd, sponsored the second annual “Beyond […]
Read MoreOctober 5, 2015
On August 25, AFM International President Ray Hair traveled to Washington, DC, to strengthen our ties with federal arts leaders. This full day of activity ended with solid gains in our relationships with two of our nation’s most historic and highly valued arts agencies
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2015
The AFM Diversity Awards were created to recognize outstanding examples of diversity in the Federation. As an arts and entertainment union, our organization is immersed in talent from a strong demographic base that represents every musical genre
Read MoreAugust 31, 2015
This month, as a part of my series highlighting the outstanding legislative work being accomplished across the Federation, I am honored to shine the spotlight on AFM Local 9-535 (Boston, MA) and its president, Patrick Hollenbeck.
Read MoreJuly 6, 2015
The Taskforce for Employment of Musicians Promotional Organization (TEMPO) was established in 1961 when the AFM was steeped in legislative battles over copyright, the Cabaret Tax, and royalty distribution, which followed prior legislative battles over the LEA Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and a host of other federal legislative initiatives
Read MoreMay 28, 2015
In addition to organizing and contract administration, engaging local and state legislatures remains an important pathway toward job security.
Read MoreMay 1, 2015
Each spring, Americans for the Arts, one of the nation’s largest, most effective, and most influential arts advocacy organizations, sponsors a week-long summit of activities in the nation’s capital centered on a national day of advocacy/lobbying, Arts Advocacy Day.
Read MoreFebruary 25, 2015
Over the past two years, the AFM Office of Government Relations has developed new tools to help both local officers and our members navigate the many policy and political matters relevant to musicians.
Read MoreJanuary 30, 2015
On December 29, 2014, Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx issued a final rule regarding the carriage of musical instruments onboard US air carriers. The rule was published in the Federal Register January 5, 2015 and is scheduled to go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, around March 6.
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