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.
February 1, 2018
Far from being a recording how-to book, award-winning music producer Sylvia Massy shares creative and unconventional music recording techniques.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Our AFM negotiates three major filmed media contracts, the Motion Picture, Television Film, and Live TV/Videotape contracts. Together, these CBAs are responsible for more than $150 million of AFM wages and support the livelihoods of thousands of AFM musicians.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Today’s music business allows artists to communicate, interact, and sell directly to their audience like never before. While many artists and bands use social media randomly, according to author Bobby Owsinski, not having an overall social media strategy results in ineffective promotion and wasted time.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
The M-Audio Uber Mic professional USB microphone with headphone output provides performance, versatility, and mounting options for any recording scenario.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Slammi Plus from Electro-Harmonix is the ultimate polyphonic pitch shifter harmony pedal, transposing pitch in two different directions over a three-octave range. Dual pitch shifting mode can generate two separate pitch shift intervals simultaneously. With its X-Fade function the pitch interval is fixed (does not bend) and the foot pedal cross-fades between the dry note […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
The network-based audio mixing and recording system myMix is easy to set up and operate and ideal for personal monitoring in on-stage performances, studio setups, as well as installed applications such as houses of worship. Meeting the highest audio demands, each unit has network inputs and outputs and can operate either self-contained or integrated with […]
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
As we begin the New Year, AFM President Ray Hair and I continue to negotiate for the possible purchase of a floor in a building that could eventually become our long sought after AFM headquarters.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
Violinist Rachel Barton Pine, a member of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL), created this edition complete with detailed historical notes, performance suggestions, and downloadable study materials.
Read MoreFebruary 1, 2018
In 1980, I proudly joined AFM Local 369 (Las Vegas, NV). At that time, every hotel and casino that had a showroom contracted union musicians.
Read MoreJanuary 25, 2018
On Friday, January 19, journalists at the Los Angeles Times voted overwhelmingly, 248-44 in favor of a union. It’s a milestone for the 136-year-old paper that historically has been under management hostile to unionization
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