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.
January 1, 2025
by Rasteen Karami, FMSMF Manager of Community Relations As we enter 2025, the Film Musicians Secondary Markets Fund (FMSMF) reflects back on a great first year under its new leadership team. FMSMF is now led by Executive Director Brian Sickles, who previously served as chief operating officer for three years. Mike Hoffmann, our newest addition, […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Trying to nail down an interview with legendary jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker of Local 802 (New York City) is challenging. At just shy of 80 years old, Brecker still traverses the globe at an exhausting pace. This month alone, Brecker has concert dates in New York at Dizzy’s with his quintet, and concerts in Germany, […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
AFM Recording Agreements Can Protect Your Work AFM member recordings are covered under a variety of sound recording agreements, all designed to protect your work and the work of the musicians you hire. Taking into consideration the scope of your work and its intended use is key. You should always contact your local if you […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Working musicians’ craft is about art and passion, but it’s also a livelihood. Protecting that livelihood requires smart business decisions. From cherished instruments to liability exposure, insurance is a vital safeguard. Through Federation partnerships over the years with group insurance entities, members have accessed a variety of insurance solutions tailored specifically to musicians. To continue […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Finding success as an independent musician often requires more than a high level of musical proficiency and a professional working demeanor. As most freelance musicians already know, you’re a small business and quite a bit of work is required outside of your performance. Here are a few things to think about, as well as some […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Lelo Garcia (Joint Venture Agreement) Brazilian-born guitarist Lelo Garcia has had a rich 24-year career, having played with acclaimed artists internationally and throughout the US. Now a member of Local 389 (Orlando, FL), he is on track to become a voting member of the Latin Recording Academy. On the 10 tracks on his first album, […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
The Belltower (AFM Local Limited Pressing Agreement) On his EP, Watching Time, international touring guitarist-singer Chris Bell of Local 433 (Austin, TX) performs three of his original songs, featuring a few of his favorite players in Austin. “It is definitely an Austin sound, which means the blues and country influences are front and center,” he says. […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Si Kahn and George Mann (AFM National Recording Agreement) Musicians and veteran activists Si Kahn and George Mann, both of Local 1000 (Nongeographic), released this collection of labor movement songs in celebration of Kahn’s 80th birthday. The newly recorded tracks feature special guests Local 1000 members John McCutcheon, Joe Jencks, and Tom Chapin; Kathy Mattea of […]
Read MoreJanuary 1, 2025
Overuse injuries are the most common among musicians. The pain does not come on immediately, but may occur an hour or so into practice or during a performance. This means that many musicians are playing through the pain. When playing is increased or if practice sessions go on for too long—with insufficient rest in between—tissue […]
Read MoreDecember 30, 2024
For the first time in its history, this year the Kennedy Center inducted a venue, Harlem’s fabled Apollo Theater, in celebration of nine decades of the theater championing Black artists and culture. The tribute to the Apollo highlighted the sheer diversity of art forms showcased at the 90-year-old theater. Bonnie Raitt of Local 47 (Los […]
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