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 23, 2018
The importance of our CD Jacket Program has continued to grow over the years. Securing the release of all sound recording product (including box sets, anniversary packages, deluxe editions), which usually contain live and previously unreleased material, keeps this department busy. Coordinating the proper filing of B-4 forms for these recordings, as well as all recordings done under the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) is as vital as ever.
Read MoreSeptember 22, 2018
Kenny Chesney of Local 257 (Nashville, TN) has long called the US Virgin Islands his second home. He even says his time spent there has shaped the man he has become.
Read MoreSeptember 21, 2018
Deering Rustic Wreath is a stunning and affordable walnut-stained maple banjo that honors the heritage of the instrument, while taking on a sleek, minimalist feel.
Read MoreSeptember 20, 2018
Bruce Gertz has been on the Boston jazz scene for 42 years. A bassist, composer, and producer, he’s also an educator, joining a coterie of top players on the faculty of his alma mater, the Berklee College of Music.
Read MoreSeptember 19, 2018
The Federation’s streaming agreements are continuously evolving to respond to the industry. Outlined here are our four main streaming agreements and a brief overview of their terms and conditions.
Read MoreSeptember 18, 2018
Local officers have been notified of a pension contribution increase, as well as the effective dates of the current Limited Pressing Agreement (LPA). Its term—February 1, 2017 through January 31, 2020—runs concurrently with the Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA).
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018
Approximately 34,000 Verizon employees in the northeast and mid-Atlantic region, represented by the Communications Workers of America, ratified a four-year extension of their labor contract well in advance of the current contract’s August 2019 expiration date.
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018
According to Stephen Piercey, communications director for Teamsters Local 89 in Louisville, their leadership and the leaders of several local unions are opposed to the proposed five-year UPS labor contract covering 260,000 UPS employees.
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018
After more than five years of organizing and negotiating, security guards working for tech giants like Facebook and Google just ratified their first union contract.
Read MoreSeptember 17, 2018
In response to criticism for announcing a 2018-2019 season devoid of a single work by a female composer, The Philadelphia Orchestra announced a revised season schedule to include two works by female composers, plus a few additional female guest artists.
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