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.
October 1, 2018
This year, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) celebrates its 100-year anniversary season. Four special concerts will be held during the season, including a live symphonic performance to La La Land in November.
Read MoreOctober 1, 2018
In mid-August, the musicians of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) ratified a two-year contract that runs from September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020.
Read MoreOctober 1, 2018
The British Amp Invasion chronicles how a minor offshore industry quickly became a world leader and the choice of British guitar heroes and American arena stars alike.
Read MoreOctober 1, 2018
In April of this year, the Music Modernization Act (MMA) passed unanimously in the House and on September 19, it passed unanimously in the Senate.
Read MoreOctober 1, 2018
par Melissa Goodchild, secrétaire de l’OMOSC et membre de la section locale 553 (Saskatoon, Sask.), et Matt Heller, vice-président de l’OMOSC et membre de la section 547 (Calgary, Alb.) To view this article in English, click here. La 43e Conférence annuelle de l’Organisation des musiciens d’orchestre symphonique du Canada (OMOSC) a eu lieu du 13 […]
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2018
The innovative and affordable Sound Spike Endpin was developed by Local 60-471 (Pittsburgh, PA) member Aaron White, a double bassist for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Read MoreSeptember 27, 2018
Despite the effectiveness of these little ditties, many advertising agencies are trading in the jingle tactic for a new approach that took off in the mid-1980s when Pepsi started using celebrities to endorse their products.
Read MoreSeptember 26, 2018
Playing is all about repetition so overuse can be synonymous with a music career. Proper posture and holding an instrument correctly are key to avoiding strain.
Read MoreSeptember 25, 2018
The Boss Tu-03 clip-on chromatic tuner and metronome provides two essential tools in one device. The tuner allows users to switch between chromatic mode and dedicated guitar, bass, ukulele, and violin modes.
Read MoreSeptember 24, 2018
As we so frequently get caught up in the day-to-day grind of business and the pursuit of agreements and payments, it can be difficult to make time to get to know each other. The following EMSD “who’s who” puts faces to the names and summarizes job responsibilities for our Electronic Media Services Division (EMSD) staff.
Read More