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.
December 1, 2018
At the beginning of October, musicians of the Houston Symphony Orchestra (HSO) ratified a three-year contract that runs from October 7, 2018, through October 3, 2021.
Read MoreDecember 1, 2018
Orchestre symphonique de Longueuil (OSDL) in Quebec ratified a new contract at the end of October. The previous agreement for the musicians represented by Local 406 (Montreal, PQ) had expired in July 2017 and negotiations began in July 2018.
Read MoreDecember 1, 2018
Jazz and access to like-minded artists drew Jinjoo Yoo to New York City. The 29-year-old South Korean pianist enrolled in the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in 2015, earning a master’s degree in jazz performance in 2017.
Read MoreNovember 30, 2018
“No matter our path, the magic is inside us all. And though it may be forgotten, it can be remembered once again … It is only up to us to do one single thing, and do it purely … believe,” says Local 257 (Nashville, TN) member John Carter Cash.
Read MoreNovember 29, 2018
Crossing borders has never been easy: it can be nerve-wracking and tedious. However, with some knowledge and preparation, it can be simpler, quicker, and less stressful.
Read MoreNovember 28, 2018
Motion sickness occurs when the inner ear detects movement, but the eyes do not register movement. Scientists call this “sensory conflict.”
Read MoreNovember 27, 2018
The Triangle Big Muff Pi is a faithful recreation of the original 1969 circuit, now housed in a pedalboard friendly, die-cast chassis.
Read MoreNovember 26, 2018
At a moment when our awareness of sexual harassment and misconduct in the workplace is greater and our tolerance for those behaviors is lower than ever, why does it sometimes seem the union is standing in the way?
Read MoreNovember 23, 2018
Making the transition from teen star to career musician, the Local 149 (Toronto, ON) member’s self-titled album has Mendes trying different styles and collaborating with a number of well-known artists.
Read MoreNovember 22, 2018
Zaor Studio Furniture is functional, stylish, ergonomic, and affordable, created specifically for use in studios. The company provides a full line of desks, racks, and stands in several different designs.
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