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.
September 1, 2024
Over the past 25 years, the recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) experienced an extraordinarily long fall from grace due to advances of technology that annihilated physical music products. Conversely, a steady climb from that abyss brought us full circle to the MPTF of today. As in the Rolling Stone’s refrain, “You can’t always […]
Read MoreMay 1, 2024
Life has been good for the recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) since streaming revenues began to arrive in early 2017. The very good news is that, in the last decade, MPTF grant distribution has increased tenfold. We have just concluded our 2023-2024 fiscal year, delivering approximately $5 million for musician performances throughout North […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2024
Over the past five years, the recording industry’s Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) has enjoyed renewed revenue afforded by the more recent labor agreements between the AFM and the major labels. The MPTF has, in response, greatly ramped up the distribution of grants for admission-free performances across North America. The grant budget has grown from […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2023
Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) livestreamed concerts and MusicianFest senior center events bring admission-free live music experiences directly to young and old. This year, Sue Moore, secretary-treasurer at Local 518 (Kingston, ON), came to our grant team with a unique idea to combine the two programs. James Mackenzie, of Local 518, had been dedicated to […]
Read MoreJune 1, 2023
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) fiscal year ended April 30, marked a huge leap in grant distribution, from $2.5 million to over $3.7 million. This 48% increase was another step in balancing the grant distribution proportionately with annual revenues. Grant funding has grown dramatically since the pivotal 2017 labor agreement between the major record […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2022
As the world continues to anticipate the mitigation of COVID-19, after two historic years of tragedy, conflict, disruption, and innovation, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) is planning for a return to uncompromised live music performances. While adjustments will be made should the pandemic continue, the MPTF is eager to support high profile, live, admission-free […]
Read MoreDecember 1, 2021
The Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) 2021-22 fiscal year began with a bang on May 1! After more than a year of COVID-19 isolation, professional musicians were ready to gather again and eager to perform. As the world yearned for an end to the pandemic, the commercial live entertainment industry began gearing up, even without full confidence that the crisis was over.
Read MoreAugust 1, 2021
We are all familiar with the impact of COVID-19 on our society over the past 18 months—tragic losses, excruciating health struggles, isolation, and a ravaged economy. And it is still not over. However, through the efforts of our health care professionals, essential workers, science, and a prudent approach taken in communities throughout North America, we […]
Read MoreJune 1, 2021
When does “normal” return? It is a question that is on everyone’s mind. Clearly, for people whose livelihood is based on live music performances, it is a question that has echoed throughout the past 14-plus months. Even beyond the enormous financial reasons for professionals to perform again, there is also that undeniable passion—that river of […]
Read MoreApril 1, 2021
In anticipation of returning to a more community-oriented lifestyle and the resumption of traditional live music performances, the Music Performance Trust Fund (MPTF) has significantly increased its grant budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, beginning on May 1. This expanded grant budget comes with some caveats and flexible planning due to the continuation of the […]
Read More