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.
November 15, 2016
He may be best known as a member of the band Skylark, and co-writer of the band’s song “Wildflower” (1970), which was a gold record in Canada and made it to number nine on the US Billboard chart.
Read MoreNovember 15, 2016
Our 21st Annual TMA Conference was held at the Loews Madison Hotel in Washington, DC, August 22-23. Lee Lachman of Local 161-710 (Washington, DC) (on behalf of TMA Washington, DC, Chapter President Paul Schultz), Local 161-710 President Ed Malaga, and myself welcomed the attendees.
Read MoreNovember 10, 2016
According to Billboard, there’s a bidding war between three major labels to acquire the bounty of unreleased music contained within Prince’s Paisley Park vault.
Read MoreNovember 10, 2016
So-called “scalp bots” were the reason some people were shut out of Tragically Hip tickets, and it does not sit well with Ontario Attorney General Yasir Naqvi.
Read MoreNovember 10, 2016
Delta Air Lines Foundation has pledged to make a $2.5 million contribution to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Musicians’ Endowment Fund to help the orchestra reach its $25 million goal to permanently endow 11 musician positions.
Read MoreNovember 9, 2016
Actor-musician Katrina Yaukey of Local 802 (New York City) naturally fits the cross-discipline niche required for Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Read MoreNovember 8, 2016
Early November 7, Philadelphia’s transit system resolved a labor dispute with its union ending a major strike that threatened to carry into Election Day. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Transport Workers Union agreed on a new contract after a week-long shutdown. The looming election brought pressure to bear on both parties to hash out their differences.
Read MoreNovember 8, 2016
The Beatles and their codefendants are slapping back at a lawsuit claiming that Ron Howard’s new film Eight Days a Week—The Touring Years uses copyrighted footage of the group’s 1965 Shea Stadium concert without permissio
Read MoreNovember 7, 2016
Narada Michael Walden of Local 6 (San Francisco, CA) was just 21 when he was discovered by the avant-garde guitarist John McLaughlin and joined the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Taking over for the illustrious drummer Billy Cobham was a pivotal moment in Walden’s career.
Read MoreOctober 31, 2016
During the intermission of the October 29 Metropolitan Opera performance of Guillaume Tell, audience member Roger Kaiser tossed a white powder into the orchestra pit.
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