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.
March 10, 2017
Just after the 2010-2011 Detroit Symphony Orchestra strike, and during an especially difficult time in his life (including the death of his father), longtime DSO bassist Rick Robinson of Local 5 (Detroit, MI) says it seemed like the time to take a risk. “You’ve got one life to live. I decided I should take it all the way.”
Read MoreMarch 9, 2017
In a joint press release the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and The Sarasota Ballet announced that the company will join other top national ballet companies as members of AGMA. “We are thrilled to welcome the professional artists from The Sarasota Ballet into the AGMA family,” says AGMA National Executive Director Leon Egert.
Read MoreMarch 8, 2017
At a pro-union rally in Canton, Mississippi, near Nissan’s plant, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders congratulated workers for their courage “in standing up for justice.”
Read MoreMarch 8, 2017
Stann Champion of Local 10-208 (Chicago, IL) has dominated Chicago’s vibrant Caribbean music scene for 30 years. His band, Roots Rock Society (RRS), has cultivated a wider community audience by redefining the performance venue and connecting with people where they live
Read MoreMarch 6, 2017
Congratulations to the 2017 AFM member Grammy winners from signatory recordings listed here. The benefits of recording under the AFM Sound Recording Labor Agreement (SRLA) are compelling.
Read MoreMarch 1, 2017
At 24, but already 10 years into her career, saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and Local 802 (New York City) member Grace Kelly is moving past the label “prodigy” and defining her voice as a jazz musician.
Read MoreMarch 1, 2017
This debate, commonly referred to as “right to work,” still rages to this day. However, today’s political climate and the gains the right to work movement has made over the last two decades are making it more potent and dangerous for the labor movement than ever before.
Read MoreMarch 1, 2017
In sharp contrast to the difficult but necessary strikes in the Pittsburgh and Fort Worth symphonies, a number of ICSOM orchestras have recently settled favorable, progressive, contracts well before their expiration date.
Read MoreMarch 1, 2017
Cerwin Vega CV Series powered PA line includes three distinct groups: CVE (compact systems), CVX (for medium-size applications), and CVXL (for medium to large applications).
Read MoreMarch 1, 2017
The Lyra family of USB audio interfaces offer affordable Prism Sound, including no compromise analogue front and back ends and fully-balanced architecture throughout, in a small footprint
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