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.
June 30, 2017
As I am in the final days of planning the 33rd Annual Conference of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association (ROPA), my first as president, I find myself looking back on earlier conferences that I attended. I think of the wonderful and informative presentations I have witnessed, the people I have met, the discussions, situations, and issues, which came up that educated and empowered me, my colleagues, and others who have attended our conferences.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
However, there seems to be an issue as to which musicians are to be employed for this work and what is the correct scale for these traveling engagements
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
“Right to work” laws may soon be coming to every state in the union. On February 1, Representative Steve King (R-IA) introduced a bill crafted by the National Right to Work Foundation that would make private sector workplaces in every state right to work.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
Classics with a Touch of Jazz reflects Local 802 (New York City) member Lee Evans’ longstanding interest in keeping music students and teachers motivated through including jazz music and concepts within traditional classical piano lessons.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
The International Federation of Musicians (FIM), of which the AFM is a member union, held its fourth triennial International Orchestra Conference (IOC) in Montreal, May 11-14. It was the first time this event was held in North America
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
Shure’s Axient Digital Wireless System provides unparalleled RF and audio performance for professional use. Ideal for a variety of users and features, the receiver is compatible with AD and ADX series transmitters.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
The wage chart, specifically the “Comparative Analysis” section of the website, is a useful tool to organize schematic and graphic reports about an orchestra’s historical data, as well as orchestra status among peer orchestras. This article will illustrate how effectively the wage chart website and its sections can be utilized in negotiations.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
V-MODA REMIX Bluetooth speaker delivers uncompromising sound quality in a highly portable 7.8-inch wide design.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
Joe Allard is considered one of most influential and brilliant woodwind teachers that ever lived.
Read MoreJune 30, 2017
At the end of June, Mayor Rahm Emanuel averted a City Council Showdown on an airport living wage ordinance with a plan to tie O’Hare Airport contractor licenses to a “labor peace agreement,” which would allow 8,000 airport workers to join unions.
Read More